What Should I Do About My Loose Skin After Major Weight Loss?

Virtually every extreme weight loss journey comes with ups and downs. While reaching a healthy, stable weight is certainly a victory, many men and women feel defeated by the loose, hanging skin that lingers. To help patients achieve their ultimate goals and enjoy the results of their hard work, the renowned team of board-certified plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA is proud to offer life-changing after weight loss skin removal surgery. Keep reading for a closer look at the basics of after weight loss surgery, including how it works, what's included, and when your final results may begin to take shape.

How do you get rid of loose skin after losing weight?

Perhaps the most common and frustrating complaint from patients who lose a significant amount of weight is being left with stretched-out, loose, or hanging skin. For most of these men and women, the skin has been stretched out for many years and is unfortunately not able to shrink down to their newly slimmed contours. Not only does this keep patients from achieving their cosmetic goals, but it can also be a physical burden and often causes chafing, skin irritation, difficulty exercising, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Without a doubt, after weight loss surgery with skin removal is one of the most effective options for removing loose skin after weight loss and getting the firmer, tighter, more natural-looking body you desire.

What's included in after weight loss surgery?

Each after weight loss surgery is customized to meet the unique needs and goals of the patient. During your initial consultation for skin removal surgery in Northern Virginia, our experienced team will discuss your concerns at length, examine your problem areas, and tailor an after weight loss plan that can best help you achieve your desired outcome. Common features that are addressed during after weight loss skin removal surgery include:

• Neck
• Arms
• Chest
• Abdomen
• Hips
• Flanks
• Mons pubis
• Buttocks
• Thighs

In many cases, liposuction is performed in conjunction with skin removal after weight loss in order to reduce stubborn pockets of fat and give the patient an even smoother, slimmer new physique.

How long is recovery after skin removal surgery?

After weight loss surgery is often a fairly extensive procedure that addresses multiple areas and requires lengthy incisions. With this in mind, patients should expect to spend at least one night in the hospital or surgical facility following their procedure. After this time, they will be released to begin the remainder of their recovery at home. Because it can take up to 2 – 4 weeks to resume even light household activities, patients should plan to have help around the house or with their children during this time. Depending on the extent of the procedure, patients may be able to return to light desk work about four weeks after surgery, while more strenuous physical activities and exercise are typically off-limits for at least 2 – 3 months or longer. The majority of patients feel back to their normal selves about 4 – 6 months after skin removal surgery, though their cosmetic results may take up to 6 – 12 months to fully develop as residual swelling continues to resolve.

While after weight loss surgery may be lengthy, the vast majority of patients agree that their stunning new shape was well worth the wait.

Cross the finish line in your weight loss journey with skin removal surgery in Northern Virginia

If you're like many extreme weight loss patients, loose skin may be the final hurdle standing between you and the life you dream of. To learn more about the incredible results that can be achieved with after weight loss surgery in Reston, VA, call Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your private consultation with our team of acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeons today!