Transformative surgeries after weight loss: A comprehensive guide
Written in association with:
Plastic surgeon
Published: 28/02/2024
Edited by: Kate Forristal
Different individuals may have excess skin in various body areas based on how their tissues behave. As a result, excisional surgeries that remove loose tissues are often necessary. These surgeries may have technical names depending on the specific body part involved. An important addition is that, in certain instances, fat grafting to the face and breasts can elevate a satisfactory or good result to an excellent one. In his latest online article, Mr Sam Orkar gives us his insights into the different types of excisional surgeries after weight loss.
The different areas include:
Tummy area: This is commonly the area patients seek surgery for, known as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). The surgery can take different forms depending on the extent of excess skin: simple abdominoplasty, extended abdominoplasty, or a fleur-de-lys abdominoplasty with a vertical scar on the tummy and a transverse 'bikini scar.' Depending on the remaining fatty tissue after weight loss, any of the above can be combined with liposuction.
Breasts:
a) Women: Weight loss can lead to volume loss and droopiness in breasts. Surgical procedures may include breast enlargement, bilateral breast augmentation, breast uplift (mastopexy), a combination of uplift and enlargement (mastopexy-augmentation), and occasionally auto-augmentation using an individual's own tissue. Fat grafting can enhance volume and contour in specific areas.
b) Men: Weight gain may cause gynaecomastia ('man boobs'). Liposuction or excisional surgery, or a combination, may be required as 'man boobs' may persist even after weight loss.
Thighs: Thigh lift or reduction removes excess tissue from thighs, with variations depending on predominant areas. The scar is placed on the inside of the thigh and/or groin crease. Liposuction can be combined if there are areas of abnormal fatty deposits.
Arms: Excess tissue in the arms, often called bat or bingo wings, is addressed by arm reduction surgery. The scar is placed on the inside of the arm and/or armpit crease. Variations exist based on predominant excess tissue areas.
Face and neck: Excess skin from weight loss can age someone significantly. A full face and neck lift, along with fat grafting to the face, can address this. These may be combined with eyelid reduction surgery if necessary.
Trunk: Excess tissue in the trunk may extend beyond the abdomen. Circumferential or back excisional surgery, such as lower or upper circumferential body lift or belt lipectomy, may be required. Excisional surgery of back rolls can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures.
Buttocks: Auto-augmentation buttock lift utilises excess tissue to enhance projection. It's important to note that combination surgeries can be advantageous, considering an individual's overall health status and the duration of the surgeries.
Additionally, minor revisions or adjustment surgery are not uncommon after weight loss surgery due to the loss of skin elasticity, which may lead to minor asymmetries needing adjustment. More involving revisions may also be required over time.
Mr Sam Orkar is an esteemed plastic surgeon. You can schedule an appointment with Mr Orkar on his Top Doctors profile.