Age, pregnancy, and weight loss can leave you with sagging abdominal skin and excess fat. These issues can make it hard to achieve the body contours you desire and lead to chafing and skin irritation. Pregnancy can also cause your abdominal muscles to weaken and separate, making the stomach area protrude. Several surgical procedures can help remove excess skin and refine your silhouette, but knowing which one is the best choice can be challenging.

Tummy Tuck Surgery

Pregnancy and weight gain can cause the skin to stretch, and the abdominal muscles to separate. Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, can be performed to repair the muscles and remove excess skin. This procedure is performed using general anesthesia. An incision is made on the lower abdomen from hip to hip. Excess fat and skin are removed, and the muscles are sewn back together with sutures. The incision is then closed. Dr. D’Souza will also place surgical drains that will help prevent fluid build-up and are usually removed within a few days. You should be able to resume most regular activities in approximately two weeks, but you shouldn’t expect to be fully recovered until it has been about four weeks.

Body Lift

For patients who have achieved massive weight loss or have a more significant amount of loose skin, a body lift may be more appropriate. A body lift is more extensive than a tummy tuck and addresses loose skin on the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. General anesthesia is used, and the surgery can take up to eight hours to complete, depending on the extent of correction needed. Recovery time is also more extensive; you may not be able to begin exercising again until eight weeks after surgery.

Other Contouring Procedures

Some patients may have excess skin on their upper arms. This area of the body can be very difficult to tone, especially as skin becomes more lax with age. Arm lift surgery can be performed to remove this extra tissue and give you smooth, slim arms. The incision typically extends from the elbow to the underarm along the back of the arm. While this usually leaves some visible scarring, most patients find that their satisfaction with their results outweighs their concerns about scarring.

If loose skin on the thighs is more of a concern, thigh lift surgery may be a good option. This procedure can be done to address the inner or outer thighs, depending on the needs of the patient. Excess skin and fatty tissue will be removed for a slimmer, more shapely appearance.

Which Procedure Is Right for Me?

During your consultation appointment, Dr. D’Souza will examine you and determine whether a tummy tuck or body lift is more appropriate. You should be sure to bring up any concerns or questions that you may have. Your surgery will be tailored to your needs and preferences, as well as Dr. D’Souza’s recommendations.

If you are tired of dealing with loose, excess skin, call Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760.637.5288 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a consultation.