Losing a significant amount of weight is a life-changing achievement. However, after reaching your goal, you might find that excess skin and stubborn fat deposits remain, detracting from the results you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Post-weight loss surgery offers a solution by removing excess skin and contouring your body to reflect your new, healthier self. At Female Plastic Surgery Associates of Tennessee, near Nashville in Franklin, TN, Dr. Natasha Luckey and Dr. Kristina O’Shaughnessy specialize in helping patients complete their weight loss journey with this transformative procedure.
Post-weight loss surgery is a series of procedures designed to eliminate excess skin and refine your body’s contours after significant weight loss. The transformation can be dramatic, whether your weight loss was achieved through lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery, or medical treatments like GLP-1 inhibitors. However, losing a substantial amount of weight, especially over 100 pounds, can leave you with loose, sagging skin that doesn’t fully contract to your new body size. This can affect your comfort and confidence. Post-weight loss surgery addresses these issues, allowing you to enjoy the full weight loss benefits. Common areas treated include the arms, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and face. We’ll discuss which procedures best suit your needs and goals during your consultation.
Post-weight loss surgery can be customized to target specific areas where excess skin and fat remain. Here’s a look at some of the most common procedures:
Significant weight loss often leaves excess skin on the upper arms, particularly on the underside. An arm lift removes this skin, creating a smoother, more toned appearance from the elbow to the armpit.
After losing weight, your buttocks may lose their round shape and firmness, resulting in sagging skin. A buttock lift helps by removing this excess tissue and restoring a more youthful contour.
Excess skin and fat in the abdominal area can be particularly stubborn, even after weight loss. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes this excess and tightens the underlying muscles, giving you a flatter, more toned stomach. Whether you need a full tummy tuck or a mini version for the lower abdomen, this procedure can significantly enhance your results.
Loose skin on the thighs can make it difficult to find clothing that fits well and feels comfortable. A thigh lift addresses this by removing excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother, more contoured legs. Depending on your specific needs, this procedure can focus on the inner thighs, outer thighs, or both.
Post-weight loss surgery requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the best outcomes. During your initial consultation, our surgeons will evaluate your overall health and discuss your goals in detail. We’ll also provide important pre-surgery instructions, such as avoiding certain medications and preparing for your recovery period. Understanding the full scope of the procedure and the steps involved will help you feel more confident and prepared.
The specifics of your surgery will depend on the procedures you choose. Some patients may need only one procedure, while others may benefit from a combination to address multiple areas of concern. Most post-weight loss surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours to complete. Sometimes, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the best results. Our surgeons will ensure you are comfortable and informed throughout the process.
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of your surgery and the areas treated. It’s important to allow your body adequate time to heal, which typically means resting for 4-6 weeks and avoiding strenuous activities. Some patients may be able to return to work within a week, while others may need additional time, especially if their job involves physical labor. By the six-week mark, most patients feel well enough to resume their regular activities and enjoy the full benefits of their surgery.
If you’ve successfully lost and maintained a stable weight for a minimum of 6 months, you may be a good candidate for post-weight loss surgery. This procedure is ideal for those with excess skin or fat that diet and exercise cannot address. A consultation with Dr. Natasha Luckey or Dr. Kristina O’Shaughnessy will help determine if this surgery is right for you. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition and regular exercise, will also enhance the results and success of your surgery. We recommend quitting smoking before surgery to support a smoother healing process and better outcomes.
Post-weight loss surgery is the final step in your weight loss journey, offering you the chance to fully enjoy the results of your hard work. If you’ve lost a substantial amount of weight through GLP-1 inhibitors or other methods, it’s common to face challenges like excess skin or stubborn fat deposits. Female Plastic Surgery Associates of Tennessee are dedicated to helping you achieve your desired body. Located near Nashville in Franklin, TN, our clinic is here to support you through every step of the process. Contact us today at 615-628-8000 or complete our online consultation form to schedule your confidential consultation.