Excess Skin Following Weight Loss

Losing a considerable amount of weight is a huge accomplishment. But it can leave some patients feeling discouraged. The reason? Excess skin.

Weight loss, especially on a large scale, creates permanent changes to the skin of the abdomen. As we gain weight, our skin stretches. If we later lose that weight, the skin cannot always contract to our new size. This results in a deflated appearance. Beyond how it looks, excess skin can also be difficult to manage. It can lead to rashes and yeast infections in the folds. It can also make it harder to exercise or find the right clothes.

The Problem with Excess Skin

As a plastic surgeon with years of experience treating weight loss patients, I have observed a common theme. Instead of feeling happy with their new bodies, many of my weight loss patients tell me that they are having more trouble managing their bodies than before. Loose skin becomes a part of them that they are constantly trying to hide and tuck away. This has profound psychological effects. Some patients avoid looking in the mirror. Others even wind up feeling regret over losing the weight. My goal for all my patients is for them to be healthy and happy—and that means feeling better, not worse, after successful weight loss.

Abdominoplasty or “Tummy Tuck”

With a few exceptions, I recommend that my patients saddled with unwanted skin consider body contouring, or the surgical removal of excess skin. The most common type of body contouring is the abdominoplasty, better known as the “tummy tuck.” During a tummy tuck, I make an incision from hip to hip and remove excess skin. I will also tighten the abdominal muscles and reposition the belly button for a natural-looking result. Typically, the scar from the procedure will fall below the bikini line so it’s hidden by most clothes. The tummy tuck occurs under general anesthesia and often involves an overnight stay in our state-of-the-art facility. Full recovery takes six weeks, with gradually increasing activity up to that point.

Other Treatment Options

While the standard tummy tuck is appropriate for most patients, in cases where there is significant excess tissue, a fleur-de-lis procedure is an option. This procedure involves removal of tissue in the lower as well as the upper abdomen. While it allows for the removal of more skin, it also results in an additional scar that extends vertically above and below the belly button.

Additionally, many of my abdominoplasty patients benefit from follow-up liposuction, which helps in sculpting the waist. When skin from the upper abdomen is pulled down during a tummy tuck, it can create a lack of definition. Liposuction can help to reshape and contour the area to create a natural and aesthetically pleasing abdominal area.

Get In Touch

If you have undergone massive weight loss and now have excess skin you wish you didn’t, schedule a consultation with me, and let’s talk about your options and any questions you might have. I want all my patients to feel great about their bodies and weight loss accomplishments, so if you are struggling with excess skin, let’s work together to find a solution.