Losing a significant amount of weight, whether through surgical or traditional methods, is a tremendous accomplishment. Unfortunately, people are often disappointed by the less-than-sleek appearance caused by the excess skin and tissue that remains on their bodies following massive weight loss. To help you achieve the smooth, slim body you deserve after all your hard work, our surgeons provide post-bariatric plastic surgery procedures, such as lower-body lift and thigh lift, at our Westchester-area offices.
A lower-body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, is a composite procedure that can address loose or overhanging skin on the abdomen, hips, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. By removing excess skin and small pockets of residual fat, the surgeon is able to sculpt this area of the body into a tighter, smoother shape.
The exact location of incisions for a lower-body lift depends on the specific areas that are to be tightened, but the doctor will take great care to place them where the resulting scars can be concealed by a bathing suit or underwear. When tightening the abdomen, incisions are usually made low across the front, just above the pubic area. Incisions for a buttock or thigh lift are typically hidden in the natural creases between the leg and torso.
Good candidates for a lower-body lift at our Westchester-area practice will have completed their weight loss and reached a stable, maintainable size. Female patients should postpone lower-body lift surgery if they are planning to become pregnant in the future. It is very important that the patient be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved through the procedure. Patients with skin that is strong and elastic will be more likely to achieve excellent results.
Because the amount of skin and tissue affected during a lower-body lift is extensive, it is important to allow adequate time for healing after the procedure. The surgeon discusses post-operative and recovery instructions with each patient during pre-surgical consultations.
Whether on its own or as a component of the lower-body lift, the thigh lift is a commonly performed post-bariatric plastic surgery procedure at our Westchester-area offices. This procedure is beneficial in cases where the excess skin is limited to the thigh area or for patients who have already undergone an abdominoplasty and would like to augment their results by sculpting the upper legs and hips.
Thigh lift incisions are normally made on the hip or along the creases between the leg and the front part of the torso. Scars will be present after healing, but will fade over time and can generally be concealed by underwear or a swimsuit.
Candidacy for thigh lift surgery at our Westchester-area practice is similar to that of other post-bariatric plastic surgery procedures. A patient should have reached their weight loss goals and transitioned into stable weight maintenance. Good overall health and adequate skin elasticity are also important.
Recovery from thigh lift surgery involves a period of restricted activity, followed by a gradual return to normal levels of exertion. Patients are provided with post-operative instructions by their surgeon, but the exact amount of time that it takes for the body to heal will vary from person to person. Final results of the surgery may not be visible for a period of several months.
In addition to the lower abdomen and thigh areas, one of the most common places on the body for excess skin to accumulate after significant weight loss is the upper arms. This excess skin can hang down when the arms are raised and prevent any muscle tone in the arm from being visible. Fortunately, this problem can be addressed through a post-bariatric plastic surgery procedure known as brachioplasty, or arm lift.
If the amount of skin to be removed is minimal, it may be possible to perform an arm lift through a single incision in the underarm area. However, sometimes it is necessary to place a longer incision along the inner portion of the upper arm. The scar from this incision will fade over time and will not be visible when the arms are resting at the sides.
A good candidate for arm lift surgery should be at a stable, healthy weight. The best results are achieved with skin that is reasonably strong and elastic. Good overall health is also important to ensure rapid healing and minimize the chances of complication.
Although an arm lift involves much smaller incisions and much less tissue removal than a procedure like the lower-body lift, it is still important to take time to heal. Certain activities should be avoided for a period of time after surgery, especially those that involve physical exertion or lifting the arms. The surgeon discusses all post-operative procedures with each patient prior to the day of the surgery.
If you are considering post-bariatric plastic surgery, or would like to know more about the lower body lift or thigh lift procedures, please contact our Westchester-area practice. We would be happy to schedule a consultation for you to discuss your post-bariatric plastic surgery options at Cosmetic Surgery Associates at Westchester.
If you are considering having a thigh lift, lower body lift, or other type of post-bariatric plastic surgery, please contact our Westchester-area office to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons.
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10 Chester Ave
White Plains NY 10601
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Mount Kisco NY 10549
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Carmel NY 10512
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