By: Michael S. Beckenstein, M.D.
Losing weight is a challenge for most people, but it is a rewarding experience once it’s accomplished. Unfortunately, significant weight loss often results in loose, saggy skin that can leave people just as self-conscious about their appearance as when they were overweight. Fortunately, various procedures can help, such as the very popular tummy tuck, which addresses loose abdominal skin and muscles.
At my Birmingham practice, mothers are often interested in a combination of breast and body contouring procedures designed to restore their curves after they lose pregnancy weight. They are also excellent candidates for combining body surgeries with breast enhancement surgery in a single operation typically called a Mommy Makeover.
Other patients who have undergone dramatic weight loss may benefit from other procedures that target specific areas of the body. Those can include:
- Panniculectomy: This procedure removes the excess abdominal skin that remains after bariatric surgery.
- Brachioplasty: Also called an arm lift, this surgery removes excess skin from the upper arms.
- Thigh lift: The contours of the inner and outer thighs can be improved with this procedure.
- Circumferential (belt) lipectomy: Besides removing excess skin from around the waist and lower back, this surgery also tightens the upper buttocks area to give it a lifted appearance.
These body contouring procedures provide patients who lose a significant amount of weight a great deal of confidence to help them complete their personal transformations.