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Excess Skin Removal Surgery (Post Weight Loss) in Houston
After significant weight loss, excess skin can hinder the enjoyment of your new figure due to reduced skin elasticity. Weight loss surgery removes sagging skin and fat, enhancing underlying support tissue to create smoother, better-proportioned contours for a more appealing silhouette.
Discover why patients from across the U.S. and around the world choose Dr. Vitenas as their premier Houston surgeon.
“Best doctor!! Best results!! words can’t express how happy I am with the results. You gave me the best breasts after losing weight and losing self-confidence with my body shape. You gave me back my self esteem with the best breast augmentation. Your team did a great job before and after the surgery. God bless you!! Thank you soo much!! You changed my life!”
About Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss in Houston
When skin is stretched extensively from significant weight gain, it often loses elasticity. After massive weight loss, redundant skin remains. While exercise can help tone and tighten some areas, it cannot fully address loose skin, hanging folds, and deposits of fat.
Plastic surgery after significant weight loss is tailored to address these concerns. It is not a substitute for weight loss itself but rather a way to complete the weight loss journey. This body contouring surgery removes excess skin and fat to reveal an improved body shape and profile.
Benefits Beyond Appearance
- Enhanced Comfort: Removing excess skin can alleviate physical discomforts like chafing, skin irritations, and infections caused by overhanging skin folds.
- Improved Mobility:Excess skin can interfere with physical activity. By removing it, patients often experience improved mobility and can engage in a wider range of physical activities.
- Boosted Self-Confidence: Achieving a body that aligns with your weight loss effort can significantly boost self-esteem and body image, and improve quality of life.
- Easier Clothing Fit: Many patients find that clothes fit better and have a wider range of clothing options after surgery.
Ideal Candidates for Post-Weight Loss Surgery
- Have maintained a stable weight with a BMI of 40 or less for at least six months
- Are non-smokers and are generally in good health, without medical conditions that could impair healing
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome
- Are committed to a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and fitness
Key Procedures in Post-Weight Loss Surgery
Plastic surgery after weight loss often involves a combination of procedures. At the consultation, Dr. Vitenas will customize a treatment plan that addresses each patient’s unique needs. Here are some of the key procedures:
- Body Lift: This procedure eliminates sagging skin and excess fat around the torso and lower body, including the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, and outer thighs. It can significantly improve the body's contour and symmetry.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): This surgery gets rid of surplus skin and fat from the stomach area and tightens separated or weakened abdominal muscles for a smoother, tighter abdominal appearance.
- Breast Lift: After significant weight loss, breasts often lose volume and sag. By removing excess skin and tightening the nearby tissue, a mastopexy effectively lifts and firms the breasts.
- Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): This surgery removes surplus skin and fat from the upper arms, sometimes called bat wings. The outcome is more toned and proportional upper arms.
- Thighplasty: A thigh lift can firm and enhance contour by removing excess skin on the inside or outside thighs.
- Buttock lift: This lift can be done along with a body lift or on its own. Excess skin is removed while the buttocks are toned and tightened. Augmentation with fat transfer can also be done to take care of sagging buttocks after weight loss.
- Liposuction: Lipo will remove any lingering fat after weight loss; however, lipo alone will not take care of excess or sagging skin.
- Facial Rejuvenation: Weight loss can cause sagging in the face, especially the cheeks and neck. A facelift can revitalize the face to match the body's new look.
Preparing for Your Procedure
Before considering plastic surgery after weight loss, it’s essential to reach and maintain your goal weight for at least three to six months. This stability is crucial for the success of the surgical procedures.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Vitenas will discuss your goals, evaluate your health, explain the surgical options, and what each one involves. He will also provide detailed preoperative instructions to ensure you are fully prepared for surgery.
Procedure Overview: Achieving Your Body Goals
The specific procedures involved in your post-weight loss surgery will depend on your individual needs and goals. Dr. Vitenas will develop a personalized surgical plan during your initial consultation. Here’s a general overview of what you might expect:
Preparation
- The procedure starts with the administration of anesthesia to help you reach a level of comfort throughout the entire surgery. Dr. Vitenas and his team will prepare the surgical area based on the specific procedure(s) being performed.
Incisions
Surgical cuts are strategically placed to reduce visible scarring marks left on the skin. The length and arrangement of the incisions will be based on how much excess skin needs removal and where it is on the body.
Skin and Fat Removal
Unwanted skin and fat is eliminated with care. The remaining tissues are molded and made taut.
Closing the Incisions
The incisions are then closed with sutures, skin adhesives, or clips.
Recovery
You’ll be taken to a recovery area where your condition will be monitored as you wake up from the anesthesia.
The Recovery Process
Recovery from plastic surgery after weight loss varies depending on the specific procedures performed and the individual patient’s health. Generally, patients should plan for a recovery period of around four to six weeks.
During this time, it’s essential to follow all post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Vitenas and his team. This can include wearing compression clothes, avoiding straining motions, and taking doctor-approved medications. Light exercise, such as walking, can help promote healing and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Over time, as the swelling subsides and the incision lines fade, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the smoother, firmer, and more proportionate body contours achieved through your surgery.
Cost of Post-Weight Loss Surgery
The cost of plastic surgery after weight loss can vary greatly depending on the specific procedures performed. These procedures are usually considered cosmetic and are not typically covered by health plans. However, some health plan providers may cover procedures to remove excess skin after significant weight loss if it is deemed medically necessary. During your consultation, Dr. Vitenas will provide a detailed cost estimate for your personalized surgical plan.
Body Contouring Surgery Results
The results of plastic surgery after weight loss can be transformative, both physically and emotionally. While initial improvements are often visible immediately after surgery, the full results may take several months as swelling subsides and the body adjusts to its new contours. Scars from the incisions will continue to fade over time, becoming less noticeable.
Living a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a stable weight and regular exercise, can help maintain and enhance the results of your surgery. However, aging and other factors can still affect your body’s appearance over time. Despite this, most patients find that the increased self-confidence and improved quality of life make contouring surgery well worth it.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Dr. Vitenas Today
When considering plastic surgery after significant weight loss, it is important to choose a surgeon with expertise in this area. Dr. Vitenas is a top choice for post-weight loss body contouring for several reasons:
- Extensive Experience: With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Vitenas has performed thousands of body contouring procedures for massive weight loss patients. His vast expertise ensures optimal results.
- Artistic Eye: Dr. Vitenas has an impeccable aesthetic sensibility when it comes to sculpting and contouring the body. His eye for balance and proportion creates natural-looking outcomes.
- Customized Care: Dr. Vitenas develops a personalized surgical plan tailored to each patient's unique goals, body type, and areas of concern. This custom approach leads to the best results.
- Advanced Techniques: Dr. Vitenas utilizes the most innovative surgical techniques available to minimize scarring and accelerate recovery. This allows for a smoother process.
- Dedicated Patient Care: Dr. Vitenas and his team are dedicated to patient education, preparation, and postoperative care. You'll be fully supported throughout your weight loss surgery journey.
- Highly Accredited: Dr. Vitenas is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and operates an AAAASF accredited surgical facility. This reflects his commitment to safety and quality standards.
- Consistently Outstanding Results: Dr. Vitenas is known for consistently delivering exceptional, life-enhancing outcomes that help patients look as good as they feel after weight loss.
Should I get plastic surgery after weight loss?
When can I get plastic surgery after bariatric surgery?
It is advisable to consider plastic surgery when you are as close to your goal weight as possible and have maintained that weight for 12-18 months. This stability is crucial for the success of your plastic surgery.
Will I need skin removal surgery if I lose 100 pounds?
The likelihood of needing skin removal surgery increases with the amount of weight lost. When your weight increases, your skin stretches more, making it less probable that it will return to its original tightness. Therefore, for a significant weight loss, such as 100 pounds, you may need plastic surgery to address the excess skin.
What procedures are included in plastic surgery after weight loss?
After major weight loss, plastic surgery can involve many procedures like abdominoplasty, liposuction, brachioplasty, mastopexy, thighplasty, body lift, and facial rejuvenation. The specific procedures will depend on your individual needs and goals.
What is the recovery process like after plastic surgery?
Recovery largely depends on the specific procedures performed. Patients should anticipate a recuperation time of four to six weeks, during which strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided.
Will there be scarring after the surgery?
All surgical procedures result in some residual scarring. However, a skilled surgeon like Dr. Vitenas will use techniques to minimize the visibility of scars and place them in less noticeable areas.