Benefits of Excess Skin Removal After Massive Weight Loss

If you are someone who has triumphed over a considerable weight loss challenge, if you are presently wading through the difficult journey to a lighter self, or perhaps, you are perusing this piece, primed to start your fight against those unwanted pounds, seeking some inspiration – whoever you are at this moment and whatever your incentive for wanting to achieve a healthier weight, understand that we, at Centre for Surgery, stand ready to support you. We are your allies in this endeavour.

RELATED: Skin Removal After Weight Loss – The Top 4 Plastic Surgery Procedures

It is not a secret that any weight loss journey, irrespective of the magnitude, whether you are targeting a reduction of 3 kilograms or a substantial 30 kilograms, can be an uphill battle. Striving to rid yourself of these pounds can command all your attention, as your mind becomes laser-focused on your weight, the numerical figures, and the constant pursuit of maintaining your progress. We comprehend this struggle from first-hand observation, having witnessed an array of our extraordinary patients surmount this very hurdle.

Fast forward six months or a year from now, your diligent attention to your weight loss goal could yield an unexpected consequence. Amid your determination to shed the weight, you might have overlooked the potential aftermath, specifically, the condition of your body after such a drastic transformation. One unforeseen consequence might be the residual skin following your significant weight loss.

Indeed, you might have been prepared for minor sagging in certain areas, something you surmised could be rectified with rigorous weight training. However, the volume of excess skin that emerged might be more than you bargained for, to an extent that it interferes with your comfort in your chosen attire.

However, it’s important to emphasise that it’s entirely alright! You’ve accomplished the demanding task of weight loss! You’ve navigated the most challenging part of the journey, and at this juncture, it’s our turn to extend our expertise and assist you in addressing the remaining issues.

What is Excess Skin Removal Surgery?

If you’ve journeyed far enough into your weight loss quest, excess skin removal surgery might be a term you’ve come across or even proactively sought information about. It’s worth noting, though, that there can occasionally be some ambiguity surrounding the precise meaning of this term.

Initially, it’s important to acknowledge that there exists a vast array of skin removal surgeries. We’ll aim to provide a concise outline of the most prevalent ones in this discussion. However, another crucial point we want to underscore is that skin removal surgery isn’t exclusively a procedure to eliminate loose skin.

Indeed, excess skin removal interventions do eliminate extra skin; however, they also serve to reshape and sculpt the body. Thus, post-procedure, you’ll find that not only have you shed the excess skin, but your overall physique has been aesthetically enhanced. This means a balanced appearance where your waistline harmoniously aligns with your sculpted hips and slender thighs.

To illustrate what we mean, consider this common query we receive from our patients: what is the difference between a panniculectomy and a tummy tuck? The former is a surgical procedure solely focused on the removal of surplus skin; it doesn’t involve any sculpting, contouring, reshaping, or elimination of excess fat.

Following a significant weight loss, the region most commonly burdened with surplus skin is the area beneath the belly button. This excess skin is referred to as the pannus, and a panniculectomy essentially excises this pannus. Often, this procedure is carried out to enable individuals to dress more comfortably and to prevent issues such as skin infections or rashes resulting from excess skin.

Contrarily, a tummy tuck procedure involves not only the removal of excess skin from the abdominal area but also its tightening. Moreover, any potential damage inflicted upon the abdominal wall muscles (also known as rectus diastasis) is repaired, revealing a smoother, tighter, and more firm abdomen – essentially, the result you had envisioned post weight loss.

Therefore, the key message to understand here is that excess skin removal surgeries are, in essence, body contouring procedures. They address not only the excess skin following weight loss but also several other physical changes that your body has undergone due to the weight loss.

Types of Excess Skin Removal Surgeries

There’s an array of excess skin removal surgeries available to address various parts of the body. One of the most recognized procedures is the tummy tuck, which we’ve already delved into. Other common procedures include the breast lift, chest lift (specifically for men), arm lift,  thigh lift, buttock lift, bra line lift, lower back lift, upper body lift and the all-encompassing lower body lift (also known as a circumferential body lift), and the extended abdominoplasty.

RELATED: Labiaplasty & Vaginal Tightening After Massive Weight Loss

Essentially, for each part of your body, there is a corresponding excess skin removal surgery. We omitted it earlier, but even a facelift falls under the category of excess skin removal procedures. Following significant weight loss, some patients are often recommended for a facelift.

You might wonder why many of these procedures end with the term ‘lift’. To provide some clarity, let’s consider the buttock lift as an illustration. You could perceive the buttock lift as the inverse of a tummy tuck. In this procedure, your surgeon removes surplus skin located on your lower back or just above your buttocks. This removal allows the surgeon to elevate your buttocks to their rightful position, preventing sagging, while concurrently enhancing its firmness and shape.

RELATED: How to get rid of saggy buttocks

This ‘lift’ concept is universally applied to various areas of your body, including arms and breasts, depending on your personal objectives and needs.

Lastly, we wish to delve a bit into the extended abdominoplasty since it might be a less familiar procedure. At Centre for Surgery in London, our plastic surgeons have significantly contributed to the development of this technique. The extended abdominoplasty is unique due to its 270-degree lift, compared to the full circular, or 360-degree lift, performed in a lower body lift. Essentially, the extended abdominoplasty is an extension of a tummy tuck that wraps 3/4 around your back. This technique lifts the lateral thigh and buttock and reshapes the flank and hip with fewer complications than a lower body lift, resulting in an impressively sculpted body. A fascinating technique, indeed!

How Much Does Excess Skin Removal Surgery Cost?

The cost of excess skin removal surgery can fluctuate significantly, depending on various factors. The primary determinant is the specific type of skin removal surgery you are considering. Additionally, the cost may vary if you opt for a combined procedure.

Therefore, prices for these surgeries can differ notably across the UK. For instance, in London, the starting price for a breast lift is approximately £6500, while an arm lift or thigh lift usually starts at £7000.

It’s important to note that these are broad estimations. We fully comprehend the necessity for a precise cost estimate of the surgery. However, due to the unique requirements and conditions of each individual, it’s impossible to provide definitive quotes without a personal consultation and a comprehensive assessment of the surgery or combined procedure that would yield the most satisfactory results for you.

Here’s what you need to know: at Centre for Surgery, we take great pleasure in meeting new patients, regardless of whether they eventually choose to undergo surgery or are simply seeking information to make an informed decision. Consultations are always conducted with the surgeon who will perform your procedure. Our fundamental aim is to assist you in achieving your desired goals.

Excess skin removal surgery at Centre for Surgery

Choosing Centre for Surgery for your excess skin removal surgery comes with numerous advantages. Here’s why you should consider us for your surgical needs:

1. Expertise: Our team consists of highly skilled, specialist plastic surgeons with extensive experience in body contouring and excess skin removal procedures. They have helped countless patients to regain their confidence by improving their body shape and appearance.
2. Personalised Care: We recognise that every patient’s body and goals are unique. Our specialists ensure that you receive personalised care, with a treatment plan designed specifically for you. This bespoke approach helps to ensure the best possible outcomes.
3. State-of-the-art Facilities: Our Baker Street clinic is equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and adheres to the highest standards of patient safety and comfort. This ensures that our patients receive top-notch care in a safe, secure environment.
4. Holistic Approach: At Centre for Surgery, we believe in a holistic approach to patient care. We not only focus on the surgical procedure but also consider the overall health and wellbeing of our patients. This involves providing support and guidance throughout the recovery process.
5. Transparent Pricing: We understand that cost is a significant factor when considering surgery. We strive to provide clear, comprehensive price information from the outset, without hidden fees or unexpected costs.
6. Patient Satisfaction: Our dedication to patient care is reflected in our high satisfaction ratings. We pride ourselves on our exceptional postoperative care and support, with our team available to address any concerns or queries at any point during the recovery process.
7. Educative Consultations: Our consultations are always conducted by the surgeon who will perform the procedure. This gives you a chance to have a direct dialogue with your surgeon, to ask any questions, and to get all the information you need to make the right decision.

At Centre for Surgery, we’re not just about delivering outstanding surgical results; we’re also committed to ensuring that every step of your journey with us is as comfortable, supportive, and reassuring as possible. We’re here to help you reach your body goals and improve your quality of life.