Massive weight usually results in loose, excess skin that causes an unflattering look. At Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, we offer skin removal surgeries to target sagging skin, improve self-confidence and help you show off the figure you’ve worked so hard to achieve. To get started, book your consultation with Dr. McFadden or Dr. Felice today!
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What is Post Weight Loss Body Contouring?
This type of body contouring is a set of outpatient procedures involving the surgical removal of sagging, loose skin on the body that remains after significant weight loss. It can also involve liposuction and tightening the underlying muscles.
Why Choose Us
Advanced Cosmetic Surgery is the top destination in the Upstate for body contouring surgery. Here are a few reasons why:
- Our board-certified surgeons have extensive experience in the fields of both plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Dr. Thomas McFadden, our medical director and lead surgeon, is a multi–award-winning doctor who was named a Top 10 Doctor in South Carolina by Vitals.com and one of the 10 Best Plastic Surgeons in South Carolina by the American Institute of Plastic Surgeons
- Dr. Peter Felice is an expert in both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery
- We take the time to listen to each patient’s needs to ensure they get the results they want
- Our entire team is highly qualified, fully certified and ready to welcome you!
Body Contouring Procedures We Offer
We perform body contouring procedures on the abdomen, chest, legs, arms, face and neck to get rid of excess skin and fat. At your consultation, we’ll discuss which of these surgeries makes the most sense for you and in which order they should be performed. Dr. McFadden and Dr. Felice, as always, will make every effort to minimize visible residual scarring.
Abdomen area
The abdomen is one of the most common areas for body contouring surgery. The following procedures are suitable for men and women who have lost significant amounts of weight, and for women who have excess skin and fat on the abdomen after childbirth.
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
A tummy tuck gets rid of both excess skin and fat on the abdomen. It involves making an incision between the hip points and removing extra fat on the stomach with liposuction. The surgeon then excises any excess skin and stretches the remaining skin more tautly over the abdomen.
If necessary, your surgeon may also place internal sutures in the underlying musculature. This technique is beneficial for women experiencing diastasis recti, the separation of the ab muscles after pregnancy.
Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy removes a panniculus, the flap of excess skin hanging from the abdomen after weight loss. The surgeon makes a lateral incision across the lower abdomen, removing the excess skin and pulling the remaining skin tautly over the abdominal muscles.
Unlike a tummy tuck, this procedure doesn’t involve liposuction or internal sutures and is generally less complex.
Upper body procedures
We offer several surgeries for men and women to reduce excess skin and enhance the look of the entire upper body, including chest, arms, face and neck.
Breast lift (mastopexy)
After massive weight loss, your breasts may sag, droop or appear elongated. This problem can cause irritation beneath the breasts and make it difficult to find bras and clothing that fit well.
A mastopexy or breast lift solves this problem. In this surgery, excess skin is removed to reposition the tissue of the breasts higher on the chest, creating a rounder appearance.
Breast reduction
If your large breasts cause discomfort or appear disproportionate to the rest of your body after major weight loss, breast reduction surgery may be right for you. This procedure involves removing excess breast tissue through an anchor-shaped incision on the lower part of the breast.
Gynecomastia surgery
Excess breast tissue in men is a condition known as gynecomastia. It can be corrected through a procedure called gynecomastia surgery. The surgery involves making an incision around each nipple, using liposuction to remove the excess fat, then excising excess skin, fat and glandular tissue. The result is a more flattering, masculine appearance.
Brachioplasty
After massive weight loss, it’s common to have excess skin that hangs between the underarm and elbow. A brachioplasty surgically removes this skin and contours the upper arm for a more toned, proportional look.
Face and neck lifts
If weight loss has left you with loose jowls and an undefined jawline, a neck lift can sculpt a younger-looking, more flattering profile. This procedure firms the neck by removing excess skin and tightening loose muscles with internal sutures. It can be paired with a facelift to further eliminate loose skin on the face, restore lost volume and dramatically rejuvenate your appearance.
Lower body area
These procedures address excess skin and fat in the lower part of the body. Loose skin around the hips and legs after weight loss can cause irritation, rashes, chafing, and difficulty fitting into clothing.
Thigh lift (thighplasty)
A thigh lift, sometimes called thighplasty, targets sagging skin on the upper part of the legs. Depending on how much excess skin you have and where, you may benefit from an inner, vertical, or posterior thigh lift.
Leg liposuction
This procedure surgically removes fatty deposits from the upper legs. Leg liposuction can be performed on its own or in conjunction with a thigh lift to contour and slim your legs at the same time.
Belt liposuction
A belt liposuction procedure removes fat from the torso, hips and upper thighs. It provides extensive body contouring for people who struggle to lose weight.
Lower body lift
A lower body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, surgically removes loose skin and excess fat from the lower torso, buttocks, hips and thighs. The exact incision pattern depends on your specific needs.
Before and After Photos
Book a Consultation
You’ve worked hard to reach your goal weight and regain your health – now it’s time to reward yourself. Book your consultation with board-certified Greenville plastic surgeon Dr. McFadden to discuss how body contouring procedures can help you regain your confidence after weight loss.
Body Contouring Surgery FAQ
How long will recovery take?
The length of your recovery varies depending on the procedure. In general, expect to take 2 weeks off work and to resume physically demanding tasks in about 6 weeks.
In what order should I have my skin removal surgeries?
We always recommend starting with the body area that needs the most help; for many people, this is the torso. Afterward, we move on to the upper body, then the lower body, or vice versa.
Can I get multiple procedures at the same time?
In many cases, yes. Procedures should be staged by body area; for instance, you can undergo both abdominal liposuction and a tummy tuck at the same time, but we don’t recommend operating on both the arms and legs on the same day.
How stable does my weight need to be?
We recommend waiting until you’ve been at your target weight for at least 4 months before considering a body contouring procedure.
What are the risks of these procedures?
In addition to the risks associated with surgery under general anesthesia, body contouring procedures can potentially result in scarring, fluid accumulation, infection and asymmetrical results. Choose a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure you receive the best care possible.
