Excess skin can be a frustrating issue for people who’ve undergone significant weight loss. The excess skin can cause discomfort, limit movement, and detract from the overall appearance of the body. Excess skin removal surgery offers a solution for those looking to improve their body shape and restore their confidence.
Let’s explore the benefits of excess skin removal surgery, factors to consider before undergoing surgery, and life after the procedure. Here’s what you should know about excess skin removal surgery in order to make an informed decision about whether it’s a good option for you.
gilaxia/GettyWhat’s Excess Skin Removal Surgery?
Excess skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to remove excess skin that may be present after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or other conditions. This surgery can help patients achieve a more toned appearance and improve their self-confidence.
Excess skin removal surgery can target various areas of the body, including the arms, abdomen, thighs, and face. The procedure typically involves making incisions and removing the loose skin, followed by the closure of the incisions with sutures. In some cases, the skin is lifted and tightened through the use of internal sutures without the need for external incisions.
It’s important to note that excess skin removal surgery isn’t a weight loss solution. Instead, it’s a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of the body after significant weight loss. Patients need to maintain a stable weight for several months before undergoing excess skin removal surgery.1
Benefits of Excess Skin Removal Surgery
People opt for this surgery for many reasons, including improving their self-confidence, relieving pain and discomfort, getting rid of skin folds prone to skin infections, and fitting into clothes better. Excess skin can cause a lack of confidence, physical discomfort, chafing, and irritation. Patients can enjoy increased comfort, mobility, and self-confidence by removing excess skin.
Here are a few of the benefits of excess skin removal surgery.
- Improved body shape: The procedure helps to remove excess skin, giving the body a more toned appearance.
- Enhanced self-confidence: By improving the appearance of the body, patients can experience an increase in self-confidence and a positive boost in self-esteem.
- Improved comfort: Excess skin can cause discomfort. By removing the excess skin, patients can experience increased comfort by eliminating chafing.
- Increased mobility: Loose, sagging skin can limit movement, especially in areas such as the arms and thighs. Excess skin removal surgery can help to restore mobility.
- Better hygiene: Excess skin folds can be difficult to keep clean, leading to an increased risk of skin infections. Patients can improve hygiene and reduce their risk of skin infections by removing excess skin.2
While excess skin removal surgery can provide many benefits, it isn’t a substitute for healthy lifestyle choices and weight management. Patients should maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity to help ensure optimal results and maintain the benefits of the procedure.
Factors To Consider Before Undergoing Excess Skin Removal
Excess skin removal surgery is a highly individualized procedure, so several factors help determine who’s a good candidate for the surgery. Generally, here are some of the factors to consider before undergoing the procedure.
- In good overall health: Patients should be in good physical health and free from conditions that could increase the risks involved with surgery or affect the healing process.
- At a stable weight: Patients should be at a stable weight they’re happy with and have maintained for at least six months, and they should be committed to maintaining it in the future.
- Realistic expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations about the results and understand that the surgery improves the body’s appearance but doesn’t make it “perfect.”
- Accepting of scars: Patients should understand that excess skin removal surgery may leave behind scars that are visible when they wear certain things.
- Accommodating schedule: Patients need to be prepared to take several weeks off following excess skin removal surgery to allow for proper healing and recovery.
During a consultation with a plastic surgeon, the surgeon will evaluate your overall health, skin elasticity, and the amount and location of excess skin to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure and help you understand what to expect.3
Life After Excess Skin Removal Surgery
Excess skin removal surgery can provide a wide range of benefits to patients struggling with the effects of excess skin. From improving self-confidence to relieving pain and discomfort, the procedure can help patients achieve their desired results and improve their quality of life.
However, potential patients should understand the procedure may result in visible scars, and recovery can take several weeks. With the proper preparation and care, excess skin removal surgery can help patients successfully improve their appearance and self-confidence.
