The weight loss market in the United States is now worth a record-high $72 billion. Although obesity has grown to an epidemic 40%, steadily more Americans are becoming diet aware, and are beginning to lose their excess weight. 

The welcome results of weight loss such as increased energy, better sleep, and a more defined body, however, can be accompanied by less desirable changes – namely substantial folds of excess skin. In such cases, a successful body transformation may require cosmetic intervention. 

After you have done the hard work and lost your excess weight, Dr. Farber at Farber Plastic Surgery can give you the final nudge necessary to complete your body new image. 

What Causes Excess Skin?

Loose, hanging skin can be a symptom of weight loss, the aging process, or pregnancy.

With weight loss, excess fat that has accumulated over the years leads to stretching of the skin to compensate for the extra body tissue. As the body loses this extra mass, the skin requires time to contract over the now smaller surface area. 

Our skin is a single organ, and just like elastic material, if stretched too far, its elastic properties are compromised. Oftentimes, age and skin quality dictates the ability of skin to regain its shape. In many obesity cases, the skin stretches beyond repair and will never fully contract. In cases such as these, cosmetic intervention is usually necessary to achieve a toned body. 

Surgical Procedures to Solve Excess Skin

In many cases, no amount of diet and exercise will get rid of extra skin. Plastic surgery is generally required to remove, lift, and reshape post-weight loss skin. These procedures include:

1) Body Lift

A body lift, or circumferential abdominoplasty,  is a long-lasting solution to post-weight loss skin sagging. In a single comprehensive procedure, Dr. Farber makes one incision along the abdomen and lower back to remove sagging skin as well as tighten the abdominal wall. The skin around the buttocks, waist, hips, thighs, and arms is also lifted and tightened during the same session. 

Individuals with a high BMI (body mass index) may face post-body lift complications. Because of this, Dr. Farber thoroughly consults with each patient before any operation. Whereas body contouring is a complete body alteration, many patients only require skin alteration in an isolated part of their anatomy. One of the more common areas needing attention after weight loss is the abdomen. 

2) Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, includes tightening of abdominal wall and removal of loose skin in the abdomen enabling maximum manipulation of the skin and abdominal tissue. The result is skin that tightly covers and compliments your body’s natural contours. Over 150,000 tummy tucks were performed in the U.S. last year. 

3) Halo Lift

In a single procedure, Dr. Farber’s Halo Lift produces spectacular results in all areas of the lower body. Addressing a combination of love handles, excess abdominal skin, and saddlebags (loose outer thigh skin), the Halo Lift comprehensively solves many of the trouble areas affected by post-weight loss skin sag.  

4) Breast Lift

As the breasts are composed primarily of fat tissue, breasts considerably fluctuate in size, volume, position, and firmness according to one’s BMI. After significant weight loss, the breasts often sag and are less firm. A breast lift has Dr. Farber expertly remove excess skin and tissue, and re-position the nipple higher on the chest.

5) Thigh Lift

A thigh lift improves the natural contours of your entire legs. By removing excess tissue and skin in the upper part of the leg, a thigh lift compliments your weight loss efforts. 

Conclusion

If you are among the many brave people who have decided to address their body weight issue, you are walking the path towards a healthier, more active life! You have agreed to take responsibility for your health and well being. 

Losing excess pounds is no easy feat, and we at Farber Plastic Surgery commend any individual on their efforts to pursue a healthier, more toned body. 

Now you have lost your excess weight, it is time to think about taking the final step in your body transformation procedure. Reach out to us or fill in our online form so we can advise you on the method that is most suited to your needs.