Nearly everyone knows that there are multiple benefits to weight loss—both inside and out—from improved cardiovascular health to more attractive proportions and an improved self-image. What you may not know is that anybody (indeed, any “body”) who experiences weight loss, whether it’s from liposuction, gastric bypass, or good old-fashioned diet and exercise, might very well find themselves left with excess skin that simply won’t retract. Whether it’s a little or a lot, we’ve got the inside scoop on the solutions you’re looking for.
Big or small, we know that losing fat can create some unpleasant side effects. Most patients seeking out weight-loss solutions fall into the “average” category. They’ve gained an extra 15% to 20% body fat and when they lose it, they’re left with little pesky reminders: the tummy pooch that hangs out over the yoga pants in plank position or the skin that slouches under the derrière. Before you run to a surgeon, or give up entirely on any hope of every reclaiming your body, note that the general rule of thumb is to wait at least 12 months after you’ve achieved your ideal weight loss to determine a course of treatment. Why? Because depending on the elasticity of your skin, it could do a very good job all on it’s own of retracting. This usually depends on your age and the quality of your skin. The younger you are, the more likely you are to have a good amount of elastin in the skin, which increases your skin’s chances of bounce-back. If your skin is paper thin, it’s less likely to contract as effectively as a thicker skin.
If you find yourself 12 months out with loose skin remaining, your best bet is professional treatment. A mini tummy tuck can trim the excess without major downtime and a little buttock nip and tuck can put your tush back in place.
For those with massive weight loss (we’re talking 100+ lbs.), the not-so-welcome side effect is often unsightly, physically uncomfortable, rash-inducing skin flaps in the abdominal area, under the arms (“bat wings”), and the buttocks down through the thighs. While a person with healthy skin elasticity and youth on their side may have some natural skin contraction, the only real solution for these fat-loss leftovers is plastic surgery.
Whether it’s a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), arm surgery (brachioplasty), or a thigh or lower body lift, it is possible to achieve a tight and toned look—an apt reward after all the weight loss work!
On the small and pesky end of the spectrum it’s not so much about the slouch as it is the wrinkles frequently seen on the elbows and knees or a little laxity under the arms. These are easy fixes.
Tightening up minimally loose skin that causes wrinkling can be achieved with the power of radiofrequency (RF) energy. Your doctor may carry Exilis, Accent, or other RF device designed to smooth and contour your body parts.
Ready to take the step to fine tune your curves after all that weight loss work? We can help! Trust the experts to guide you... Find a doctor on Liposuction.com today!