Losing a massive amount of weight is an incredible achievement to improve health and appearance. Whether it is through lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery or a little of both, those that lose 100 pounds or more should be proud of their accomplishment. One of the few drawbacks of massive weight loss is that it can result in leftover stretched skin, which can be uncomfortable and restrictive. At HMS Plastic Surgery, we perform body lift after weight loss surgery at our center in Miami, FL.
Many individuals who lose significant amounts of weight have left stretched and saggy skin, especially around the midsection. It is not uncommon for men and women who have bariatric surgery to have a flap of hanging skin in their lower abdomen, as well as loose skin around their lower back, buttocks and upper thighs. While skin can shrink and bounce back to some extent, the only way to remove excessive amounts of stretched skin is through a body contouring procedure.
Skin Removal and Belt Lipectomy
The body lift plastic surgery is designed to address the excessive skin around the lower torso. Unlike abdominoplasty or panniculectomy procedures that remove excess skin from the front of the torso, a body lift address 360 degrees of sagging skin. The incision is made near the bikini line and goes all the way around the lower torso.
With body lift surgery, also called a belt lipectomy due to the incision around the torso, the entire midsection is tightened and contoured. Not only is the “apron” of skin removed from the abdomen, but the love handles, buttocks and upper thighs are lifted and tightened.
For weight loss patients left with excessive amounts of skin, a body lift surgery can be a life-changing procedure. Excessive skin can become infected, itchy and uncomfortable, as well as aesthetically undesirable. Removal of the skin is a final step in achieving the new silhouette these patients have worked so hard to achieve.
If you have had massive weight loss after bariatric surgery or other methods and want to explore body lift plastic surgery, contact us at HMS Plastic Surgery. We can schedule a body contouring consultation with our board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Harry Salinas, at our plastic surgery center in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale, FL, area.