Most people feel satisfaction after they lose significant amounts of unwanted weight, but this feeling may go away after looking in the mirror and seeing excess skin.
This excess skin, resulting from the body’s adaptation to a larger size, can pose both physical and psychological challenges for individuals who have worked hard to shed those extra pounds and impact one’s confidence and overall well-being.
Excess skin removal surgery serves as a perfect solution to reach the desired results after weight loss, especially after bariatric surgery, and get your ideal body.
At Park Plaza, Plastic Surgery Center, our plastic surgeon offers excess skin removal surgery and body contouring procedures. Focusing on natural-looking results, Dr. Lefkovits can help you gain a smoother appearance by removing hanging skin at the neck, arms, abdomen, waist, and thighs after massive weight loss.
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What is excess skin removal surgery?
Excess skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring surgery, is a procedure designed to address loose and sagging skin that often remains after significant weight loss or other factors. Skin removal surgery eliminates the excess skin and reshapes the underlying tissues, providing a more toned and contoured appearance.
To get the best results, it’s often appropriate to combine various procedures like body lifts, arm lifts, and thigh lifts, depending on the specific areas you want to focus on.
Excess skin removal surgery improves comfort, mobility, and overall well-being for individuals who have experienced substantial weight loss or other life changes leading to excess skin.
Types of Excess Skin Removal Surgeries
Excess skin removal surgeries come in different types, each tailored to address specific body areas. Here are some common types:
Body lift address excess skin on the lower torso and focuses on the abdomen, thighs, and buttock.
The upper arm involves removing excess skin for a more defined arm contour and is part of upper body lift procedures.
The thigh lift procedure concentrates on the inner or outer thighs and removes excess skin to enhance thigh appearance.
Mastopexy involves reshaping and lifting the breasts for a more youthful look and addresses the problem of sagging breasts.
Facelift focuses on reducing sagging skin on the face and neck. This procedure involves lifting and tightening facial tissues for a rejuvenated appearance.
Specifically targets loose skin on the neck and, the primary aim is to remove excess skin and tighten neck muscles.
It focuses on lifting and shaping the buttocks while removing extra skin to improve their overall appearance.
Tummy Tuck focuses on the abdomen removing sagging skin and tightening abdominal muscles.
Lower body lift is a comprehensive procedure addressing the lower torso, including the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
Each type of body contouring procedure is designed to provide specific benefits, contributing to an overall improved body contour and enhanced self-confidence.
Excess skin removal procedure
The specific steps of excess skin removal surgery can vary depending on the type of combination of procedures chosen and individual patient needs. However, here is a general step-by-step overview:
Excess skin removal procedures start with a consultation with our surgeon Dr Lefkovits, in which the surgeon evaluates your medical history and overall health, and discusses your goals and expectations. The doctor chooses the most appropriate procedures based on your needs.
Before the body contouring surgery, you may receive specific guidelines on preoperative care, including dietary restrictions and lifestyle adjustments. Depending on the procedures chosen, the doctor might do some tests before the surgery.
Skin removal plastic surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
The surgeon makes carefully planned incisions, often in areas that can be concealed by clothing or within natural body contours. The size and location of incisions depend on the specific surgery being performed.
During the procedure, the plastic surgeon removes excess skin and may also perform liposuction to address localized fat deposits. Underlying tissues will be reshaped and repositioned to create a more aesthetically pleasing contour.
Muscle tightening may be part of excess removal surgery, especially if it includes abdominal procedures like a tummy tuck, to enhance the overall result.
At the end of the procedure, the surgeon closes the incisions and takes care to minimize scars using surgical tapes, adhesives, or other closure methods.
Postoperative care includes patient monitoring after surgery in the recovery area and instructions, including information on managing pain, swelling, and potential complications.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery and aftercare following excess skin removal surgery are crucial aspects of the overall process and include:
- Pain Management
Includes instructions on how to manage pain, which may include prescribed medications.
- Follow-Up Appointments
Scheduled follow-up appointments with the surgeon are essential for monitoring progress and addressing any issues.
- Activity Restrictions
After the procedure, it is advised to avoid strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.
- Compression Garments
Wearing compression garments helps reduce swelling and supports the reshaped t
- Scar Care
Instructions for scar care are an essential part of the aftercare.
- Gradual Resumption of Normal Activities
You will gradually resume normal activities as advised by the surgeon.
Keep in mind that staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle contribute to optimal recovery.
You need to follow your surgeon’s instructions diligently and attend all scheduled appointments to ensure a smooth recovery. Open communication with the doctor about any postoperative experiences or concerns is key to a successful outcome.
Who is the Candidate For Excess Skin Removal Procedure?
Individuals who may be candidates for excess skin removal procedures typically include those who have experienced extreme weight loss, either through weight loss surgery such as bariatric surgery or other means, and are left with loose and sagging skin. Other potential candidates may include individuals who have undergone pregnancy and are dealing with postpartum skin changes, as well as those who have experienced age-related skin laxity.
In general candidates for excess skin removal procedures are those with:
- Major Weight Loss
- Stable Weight
- Good Overall Health
- Realistic expectations
- Non-Smokers
- Emotional Well-being
Potential candidates must consult with an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr Lefkovits with more than 30 years of experience as a plastic surgeon in NYC, who can assess their specific situation, discuss individual goals, and provide personalized recommendations. Before deciding to have excess skin removal surgery, it’s important to think carefully and fully understand the possible risks and benefits.
Interested In Excess skin removal? Schedule a Free Consultation
If you wish to become our patient for excess skin removal surgery, please call our office at (212) 750-9494 and schedule a free excess skin removal consultation, or fill out the form on our website. Our plastic surgery office in New York City looks forward to meeting you and discussing potential surgical procedures.
