Post Weight Loss Surgery in Northern Virginia

For people who’ve managed to lose significant amounts of weight, it can be disheartening to be dealing with loose, unsightly skin. After working so hard to take control of your fitness, you may feel like you can’t enjoy your new, healthy physique until your excess skin is dealt with. Excess skin can also cause a great deal of physical discomfort.

woman in dress

If lost a substantial amount of weight due to dieting or surgical intervention, you may benefit from surgery after weight loss in Northern Virginia and Alexandria to remove excess skin and tissue that is now hanging and causing you discomfort. Also known as a body lift, this treatment is exactly what many patients need to start feeling comfortable in their new self.

A body lift is a type of surgery after weight loss that can reduce excess skin from the abdomen, buttocks, waist, hips, thighs, and arms. Several procedures are sometimes needed, depending on the number of areas treated and the amount of skin to be removed. Body contouring procedures like liposuction may also be performed in conjunction with a body lift. It is a versatile treatment that deserves consideration from many different patients.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Body Lift?

A good candidate for post weight loss surgery is someone who:

  • Maintains a stable weight
  • Is in good health
  • Does not smoke
  • Has a positive outlook and realistic goals for the results
  • Is committed to proper nutrition, fitness, and an overall healthy lifestyle

For any women planning to get pregnant, it is best to wait until after having children before undergoing surgery, as pregnancy can undo some of the effects of a body lift.

The Different Types of Surgery After Weight Loss

Patients considering surgery after weight loss typically have a few options: lower body lift, mid body lift, or total body lift. At your consultation with Dr. Desman in Washington, DC, he can devise a custom-tailored treatment plan to maximize the results of your operation.

Mid Body Lift

As the name suggests, a mid body lift addresses cosmetic concerns in the midsection, in addition to the thighs, hips, and buttocks. Technically called a torsoplasty, many patients are drawn to this post weight loss procedure for its ability to produce a contoured appearance throughout the abdomen and down to the thighs.

To begin your mid body lift, Dr. Desman will create similar incisions as the ones made in a lower body lift, and then he will remove excess skin and other tissue. The abdominal muscles will then be accessed, brought together, and switched` into their new place, resulting in a narrower waistline and a tighter tummy.

Lower Body Lift

Technically referred to as a belt lipectomy, a lower body lift is a popular surgery after weight loss that specifically targets the lower body. For patients who’ve experienced significant weight loss in the hips, buttocks, and thighs, a lower body lift can be beneficial, especially if the excess skin is starting to cause physical discomfort like chafing.

During a lower body lift, Dr. Desman will make an incision in the “belt” area and lower abdomen, extending it down to the inner thighs. However, the incisions may vary depending on the actual areas being treated. Through these incisions, Dr. Desman will remove excess tissue and fat, and then he will trim and tighten up the skin. The incisions will be stitched up and bandaged, and patients will likely wear a compression garment afterward to facilitate healing. Depending on one’s cosmetic needs, they might consider undergoing a tummy tuck as well. Overall, a lower body lift should remove excess skin, and provide better lift and contour to the main areas of your lower body.*

Total Body Lift

Finally, a total body lift is a more invasive procedure, but it is an effective method for removing excess skin from all over the body. This post weight loss operation  will address many areas, including the hips, buttocks, thighs, abdomen, arms, and breasts.

Since this is a major surgery involving multiple parts of the body, it may be performed in stages. Dr. Desman will typically begin by removing any excess skin, tissue, and fat in the abdominal and lower body area. Then, he will perform the upper portion of the body lift, which is sometimes scheduled for a separate day. During this part of the operation, Dr. Desman will be able to address sagging skin and excess tissue on the back, arms, and breasts. Depending on a patient’s needs, a total body lift may also involve a breast lift or breast augmentation to reduce sagging and restore symmetry. For men undergoing a total body lift, our skilled surgeon can implement a male breast reduction, which addresses excess fat deposits in the chest.

Meet With Dr. Desman about Post Weight Loss Surgery in Northern Virginia

After working hard to lose significant weight, you deserve to feel comfortable in your new body. You should not have to deal with excess skin and stubborn fat deposits. Thankfully, when you consider post weight loss surgery in Northern Virginia and Alexandria, you encounter a suite of options that could rejuvenate your appearance for the better.

After your operation, Dr. Desman and our team will follow up with you and provide you with the instructions you need to best recover. Reach out today to schedule your initial consultation.

Post Weight Loss Body Contouring (Additional FAQs)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

This all depends on which type of body contouring procedure you undergo, and the extent of your treatment. Lower body lift patients can expect to return to work within two or three weeks, but a mid body lift can require three or four weeks of recovery. Since a total body lift is the most intensive, it can require a significant recovery period of six-to-eight weeks.

When performed on carefully selected candidates by a board-certified surgeon, you can lower your risk of complications. However, as with any surgery, there are still risks involved. Risks associated with surgery after weight loss include fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma), infection, bleeding, reduced or heightened skin sensation (which may be temporary or permanent), blood clots, and poor scarring.

While your scars will never fully disappear, they can usually be hidden by most clothing. Over time, they will flatten and become lighter, which helps them blend in with your skin. They may appear to worsen during the first weeks or months following your surgery after weight loss, but by around 18 months, they should take on their permanent appearance.

Many other procedures can be performed in conjunction with your surgery, including upper arm lift, thigh lift, and more. Speak with Dr. Desman about your goals, and he will help you develop the best plan for your situation.

While complications for Post Weight Loss Surgery are rare, Dr. Desman will be there to take care of you. In addition, when you have surgery, you will automatically be enrolled in a cosmetic surgery specific insurance plan that covers you for the first 45 days after surgery. Your safety and well being are a top priority for us and this is another way that we ensure you have the best care possible.

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