Many people require or are interested in plastic surgery after massive weight loss. The skin loses the ability to contract and snap back after being stretched from weight gain, and natural aging worsens lax skin. People often have loose, hanging skin in multiple body areas after losing 100 or more pounds. That excess tissue affects the whole body, especially in patients who have lap band surgery or another type of bariatric surgery.
Dr. Donald Hause is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in post-massive weight loss body lifts. Your journey to a taut body shape starts with a consultation at Sacramento Aesthetic Surgery.
Your Plastic Surgery Consultation
Extended body lifts after weight loss can be life-changing and miraculous for the right candidate. Dr. Hause will listen to your cosmetic concerns and evaluate your body and excess tissue during your consultation. He will go over your medical history and may request your medical records from your bariatric surgeon to learn more about your case.
Patients must reach their goal weight and maintain a stable weight for at least six months to qualify for extended body lift because future weight gain will negatively impact surgical results. You need to be in good overall health with no medical conditions that may complicate the procedure and recovery process. Some medications may need to be discontinued, and it’s important to have realistic expectations.
Extended body lift works like a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), except the incision extends around the entire body, resulting in a circumferential scar. Dr. Hause then removes loose skin and resuspends the waist, buttocks, thighs, and abdominal regions for a slimmer body shape. Patients must understand that they are trading the sagging skin for a visible scar. Most of Dr. Hause’s patients find this a fair trade and are happy with their results.
Post-weight loss plastic surgery involves a longer recovery than other body procedures because it is more invasive. You will need two to three weeks off work to recover at home and won’t be able to lift or perform strenuous exercises or activities for at least six weeks.
Some patients may need additional lift procedures to remove loose skin from the arms and upper body, such as Brachioplasty (arm lift), breast lift, and back lift.
Extended body lift is a highly customized procedure, and Dr. Hause will go over the details for candidacy, surgery, and recovery during your consultation.
If you struggle with loose skin after massive weight loss, contact Sacramento Aesthetic Surgery to schedule your consultation. Call Dr. Hause at (916) 646-6869 or fill out our online contact form.
