Plastic Surgery After
Massive Weight Loss

Overview: How Massive Weight Loss Changes The Body

Throughout a standard lifetime, the skin of the body will expand and contract. Normally, this is not too noticeable or creates some stretch marks at worst. However, in cases of major expansion, full contraction is not always possible. For example, following pregnancy, the body often experiences permanent changes which may include loose skin on the abdomen.

When it comes to massive weight loss, the concept is similar. When you gain weight, the skin expands to accommodate the new fat. However, when this fat is lost, the skin cannot always fully contract. Younger people are more likely to see a better contraction, but even then it is not always possible to avoid having extra skin. After weight loss surgery, a patient may lose a large volume of weight in a relatively short time, this can worsen the condition of the skin.

People who experience massive weight loss from either surgery or dieting may see changes in their bodies such as:

• Hanging skin on the lower abdomen
• Stretch marks
• Deflated breasts
• Hanging skin on the arms and thighs
• Bunched skin on the mid back and bra roll area

The extra skin in these areas can also cause a decrease in quality of life and even health problems such as:

• Problems exercising comfortably
• Rashes, ulcers, and/or irritation due to hanging skin
• General discomfort
• Not able to wear clothing that truly fits
• Poor body image

Candidates For Plastic Surgery

After weight loss, people who present with troublesome extra skin that they want to remove from one or more areas of their bodies are often candidates for plastic surgery. Assuming their anatomy matches with skin removal surgery, their health is then evaluated. Patients should be in good general health and able to withstand a potentially long surgical session. Occasionally, Dr. Jonov may recommend splitting it into two sessions.

It is important that patients who are going to undergo body contouring after weight loss surgery do not smoke. This increases their risk of poor healing and skin necrosis. Otherwise, with no major medical concerns, Dr. Jonov may determine a patient a good candidate for plastic surgery after massive weight loss.

Benefits

All surgical procedures come with benefits and risks. Skin removal after weight loss can be just as life-changing as the weight loss itself. However, it is important that a patient is not undergoing undue risk. Dr. Jonov will help you weigh these based on your unique situation.

The benefits of plastic surgery after massive weight loss include:

• Removal of extra skin and tissue
• Improvement in body contours
• Allows the patient to truly see the results of their weight loss
• Ability to wear well-fitting clothing
• Easier time exercising
• Most effective body contouring option after major weight loss
• May address multiple areas in one surgery
• Improved body image and quality of life
• Restores tight, toned figure
• Safe when performed on an ideal candidate
• Results immediately noticeable, but will take several months to fully settle
• Performed by an accomplished plastic surgeon

Risks

Many of the risks associated with body contouring surgery after weight loss are similar to any surgery. However, due to the sheer amount of skin removal and length of the surgical session, this procedure is sometimes higher risk than standard plastic surgery. Some of the risks include:

• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Fluid collection
• Bleeding
• Skin necrosis
• Asymmetry or unexpected results
• Prolonged side effects
• Complications associated with general anesthesia
• Visible scarring

Plastic Surgeries Sometimes Performed After Massive Weight Loss

The number of plastic surgeries potentially performed as part of body contouring after weight loss is nearly endless. Below are some of the most common ones.

Standard/Extended Tummy Tuck

A version of abdominoplasty surgery is usually performed during plastic surgery after massive weight loss. A standard or extended tummy tuck consists of a horizontal incision along the pubic bone from hip to hip (standard) or around each hip (extended). Dr. Jonov then removes extra abdominal skin and repairs diastasis recti which is the separation of the abdominal muscles. This frequently happens due to pregnancy, but can also occur due to hernias and general weight gain.

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck includes the traditional tummy tuck incision and then also uses a vertical incision up the abdomen to remove more skin. This technique is especially common among weight loss patients because they tend to collect extra skin along the upper abdomen and waist when those undergoing a tummy tuck after pregnancy may not have.

Lower Body Lift

A lower body lift uses a circumferential incision around the lower back and abdomen to remove saggy skin. If your skin is primarily located in the middle of your body, this may be a beneficial procedure. Like with a tummy tuck, the incision is hidden as low on the abdomen as possible so that it can be covered by undergarments.

Breast Lift

When massive weight loss occurs, the fat unfortunately does not come off in only the areas we want it to. It is common for women to experience volume and fat loss in the breasts. This can lead to deflated and saggy breasts. A breast lift can remove the extra skin and restore perky breasts. Dr. Jonov can also place breast implants if you desire additional volume.

Arm Lift

Another stubborn place where extra skin can collect is the upper arm. When you lose weight, sometimes the arms become flabby and take on what is called a “batwing” appearance. This is easily remedied with an arm lift, also called a brachioplasty.

Thigh Lift

The thighs—especially for women—are a frequent problem area. Extra skin can cause major rashes and irritation on the thighs following weight loss. Thus, sometimes a thigh lift is performed to address this and create more proportional thighs in concurrence with the weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can All Of The Skin Be Removed At Once?

It depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed and the length of surgical session you can withstand. Often, Dr. Jonov is able to perform the entire procedure in one surgical session. However, if he believes it is safer or otherwise advantageous to split the surgery into two or more sessions, this will be discussed during your consultation.

Does Saggy Skin After Weight Loss Go Away On Its Own?

When a person loses under a hundred pounds, they will likely see a good amount of skin retraction. For older patients, it may be only under fifty pounds that they see an adequate amount of skin retraction to avoid body contouring procedures. Otherwise, if you already have extra skin, there is, unfortunately, no exercise, cream, or treatment that can cause total skin retraction when it comes to a large amount of skin. 

How Long After Bariatric Surgery Should I Wait Before Getting Plastic Surgery?

Even after you see results from bariatric surgery, it is important to make sure that you maintain your weight. If you lose more weight or gain a significant amount, this can affect your results. Therefore, once you have maintained your weight for several months or over a year, it is the right time to see plastic surgery to remove the extra skin from weight loss.

Can Plastic Surgery Alone Help Me Lose Weight?

No, plastic surgery is not weight loss surgery. While procedures such as liposuction remove fat, this in smaller portions than a weight loss surgery ultimately leads to the patient losing. It is best to seek plastic surgery once you have lost weight or are close to your goal weight.

How Much Is Plastic Surgery After Massive Weight Loss?

Without knowing the combination of procedures you need to see the best results, it is impossible to provide a price. Plastic surgery after massive weight loss varies widely in price due to its highly customized nature. To calculate the combined cost of multiple procedures, visit our Price Simulator. You can also find our full suite of pricing on our price list.

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery also works with outside financing companies including Care Credit to help you finance your surgery. You can learn more and find links to apply on our financing page.

The Best Skin Removal Surgery After Weight Loss In Bellevue

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is located within a short drive of Bellevue and Kirkland in Lynnwood, WA. Near Alderwood Mall and both major interstates, The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is accessible and has free on-site parking. With some of the top providers in the state, The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery provides the best plastic surgery after massive weight loss Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Dr. Craig Jonov is a renowned plastic surgeon with decades of experience. He specializes in plastic surgery of the face, breasts, and body. Dr. Jonov personalizes the surgery to each patient’s needs and anatomy. He has decades of experience performing skin removal surgery, including on individuals who have lost a major amount of weight.

To schedule a free consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via Price Simulator, chat, or contact form.