4 body contouring plastic surgeries to consider after massive weight loss

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 55,245 body contouring plastic surgeries were performed after a massive loss procedure in 2016. Major weight loss tends to leave behind excessive skin and fat. Body contouring plastic surgery not only removes the unwanted skin and fat but it also improves the tone and shape of the underlying tissue. If you have excessive sagging skin as a result of bariatric surgery weight loss, here are 4 types of plastic surgeries you may want to consider.

1. Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

In 2016, over half of all body contouring plastic surgeries performed after massive weight loss was the tummy tuck. A tummy tuck removes the excessive skin in the belly and abdomen, and tightens distended and weakened muscles. This surgery will give you a flat abdomen and stomach.

This plastic surgery also improves your posture and relieves certain back pains by fixing the side muscles that support the spine.

2. Breast lift (Mastopexy)

Breast lifts performed after a massive weight occurred 13, 174 times in 2016. The breast lift tightens the breast tissue, lifts the breasts and removes excess skin giving the breasts a perky shape and youthful firmness. Since 2000, the number of breast lift surgeries has increased 70%.

3. Upper arm lift (Brachioplasty)

In 2016, the number of upper arm lifts performed after massive weight loss was 6,859. This is the third most popular body contouring procedure performed after massive weight loss. The flabbiness between the elbow and armpit is removed. The elasticity of the skin is restored. The upper arm will be reshaped giving your arms a toned, tight and contoured appearance.

4. Lower body lift (Belt lipectomy)

Also referred to as a circumferential body lift, the lower body lift was performed 6,449 times in 2016, making it the fourth most popular plastic surgery. This procedure contours the abdomen and surrounding sides, waist, buttocks and thighs. The lower body lift not only removes sagging skin but it also shapes the tissue supporting the skin. It also improves the surface of dimpled skin.

Body contouring is performed on post-bariatric patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. The weight loss has left sagging skin and hard to remove fat throughout the arms, breasts, buttocks, abdomen and thighs that cannot be removed with diet and exercise. Multiple procedures may be required to achieve the desired effect. It is not recommended to perform all procedures at one time.