Plastic Surgery
After Major
Weight Loss
in Birmingham, AL
Schedule A Consultation
Plastic Surgery After Major Weight Loss
In Birmingham, AL
Plastic surgery after major weight loss involves individualized body contouring techniques or a series of procedures designed to surgically remove hanging or sagging skin that remains following dramatic weight loss.
Often, men and women who achieve substantial, rapid weight loss find themselves frustrated with excess loose skin once they have undergone significant weight reduction. Dr. Cohn performs and combines many body contouring techniques during these highly individualized procedures, helping to ensure that patients fully appreciate their new, slimmer silhouette and contour.
What Do You Desire?
A Healthier Appearance
Having excess skin in specific areas of the body distracts from the slimmer physique you worked hard to achieve during your weight-loss journey. Loose skin in the arms, thighs, neck, or abdominal area can easily make a healthy body appear poorly contoured, unhealthy, or asymmetrical. Plastic surgery after major weight loss eliminates this redundant skin and contours your body to a more tailored and healthier appearance.
Physical Comfort and Better Hygiene
Excess tissue and skin can lead to physical discomfort and hygiene issues that affect everyday life. Folds of the skin can have a tendency to develop rashes and irritation. Clothing that would normally lie flat against the body may fit poorly and feel uncomfortably tight or loose. Body contouring can help eliminate the excess tissue in the arms, legs, abdomen, and chest. This can improve hygiene issues and improve physical comfort.
Improved Self-Image and Self-Confidence
Many men and women with excess folds of skin may struggle with a frustrating self-image and low self-confidence. These men and women may avoid certain social situations, hide their weight loss beneath baggy clothing, or feel embarrassed about aspects of their physical appearance. Body contouring after major weight loss surgery encourages confidence and helps re-establish a positive self-image.
What Procedures Can Be Combined During Plastic Surgery After Major Weight Loss?
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Breast reduction can be performed on female and male patients. For female patients, a breast lift can be performed at the same time as breast reduction to reduce excess skin and tissue and elevate the remaining breast tissue to a perkier and more youthful projection. Abnormal or excess breast tissue in men is called gynecomastia, and it can be removed with male breast reduction. This technique uses liposuction or surgical excision to minimize skin and excess fat in the male chest area.
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Abdominoplasty is the elimination of surplus skin and fat from the middle and lower abdominal regions. Abdominoplasty can also repair the muscles of the abdominal wall. A panniculectomy is the removal of excess skin that drapes down over the waistline and/or thighs. A panniculectomy requires that a patient is experiencing at least six inches of overhang past the pubic bone.
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A belt lipectomy is the combination of a lower body lift and abdominoplasty. This procedure contours the back of the thighs, buttocks, outer thighs, hips, and abdomen. This circumferential procedure restores tone and addresses laxity to these commonly affected weight-loss areas.Abdominoplasty is the elimination of surplus skin and fat from the middle and lower abdominal regions. Abdominoplasty can also repair the muscles of the abdominal wall. A panniculectomy is the removal of excess skin that drapes down over the waistline and/or thighs. A panniculectomy requires that a patient is experiencing at least six inches of overhang past the pubic bone.
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A thigh lift is the removal of excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs. Some patients see results from having either an inner or outer thigh lift, while others require both to see optimal improvement.
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Brachioplasty (arm lift surgery) eliminates hanging skin in the underarm between the armpit and the elbow. It contours the upper arm, producing a slimmer, more toned appearance by excising excess hanging skin along the upper arms.
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A neck lift is a procedure that tightens the skin and underlying neck muscles. By eliminating the excess bands of skin under the jawline, a neck lift can create a smoother, more contoured appearance.
Have Concerns About Plastic Surgery After Massive Weight Loss?
Consultation
Dr. Cohn will thoroughly examine your areas of concern and evaluate your medical history to determine your candidacy for body contouring. It’s essential that you provide all the requested information, as it will be important for determining if a specific procedure is suitable for your individual needs. This includes whether your weight loss resulted from a surgical procedure (gastric bypass or gastric sleeve) or was accomplished naturally.
After this is complete, Dr. Cohn will evaluate the areas you wish to be treated. Photographs and measurements are typically taken to establish records of your procedure and overall progress. Dr. Cohn will share information and supply you with the proper knowledge regarding the steps of the procedure. Dr. Cohn will explain your options regarding anesthesia, incisions, and the type of procedures he believes are most appropriate.
Recovery
Plastic surgery recovery is unique for every patient. This is especially true for plastic surgery after weight loss since not all patients receive the same surgeries.
Most patients experience swelling and bruising around the incision areas. Dr. Cohn advises patients to refrain from any physically demanding activities until instructed otherwise. Dr. Cohn will also give clear instructions after a surgery that, if followed carefully, will expedite recovery. These instructions include how to properly care for incision areas, pain management, and when to make a postoperative appointment.
Scars
Breast reduction incisions and tummy tuck incisions are hidden in areas where clothing can conceal their presence. Dr. Cohn does his best to place thigh, arm, and neck lift incisions in imperceptible locations (since these areas are not always covered with clothing). Most scars that develop from treatments will eventually fade if they are given proper care and maintenance.
Pain
Body contouring procedures are performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that there will be no discomfort or pain during the treatment. Any residual pain or discomfort can be easily managed with medication prescribed by Dr. Cohn.
The pain should begin to subside in the days and weeks following your surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ideal candidates for body contouring surgery are nicotine-free, in optimal health, and at a stable weight. Emotional stability is also a key factor in deciding candidacy, as there are many psychological obstacles that need to be addressed during the postoperative period. Having an emotional support system to encourage and care for you is important. Going through body contouring during a time of emotional stress (i.e., caring for sick relatives, changing jobs, moving, etc.) can prolong your recovery and cause physical debilitation.
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For most patients, body contouring after major weight loss occurs between 12 to 18 months after reaching their weight loss goal. This period ensures that the patient can maintain their weight long-term. This ensures that results are predictable and aesthetically pleasing.
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Patients do not need to have undergone gastric surgery to benefit from plastic surgery after major weight loss. Candidates for this procedure have excess skin and localized fat pockets after any form of weight loss, whether surgical or non-surgical.
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The results of any surgery tend to be long lasting. Men and women who have undergone significant weight loss can best maintain their results by continuing to exercise and diet. Pregnancy or childbirth may reverse your results. It is suggested to have all your children prior to treatment.