Studies show that when people lose weight, more than half of that lost weight is regained within two years. Even worse is that by five years, over 80% of that is regained. So if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight and kept it off on a long-term basis, then you should be proud of yourself.
Despite your huge achievement, your confidence still isn’t at its highest. This is because the weight loss has left you with hanging and loose skin.
Fortunately, skin removal after weight loss is a viable option. Keep reading to find out what’s available and the vital details associated with them.
Types of Skin Removal Surgeries
Skin removal surgery is considered a type of cosmetic body contouring. Not only can it give you a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, but it can also reduce the chances of skin infections and rashes.
Because the body spans such a large area, there are various types of skin removal surgeries available. Read on for more details about each type.
Rhytidectomy
Rhytidectomy is better known as a facelift. Many people use this plastic surgery after weight loss, but it’s good for fighting aging too.
A facelift targets sagging skin on the face and neck; it tightens it for a more youthful appearance. Incisions are made around the ears so the surgeon can lift and remove excess skin. They may tighten the muscles too.
Mastopexy
With mastopexy (or a breast lift), a surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten the surrounding tissue, which has a lifting effect on your breast. You’ll get incisions around the areola and downward to remove excess skin and reshape the breast. You can have breast augmentation done simultaneously too.
Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy removes the “pannus,” which is the apron of excess skin and fat on the lower abdomen. The surgeon makes an incision from hip to hip to remove the excess skin and fat.
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is also known as a tummy tuck. Not only does this remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, but it also tightens the abdominal muscles to create a firmer and flatter stomach. The surgeon makes incisions in the lower abdomen to remove the excess skin, then repairs and tightens the muscles there.
Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty is better known as an arm lift, and it removes sagging skin from the upper arms (“bat wings”). Here, incisions are made along the inner or back part of the arm, and the surgeon may also use liposuction to improve contour.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift removes loose skin from the inner or outer thighs, which improves both the appearance and contour. Incisions are made along the inner thigh or groin, and like with brachioplasty, your surgeon might combine the procedure with liposuction.
Buttock Lift
A buttock lift can tighten and reshape sagging skin around the buttocks, resulting in a smoother and more youthful contour. The surgeon will make an incision either at the top of the buttocks or under the crease to remove the excess skin, and then lift and tighten the area.
Lower Body Lift
It’s common to combine different types of loose skin surgery to achieve optimal results. One commonly done procedure is the lower body lift, which is a combination of a tummy tuck, thigh lift, and buttock lift. This is done by making a circumferential incision around the lower body, which allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat from all areas in a single procedure.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover also consists of several skin removal surgeries. Typically, you’ll get a tummy tuck, breast lift, and liposuction, but it really depends on what you’d like addressed. Another similar combination procedure is the total body lift.
Costs
The cost of skin removal surgery will depend entirely on which procedure(s) you get and which doctor you see. Their location will be an important factor too. For example, if you’re interested in a lower body lift, then you should know that the average cost in the US is $11,397, and this is for the surgeon’s fee only.
The high cost may have you asking, “How much is skin removal surgery in Mexico?” A mommy makeover costs between $5,000 to $9,000 and includes associated costs, such as tests and anesthesia. Generally speaking, you’ll pay between 50% to 80% less than you would in the US.
Candidates
To be considered a good candidate for skin removal, you must have maintained your wait for at least six to 12 months. You should be committed to living a healthy lifestyle on a long-term basis.
In addition, you must be in good physical and mental health, which means you have a positive and realistic outlook. You shouldn’t be a smoker either; if you’re serious about this surgery, then you must quit way before your scheduled surgery date.
Risks
As with any type of surgery, there are potential risks with skin removal surgery. They include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Infection
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Numbness
- Wound complications
If you’re concerned about any of the above, then make sure to discuss the matters thoroughly with your surgeon to get peace of mind beforehand.
Recovery
The scope of recovery will depend on which type of skin removal you get.
For smaller procedures, recovery may only take a few weeks. However, for more extensive body lifts, you might need several months of healing.
No matter which treatment you opt for, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort afterward. You can wear compression garments to aid in healing.
Consider Skin Removal After Weight Loss
If you’ve worked hard and hit your fitness goals, yet still feel self-conscious because you have lots of loose skin, then consider skin removal after weight loss. There are many procedures that target problem areas effectively.
Under the care of a skilled surgeon, you’ll achieve the ideal body once that excess skin is off. Plus, you’ll benefit from less skin irritation and infections, which can lead to better overall health.
Contact us now if you’re interested in skin removal in Mexico. Dr. Valdez will listen to your concerns and come up with a personalized plan to have you looking and feeling your best.
Resources:
- Hall KD, Kahan S. Maintenance of lost weight and long-term management of obesity. Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(1):183-197. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.08.012
- Body Lift Cost. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed September 12, 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-lift/cost
- Body Lift Candidates. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed September 12, 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-lift/candidates
- Body Lift Risks and Safety. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed September 12, 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-lift/safety
- Body Lift Recovery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed September 12, 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-lift/recovery