According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts and other procedures linked to massive weight loss were more popular in 2014 than ever before. ASPS President Scot Glasberg believes there is a correlation between weight loss surgery and the growth of these procedures.
Let’s look at the numbers: In 2013, nearly 179,000 Americans had weight loss surgery (gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and other procedures). Lower body lifts increased by 7 percent, tummy tucks and thigh lifts increased by 5 percent, and upper arm lifts increased by 3 percent from 2013 to 2014, according to ASPS numbers.
How Plastic Surgery Improves the Body’s Appearance after Weight Loss
The Plastic Surgery Group can understand why weight loss surgeries are fueling an increase in certain plastic surgery procedures. Bariatric surgery is a great tool for people struggling with obesity to lose weight and live healthier happier lives. However, rapid, substantial weight loss leaves behind loose skin. Someone that has lost a lot of weight will look smaller and thinner, but their skin usually does not shrink to tightly cover the new contours. This loose skin not only obscures the body’s beautiful new shape, but can also chafe and become irritated or infected easily.
The only solution to treating loose skin after massive weight loss is plastic surgery, an option that many weight loss surgery patients are choosing. The ASPS claims that one out of four weight loss surgery patients opt for cosmetic surgery.
Treatment Options
Tummy Tucks
A tummy tuck removes abdominal skin that has lost elasticity and will not shrink to cover the abdomen (the loose skin may accumulate to form a “pooch”). Tummy tuck also removes surplus fat deposits for a flatter and firmer abdominal profile. And, the procedure repairs damaged or possibly separated abdominal muscles.
Thigh Lifts
A thigh lift treats redundant, hanging skin from the thighs and tightens the remaining skin. Thigh lift includes liposuction of the inner thigh area. The legs look firmer and more toned after thigh lift.
Brachioplasty
An upper arm lift (brachioplasty) eliminates loose skin that hangs from the upper arms (elbow to armpit). Arm lift may also incorporate liposuction techniques to remove targeted fat deposits. Arm lift reveals a tighter and more toned arm contour.
Breast Lifts
A breast lift restores saggy breasts to a more attractive and youthful-looking position by eliminating loose skin and reshaping the breast tissue higher on the chest wall. A breast lift can reduce oversized areolas and correct downward-pointing nipples.
Learn More about Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring
If you have had weight loss surgery (or are planning your operation) and would like to explore your body contouring plastic surgery options, we can provide more information during a consultation. Call (973) 233-1933 to make an appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
