After Weight Loss Surgery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Dallas, TX

After Weight Loss Surgery Dr. Steven J. White

Plastic surgery after massive weight loss is a specialized area of aesthetic surgery designed to address the changes that occur in the body following significant weight loss. It is a collection of procedures designed for patients who have lost 100 pounds or more. When a patient loses weight with medical assistance, exercise, or dieting, leftover excessive and sagging skin can become increasingly apparent. It can also be difficult to address with further exercise and dieting. While losing large amounts of weight can have tremendous health benefits for patients who suffer from obesity or weight-related issues, this burdensome excess skin can leave the individual feeling like they have not truly achieved their aesthetic goals.

In Dallas, Texas, Dr. Steven J. White is a plastic surgeon who helps these patients by shaping and trimming excess skin around the breasts, abdomen, arms, buttocks, legs, and face. With after weight loss surgery, patients can look healthy and toned, and finally be comfortable in their own skin and complete their weight loss transformation.

To schedule a personal consultation at USA Plastic Surgery, call (214) 833-6751 or contact us online today.

Before and After Photos

Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty Before & After Patient #3181
Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty Before & After Patient #3181
Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty Before & After Patient #499
Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty Before & After Patient #499
Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty Before & After Patient #3183
Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty Before & After Patient #3183
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About After Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss has been made easier with the rise of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). These medications mimic hormones that the body naturally produces to help curb recurrent cravings and slow down aspects of the digestive process. Similarly, bariatric surgery such as the gastric sleeve reduces the size of the stomach, which encourages earlier satiety and lessens the amount of food a person needs to feel full.

These medications and procedures help patients lose massive amounts of weight, which can be great for their long-term health but can leave a lot of hanging skin. This skin can prevent clothes from fitting well, can cause chafing, and can even make the skin more prone to infection. (1) Sagging skin can occur in a variety of areas, causing discomfort and impacting an individual’s quality of life.

For most patients, surgery is the most effective option for removing this excess skin. Various body contouring procedures address these concerns by removing excess skin and fat, effectively sculpting the body into a fit and healthy silhouette.

Treatable Areas

With surgery after significant weight loss, Dr. White can address typical symptoms such as:

  • Sagging breasts that point downward
  • “Turtle neck” or flabby skin near the neck
  • Excess, hanging skin or pockets of fat around the abdomen or hips
  • Sagging skin and excess fat or wrinkling around the buttocks
  • “Bat wings” or sagging skin underneath the upper arms
  • Sagging skin and excess fat on the thigh and upper leg region

The most common areas for significant transformation of beauty are seen in the breasts and abdominal area. Dr. White can address both these areas during the same surgery. This is sometimes called a mommy makeover. The buttocks, upper thighs, arms, neck, and knees are also common areas he can treat.

Benefits

Patients who undergo after weight loss surgery can enjoy the following benefits:

  • Reduced excess skin: Dr. White can trim away bothersome excess skin from the body.
  • Defined body contour: Without excess skin in the way, patients can enhance their figure and bring out their natural curves.
  • Lifted breasts: If a patient receives a breast procedure, Dr. White can restore the breasts to a higher position on the chest.
  • Improved confidence: Patients may find that they feel more confident in their appearance without the presence of loose skin.
  • Improved clothing fit: Clothes may fit better and the patient may feel confident wearing different styles.
  • Completed weight loss journey: By removing excess skin, patients can finally enjoy the results of the weight loss they worked so hard for.
  • Long-lasting results: Patients can enjoy their enhanced physique for years to come.

Candidates

For patients who have lost a significant amount of weight with the help of medically assisted weight loss or with traditional exercise and dieting, after-weight loss surgery can be a great way to conclude their weight loss journey and eliminate excess skin. Candidates for this kind of procedure should be in generally good health and be committed to a healthy lifestyle.

Due to the scope after weight loss surgery, Dr. White and his team recommend that patients be close to or already at their ideal reachable weight. (2) This is because significant weight fluctuations after surgery can take away from the results, causing the skin to stretch and sag as it did before.

Personal Consultation

During a personal consultation with Dr. White, patients can begin the after-weight-loss surgery process. Patients should be prepared to share details about their medical history during this appointment, as this information is crucial for Dr. White to take into consideration when he designs a treatment plan. This consultation is where the patient can share their aesthetic preferences and point out the areas of excess skin they are most keen on addressing. After weight loss surgery is customizable; Dr. White can address specific problems according to each patient’s unique situation.

To schedule a personal consultation at USA Plastic Surgery, call (214) 833-6751 or contact us online today.

Preparation

There are several steps patients can take before their after weight loss surgery, which Dr. White will outline in more detail during a personal consultation. These steps often include:

  • Stopping smoking: Patients who smoke will have to stop weeks before their surgery. Smoking cigarettes and consuming other nicotine products can inhibit the body’s ability to heal.
  • Arranging transportation: Patients will be unable to drive home after their surgery, so it is important that they ask somebody they trust to provide transportation.
  • Taking time off: The body will need time to heal from after weight loss surgery. Patients should request time off work and plan to rest for 2-3 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedures involved.
  • Preparing living space: Patients should try to stock their residences with the things they will need during their recovery.

Procedure

After weight loss surgery will usually take around 4-7 hours to complete, although this range can vary depending on how many different areas of the body Dr. White is addressing. These procedures use general anesthesia and often require patients to stay in the hospital overnight.

Dr. White will use excisional techniques to remove loose skin from the body. This surgery can be made up of several different procedures to provide patients with comprehensive body contouring results.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure during which Dr. White can remove excess tissue from the midsection to create a flatter, smoother appearance. He can also bring the abdomen muscles back together during a tummy tuck, as these muscles can separate with significant weight gain. (2)

Breast Lift

After weight loss, it is common for the breasts to sag because of lost volume. During a breast lift or mastopexy, Dr. White can elevate and restore a firmer look to the breasts by removing excess tissue and repositioning the nipple. (2)

Arm Lift

Excess skin can hang off the upper arms after weight loss, creating unsightly “wings” that can impact clothing fit. An arm lift or brachioplasty can help resolve this issue. With an incision along the bottom or back of the arm, Dr. White can remove this hanging skin and reveal arms that look slimmer and more youthful. (2)

Butt Lift

Significant weight loss can cause the buttocks to lose shape or even look deflated. By removing sagging skin with a butt lift, Dr. White can improve the contour of the buttocks and restore a more round appearance.

Liposuction

Liposuction can help sculpt and define areas like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, creating balanced proportions. This procedure can be added to almost any body contouring method to remove localized pockets of fat. Small incisions are made where the cannula is inserted to suction out unwanted fat.

Recovery

Dr. White provides patients with detailed recovery instructions and guidelines. Recovery times will depend on how many procedures Dr. White performs. Patients will likely need to take 2-3 weeks off of work before they can resume most normal activities. However, they will need to avoid more strenuous activities for longer. During recovery, patients should attend follow-up visits with Dr. White so he can assess healing progress.

Results

After Weight Loss Surgery Dr. Steven J. White

For many individuals, after weight loss surgery provides results that are so positive, they are life-transforming. (1) Without bothersome excess skin, patients can enjoy a smoother bodily contour that better reflects their weight loss efforts. Results from body contouring procedures like these are essentially permanent, but certain factors can impact their longevity. For example, if a patient gains or loses a large amount of weight after surgery, the skin can stretch out and sag because of the new volume loss. To help maintain results, patients should exercise regularly and make healthy dietary choices.

Dr. White makes sure that scars are as discreetly placed as possible. These scars can also fade significantly over time.

Cost of After Weight Loss Surgery in Dallas

The cost of after weight loss surgery is determined by the number of procedures you wish to combine. To obtain a cost estimate that reflects your goals, attend a personal consultation at USA Plastic Surgery in Dallas.

To schedule a personal consultation at USA Plastic Surgery, give us a call at (214) 833-6751 or contact us online today.

FAQ

How much weight should I lose before considering after weight loss surgery?

Many surgeons recommend reaching and maintaining a stable weight for six months to a year before considering body contouring procedures.

Will there be visible scars after surgery?

While all after-weight-loss surgical procedures are bound to leave scars, skilled surgeons can place incisions in discreet locations so that they are easily concealed by clothing. The appearance of scars will likely diminish over time. There are also scar treatments that patients can look into after the healing process is complete.

Can I combine multiple procedures with after weight loss surgery?

Yes, many patients choose to combine several procedures for a comprehensive, full-body transformation. Combining procedures also has the added benefit of one recovery period.

How long will the results last from after weight loss surgery?

Results from after weight loss body contouring surgeries are essentially permanent, as the surgeon will remove the excess tissue. However, results can be impacted by significant weight changes. If patients maintain a healthy lifestyle, engage in regular exercise, and eat a balanced diet, results will be more likely to last. The skin will still continue to be affected by the processes of aging, however.

References

  1. Toma T, Harling L, Athanasiou T, Darzi A, Ashrafian H. Does Body Contouring After Bariatric Weight Loss Enhance Quality of Life? A Systematic Review of QOL Studies. Obesity Surgery. 2018;28(10):3333-3341. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-018-3323-8
  2. Cabbabe SW. Plastic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss. Missouri Medicine. 2016;113(3):202-206. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140063/