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Should Excess Skin Be Removed After Extreme Weight Loss?

By: Dr. Rolando Morales

8/11/2020

When individuals lose a great deal of weight in a short amount of time, they are often left with loose or hanging skin. These skin folds make people feel discouraged or embarrassed despite reaching their target number on the scale. Body contouring surgery is designed to trim away the extra skin from problem areas, so they appear slimmer and more contoured. At Morales Plastic Surgery, we are proud to help patients complete their weight loss journey with this advanced procedure.

During your consultation for excess skin removal, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales will explain the process in detail, including the benefits and risks. We also create custom surgical plans so individuals can make the most of their procedures. To learn more about body contouring after extreme weight loss, contact one of our professionals in Houston, TX, for an appointment. We also offer online consultations so patients can visit our office via private video chat.

What is body contouring?

Massive weight loss is the primary reason people have loose or excess skin. When you lose weight quickly, the skin does not have enough time to conform to the new body shape. Individuals will look in the mirror and become disappointed by skin folds that still make them appear fat. Body contouring surgery removes the extra skin as well as small pockets of fat to reshape different areas of the body. Common areas that are addressed include the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, and arms. The benefits of after weight loss surgery include:

  • A smoother, firmer body contour

  • Clothes fit more comfortably

  • Typically, no more skin irritation or rashes

  • Greater confidence in your appearance

Candidates for skin removal surgery

The first step in excess skin removal is to determine when you will be ready. Most plastic surgeons want patients to be as close to their goal weight as possible. This allows time for you to overcome any weight loss plateaus and acquire new healthy lifestyle habits. Dr. Morales can give you information about losing additional pounds if you need help taking the final few steps. If you are interested in after weight loss surgery, the operation should be scheduled once your weight has stabilized for at least a few months.

During your consultation with Dr. Morales, we will assess your overall physical health before deciding which after weight loss procedures should be performed. Skin removal surgery may be performed in a single setting or in multiple stages at our clinic. In most cases, we treat the upper body in one surgery and the lower in another. Staging it in this way will reduce your risk for future complications, such as infection and blood loss. This also minimizes the amount of time it takes to recover.

What happens during excess skin removal

The staff at Morales Plastic Surgery understands that the thought of after weight loss surgery can be intimidating, which is why we take the time to educate patients about the process. Skin removal surgery is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia at a professional facility in Houston, TX. The time spent in surgery depends on the areas of focus, but generally takes several hours. Dr. Morales uses advanced, state-of-the-art techniques to access the underlying tissues and tighten them as needed. Then, the remaining excess skin is removed.

Skin removal surgery recovery

During recovery, patients can expect some side effects, such as soreness and swelling. These side effects are temporary and should go down within a few weeks. Dr. Morales can prescribe pain medication and offer specific instructions to give you support during the healing process. While skin removal surgery recovery can be somewhat trying, most people feel that their newer, tighter contours are worth it. After recovery, patients should continue to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, so the surgical results are not compromised.

Surgery after extreme weight loss

If you have lost a significant amount of weight, you most likely look and feel better already. Many individuals work very hard to accomplish this positive transformation. Surgery after extreme weight loss can address the unwanted excess skin and tissue left behind to help you complete your final steps. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales can review details such as skin removal surgery recovery and more when you schedule a visit to Morales Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX. Learn more by contacting our office for an in-person or virtual consultation.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.