If you have lost a significant amount of weight, then you know the feeling of accomplishment that goes with it. However, weight loss can also lead to sagging skin, which can obscure your new silhouette. If you have done the work to lose the weight but are still self-conscious about loose skin, there may be a surgical solution.

Sculpt Your Upper Arms

The upper arms are very susceptible to developing sagging skin and are very difficult to target with exercises. Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, can be performed to remove excess skin, fat, and other tissues from the upper arms and provide a slimmer, firmer arm contour.

Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The incision typically extends from the elbow along the back or inside of the upper arm to the underarm. Excess skin and tissues are removed, and the incision is closed using sutures. There will be movement restrictions once your surgery is complete, but most patients can return to their normal activities in two to four weeks.

Smoother, Firmer Thighs

Significant weight loss can also affect the skin and tissues on your thighs. Folds of skin on the upper legs can cause physical discomfort and may make you self-conscious. Thigh lift surgery removes excess tissues to give you smoother, firmer thighs.

Like arm lift surgery, a thigh lift is performed using general anesthesia. The incision is made in the groin crease. Dr. D’Souza then tightens the remaining tissues and removes any excess skin. Most patients are able to return to their regular levels of activity in two to four weeks.

What If I Need More Extensive Surgery?

If a patient has achieved massive weight loss and is left with significant amounts of loose skin and tissues, body lift surgery may be more appropriate. A lower body lift is performed when the patient is experiencing loose, sagging skin on the thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdomen. The procedure is much more extensive than a thigh lift but can provide considerable relief if folds of skin and tissue impede movement or cause physical discomfort.

This procedure also utilizes general anesthesia. The length and location of the incisions used in a body lift will depend on the areas that will benefit most from the surgery. Dr. D’Souza will develop a personalized treatment plan during your consultation. Because this surgery is more comprehensive, the recovery time is longer than after a thigh lift. Most patients are able to return to their daily schedules in six to eight weeks.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation, call Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760.637.5288 or contact us online.