Abdominoplasty after Major Weight Loss
Body contouring after major weight loss improves the shape and tone of your underlying tissue and removes excess sagging fat and skin. Most women’s (men too) biggest concern is the excess, possibly hanging skin of the abdomen. If there are other areas of concern, they may be combined as a surgical procedure, or they may be staged in multiple surgeries for best results and safety. It is recommended to have the weight off and stable for about 12 months prior to seeking surgery. Surgical body contouring following major weight loss improves your shape and tone and removes excess sagging skin and often areas of underlying fat. The result is a more normal appearance to the body, with smoother contours. This is, in essence, the final phase of your total weight loss experience. Following weight reduction surgery, or any substantial amount of weight loss, the skin and tissues often lack elasticity and cannot conform to the reduced body size. As a result, skin that has been severely stretched now is unsupported:
- Buttocks, groin and thighs can sag and cause hanging pockets of skin too
- Abdominal sagging may extend around the sides and into the lower back area, resulting in an apron-like overhang possibly requiring an extended tummy tuck
- Upper arms may sag and appear loose and “wiggle” when you move
- Breasts may flatten and hang with nipples pointed downward
