Why consider surgery after weight loss?
Losing a significant amount of weight is a huge accomplishment that should be celebrated and cherished.
We congratulate you for taking on the difficult part of achieving your ideal figure. But when one is left with an aftermath of loose, sagging skin all over the body, it can be hard to enjoy the success.
Body contouring after weight loss, also called a body lift, is a set of multiple procedures designed to comprehensively rejuvenate the torso, removing bulky excess skin and restoring comfort, mobility and peace of mind.
What are my options for surgery after weight loss?
Tummy tuck
This surgery can help tone, slim and flatten the stomach, improving the shape of the entire lower body. With a traditional tummy tuck, a curved incision is made in the lower abdomen. Excess skin and fat are then removed from between the belly button and the pubic area. The full scope of the abdominal wall musculature is tightened for an outstanding final outcome.
Following surgery, you may experience some soreness, bruising and swelling, but these are natural reactions; they will dissipate with time. For the first few days, your activities will be limited, but within one week, you will be able to resume much of your normal routine, barring vigorous exercise or heavy lifting. A compression garment is typically worn to help maintain your new, improved abdominal contour.
Liposuction
Liposuction is used to remove fat from the thighs, belly, hips, lower back, arms and waist. During the procedure, a small incision is made that allows the doctor to precisely target the excess fatty tissue using a thin device known as a cannula. Once is this fat is extracted, it can either be discarded, or saved for a future fat transfer procedure. To ensure attractive, uniform results, neither too much nor too little fat should be removed, so liposuction should always be performed by a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Sayah.
After liposuction, you may experience some drainage as fluids leave the incisions. Swelling is normal and can be minimized with the proper compression garment. You will be advised to bathe carefully with a sponge, avoiding any pressure or moisture to the bandages. Strenuous activity should be avoided for around one month.
Panniculectomy
During this procedure, the apron-like skin that obscures the groin is removed, allowing the area to breathe and fully function once more. This procedure is sometimes performed for clients who are still overweight, but who are suffering from chaffing or hygiene problems related to the excess skin and tissue. When performed with a tummy tuck, a panniculectomy can really improve the overall appearance of the lower body.
In addition to aesthetics, a panniculectomy can reverse many common problems such as immobility, back pain, knee pain and skin infections. Panniculectomy is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 2-4 hours, depending on the severity of the condition. You will need to avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for around one week.
Thigh lift
A thigh lift is performed to remove loose skin, fat and tissue from the inner and outer thighs. Incisions for a thigh lift are well hidden within the creases of the groin. This procedure can help patients who have undergone massive weight loss to feel better about their appearance and less self-conscious about their legs. It can accomplish quickly what months and years of time spent at the gym has failed to do.
Either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation will be used to keep you comfortable during your surgery. Afterwards, incisions will be precisely closed and result in minimal scarring. Swelling and bruising are to be expected as with any surgery, but compression garments can help to minimize these outcomes and preserve the new shape of your legs in the process.
Arm lift
During an arm lift, flabby, drooping skin hanging from the upper arms is excised and the arms are beautifully contoured for a more appealing aesthetic. An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, targets the area between the armpit and the elbow. The first step is to remove the excess fat and skin. Dr. Sayah may opt to use liposuction to suction out unwanted, stubborn fat deposits. The remaining skin is then draped snugly over the arm, creating a tighter, more toned appearance.
Incisions are well hidden on the underside of the arm and will fade over time. The treatment time for an arm lift rarely exceeds three hours. After surgery, your arms will be dressed in elastic bandages that help reduce swelling. You may also be fitted with drainage tubes to help facilitate the removal of excess fluids. These will be removed within several days.
Dr. Sayah was recommended to me by my GP and a colleague who couldn't have been happier with him. HIs (bedside manner), warmth, and the way he put me at ease upon meeting him, was the only other thing I needed to say, ‘GO!’
- W.G.
What are the benefits of surgery after weight loss?
- Improved self-confidence in one’s image
- Reduction in chafing and irritation
- Reduction of sagging skin
- A better fit in swimwear and everyday clothing
- Minimal scarring
- Increased physical stamina and energy
- Effective when diet and exercise have not worked
- Long-lasting outcome
Who is a good candidate for surgery after weight loss?
The best candidates for body lift surgery are healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations for their results who suffer from large amounts of loose skin all over their bodies. Patients should be at or close to their ideal weight, and unable to improve their condition through dieting and exercise alone.
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What should I expect from recovery?
Because each body lift procedure is customized to the individual, it’s hard to generalize what recovery will be like. Recovery will depend upon the number of treatments you receive, as well as upon your own personal ability to heal.
After surgery you will be wrapped in compression garments, which help to reduce swelling, encourage blood flow, and also keep your new shape intact. The average client takes several weeks off from work to heal, and should abstain from rigorous exercise for 6-8 weeks. Standing and walking are encouraged during early recovery to help with blood circulation.
What is the typical cost for surgery after weight loss?
Body contouring after weight loss is a combination procedure that consists of a carefully selected set of treatments tailored to your unique needs and aesthetic goals. Therefore, the fees involved will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Rest assured, Dr. Sayah will present you with a detailed, personalized quote at the time of your private consultation.
Why should I select Dr. Sayah for my surgery after weight loss?
Dr. Sayah is a gifted plastic surgeon who works to create a holistic practice in which patients receive care and guidance long after their surgery is complete. He will work to get you on track with a diet and exercise regimen that supports your body contouring results, improving your self-image, your confidence and your quality of life.
Dr. Sayah is a meticulously trained plastic surgeon who graduated from the world-renowned David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
He completed his residency in general surgery at the notorious NYU Medical Center followed by a prestigious fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at UCLA Medical Center. This was followed by a fellowship in the demanding field of endoscopic plastic surgery. He prides himself on natural results and an artistic approach to plastic surgery.
We look forward to meeting you at our office so we can discuss your areas of concern while celebrating your magnificent weight loss.