When Your Skin Is Dragging You Down: Body Lifting Procedures
Posted November 10, 2016 in Arm Lift Surgery, Belt Lipectomy, Facelift, Liposuction, Lower Body Lift, Neck Lift, Tummy Tuck
Many people who are unsatisfied with the appearance of their bodies decide to follow a weight-loss plan to achieve their goals. They may try to lose the weight on their own or undergo massive weight-loss procedures such as gastric bypass surgery. However, no matter the method, a person may successfully lose the weight but be left with unflattering hanging skin. If you have excess skin that is dragging your body down, you may want to take advantage of one or a combination of the body lifting procedures that we offer.
A Slimmer Abdomen and Sculpted Torso
The abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks are often left with excess skin and fat that are unresponsive to traditional weight-loss methods. By undergoing tummy tuck surgery, a lower body lift, or both (belt lipectomy), the appearance of the abdomen can become flatter and smoother and the torso slimmer and more defined.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is a commonly performed procedure to correct loose skin and tissue after pregnancy or to remove the sagging skin on individuals who have experienced significant weight loss. An incision is made from hipbone to hipbone above the pubic line to remove excess skin and fat. Through the incision, excess skin is removed, and the abdominal muscles are tightened using sutures. The remaining skin is redraped across a flatter, more toned abdomen.
Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift addresses the lower backside of the body by resculpting the outer thighs and buttocks. An incision is made in the buttocks region and outer thighs. Through the incision, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. Sutures are used to close the incisions and are covered with bandages.
Belt Lipectomy
A belt lipectomy helps to correct excess fatty tissue and loose, sagging skin along the mid and lower body. The procedure involves the combination of a tummy tuck and a lower body lift. Incisions will be made from hipbone to hipbone across the lower waistline and over the buttocks and outer thighs. Excess fat and skin are removed, and the remaining skin is redraped over the contours and sutured closed. Patients will notice a firmer, better-contoured lower body.
Better-Contoured Arms and a Youthful Face
When analyzing the body after weight loss from the waist up, the arms often have excess skin and are unflattering to the rest of the body. Additionally, the face may be affected; specifically, the neck may have excess hanging skin that causes a person to look old and worn out. Different procedures can be performed to help a person achieve a more toned upper body and youthful face.
Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lift surgery is performed to target excessive skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow. Depending on the extent of excess skin to be removed and the location, Dr. Cohn will determine the length and pattern of the incision based on the individual. Skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is secured into place using skin adhesives or sutures.
Neck Lift Surgery
Many people develop a “turkey wattle” or “neck bands” due to the loose skin around the neck caused by weight loss and aging. A neck lift is performed (often combined with a facelift) to correct excess skin and loose neck muscles. A small incision is made under the chin through which the neck muscles are tightened and any excess fat is removed.
Removing the Last Few Inches
Many massive weight-loss patients who decide to undergo a body lift procedure to correct sagging skin and tissue also undergo liposuction to target their last few stubborn pockets of fat. Using a narrow metal tube (cannula), Dr. Cohn can facilitate the removal of fat cells. Liposuction can be performed anywhere on the body with unwanted fat. Patients can get rid of any remaining inches of fat to meet their overall body goals.
Although many people associate body contouring with female patients, the number of men undergoing these types of procedures is continually increasing. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) can provide you with all the information you need about liposuction and body contouring for men.
To learn more about our body contouring procedures, schedule your consultation with Dr. Cohn today! He is a board-certified plastic surgeon who can design a personalized surgery plan for you. Contact us by calling (205) 590-9900 or by filling out our online contact form.