After Weight Loss

Understanding Plastic Surgery After Massive Weight Loss: Losing a significant amount of weight is a big accomplishment, but it can leave behind excess skin and tissue that can cause discomfort and even medical issues like infection and skin rashes. Luckily, plastic surgery can help you get rid of this extra skin and not only improve your appearance but also prevent medical complications. 

At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, our skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg, has years of experience and provides multiple procedures, including body contouring, arm lifts, and thigh lifts, that can remove excess skin and tissue to help you look and feel better.

It’s important to note that post-weight loss plastic surgery is a complex and specialized field, and not all plastic surgeons are qualified to handle these procedures. If you’re considering plastic surgery after massive weight loss in New York, NY, please don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you achieve the body you’ve dreamed of!

Finding The Right Procedure

There are many plastic surgery procedures you can undergo to treat the excess skin and sagging tissues after a massive weight loss. Some of the options available include the following.

Excess Skin Removal Surgeries on the abdomen & back

The most common plastic surgery procedures for massive weight loss patients involve the removal of excess skin from the abdomen, back, arms, thighs, and breasts. Below are some common procedures that are done;

Lower body lift

A lower body lift removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips, and buttocks. It tightens the remaining skin and tissue to provide a smoother and firmer contour. The benefits of this procedure include a more proportionate appearance and improved mobility. To minimize scarring, the incisions are placed low on the abdomen, and the incision is closed using several layers of sutures.

Upper body lift

An upper body lift focuses on the upper torso, including the back, chest, and arms. It removes excess skin and fat from the back, arms, and chest, resulting in a more toned and contoured appearance. The benefits of this procedure include a more youthful appearance and improved confidence. The incisions are made along the bra line, and the surgical technique used to minimize scarring involves closing the incisions in multiple layers.

• Total body lift

A total body lift combines both upper and lower body lift procedures to provide comprehensive body contouring for a massive weight loss patient. The benefits of this procedure include a more proportionate and toned appearance. The surgical technique used to minimize scarring involves placing incisions strategically to allow for the maximum amount of tissue removal while minimizing visible scars. The incisions are closed using several layers of sutures.

Tummy tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightens the underlying muscles to achieve a flatter and more toned tummy. The benefits of this procedure include improved posture and relief from skin irritation. The surgical technique used to minimize scarring involves placing the incision low on the abdomen, which is closed using several layers of sutures.

Panniculectomy

A panniculectomy removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, particularly the pannus, which is the hanging apron of skin that often develops after major weight loss. The benefits of this procedure include relief from skin irritation and improved mobility. The surgical technique used to minimize scarring involves placing the incision low on the abdomen, and the incision is closed using several layers of sutures.

Arms & Thighs Excess Skin Removal

Arm lift

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and fat from the upper arms, resulting in a more toned and youthful look. This surgery provides advantages such as increased confidence and mobility. The surgical approach used to reduce scarring involves making an incision along the inner arm and closing it with multiple layers of sutures.

Thighs lift

A thigh lift eliminates extra skin and fat from the thighs, leaving the lower body smoother and more sculpted. This surgery has several advantages, including a more proportional look and increased mobility. The surgical approach used to reduce scarring involves making an incision in the groin and closing it with multiple layers of sutures.

Breast Surgeries

Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and firms the breasts by removing extra skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. The nipples and areolas can also be repositioned for a more youthful appearance with this surgery. This operation has several advantages, including enhanced breast form and contour, as well as increased confidence. In order to minimize scarring, incisions are made around the areola and vertically along the breast. Many layers of sutures are used to seal the wound.

Breast reduction

A breast reduction, also known as a reduction mammoplasty, involves the removal of extra breast tissue and skin to obtain a more proportional breast size and form. This technique provides pain alleviation in the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as better posture and mobility. To minimize scarring, incisions are made around the areola, vertically down the breast, and along the breast crease. Many layers of sutures are used to seal the wound.

Recovery

The recovery process after post-massive weight loss plastic surgery will vary based on the procedure chosen. Patients should understand that proper postoperative care is essential to ensure a safe and successful recovery.

Let’s go through the recovery process of each of the procedures discussed above

Abdomen & Back Excess Skin Removal

After surgeries like lower body lift, upper body lift, total body lift, tummy tuck, and panniculectomy, patients can expect discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients should rest during the first few weeks and avoid strenuous activities. Follow postoperative instructions, such as wearing compression garments, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding smoking or alcohol consumption.

Excess Skin Removal Surgeries on the Arms & Thighs

After surgeries like arm lifts and thigh lifts, patients can expect discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients should rest during the first few weeks and avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous activities. Gradually resume normal routine as they heal.

Breast Surgeries

After surgeries like breast lift and breast reduction, patients can expect discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients should avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous activities during the initial recovery period. Follow postoperative instructions, such as wearing a surgical bra, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding smoking or alcohol consumption.

In general, patients can take around two weeks off work to recover from any of these procedures. It’s important to have someone to assist during the initial recovery period and follow postoperative instructions to ensure a safe and successful recovery.

Cost

The cost of cosmetic surgery after massive weight loss will depend on the procedure chosen, the extent of surgery required, and the patient’s unique needs. The price range of procedures to address excess skin and tissue after weight loss will vary between $8,000 and $45,000. This wide range is based on the number of procedures, surgery time and complexity, anesthesia, facility fees, and more.

At Greenberg Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, we understand that cosmetic surgery after massive weight loss can be a significant investment. We offer financing options to help make the surgery more affordable for our patients. Patients can choose from a variety of payment plans, including financing through third-party financing companies like CareCredit which offers low-interest rates and flexible payment options.

While cost is an important consideration when deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery after major weight loss, it should not be the primary factor. Patients should also consider their overall health, goals, and well-being when making this decision. Our team of experienced plastic surgeons can help patients understand the cost of the procedure they are considering and work with them to develop a treatment plan that meets their needs and budget.

Ideal Candidate

Although plastic surgery after significant weight loss can be a transformative experience for individuals dealing with excess skin and tissue, it may not be suitable for everyone

At Greenberg Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, we assess various factors to determine if a patient is suitable for surgery after massive weight loss. These factors include:

Expertise & Compassion

We are dedicated to providing exceptional plastic surgery care with a focus on expertise and compassion. Our team is led by Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 28 years of experience in the field.

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a highly acclaimed plastic surgeon who holds dual board certifications and operates from multiple locations in Southampton, Smithtown, Woodbury, Scarsdale, New York City, Princeton, and Boca Raton.

As a prominent figure in the beauty industry, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg is an award-winning celebrity plastic surgeon and the founder and medical director. He has been a trailblazer in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery for over 28 years, catering to the needs of a diverse range of patients – from Hollywood A-listers to common folks – with equal attentiveness.

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg has earned a solid reputation for his use of advanced and sophisticated surgical techniques. He has performed numerous procedures, from full body lifts and breast augmentation to rhinoplasty, vaginal rejuvenation, and injectable treatments.

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg believes in incorporating state-of-the-art technology with modern surgical procedures to achieve optimal results. He is an icon in the world of cosmetic enhancement and correction, and his expertise has helped countless individuals achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes.

Dr. Jason M. Weissler

Jason M. Weissler, M.D. completed his plastic surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, which is considered the best hospital in the world. He gained extensive experience in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, working alongside leading experts in the field. Dr. Weissler gained experience in face, eye, and neck lift procedures, facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, breast surgery, and body contouring. He attended George Washington University’s combined B.S./M.D. Early Selection Program, where he earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees. Dr. Weissler also completed a one-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at The University of Pennsylvania Division of Plastic Surgery and published numerous articles in plastic surgery’s leading scientific journals. He is continually recognized for his academic achievements, research, and sophisticated surgical training, having authored over 45 peer-reviewed research publications in respected journals. Dr. Weissler’s philosophy is placing his patient needs first and delivering the highest quality care through the latest and most advanced techniques, with a mission to provide exceptional care to meet each patient’s diverse needs and recapture the beauty of self-confidence by providing quality and natural results.

Dr. Stephanie A. Cooper

Stephanie A. Cooper, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery with a focus on breast reconstruction. Her philosophy is to offer a wide spectrum of plastic surgery procedures, from abdominoplasty and liposuction to post-bariatric body procedures and skin removal, as well as facial surgery. Dr. Cooper earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Rochester and her graduate degree in Psychology/Physio-psychology with the highest honors from New York University. She graduated in the top 10% of her class from the University of Guadalajara and completed her medical certification with a Fifth Pathway Certificate from the New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Cooper furthered her training with residencies in surgical pathology, head and neck surgery, and plastic surgery and burns. She has participated in The India Project, performing reconstructive surgery to correct congenital anomalies, which received a Nobel Prize nomination in 2001. Dr. Cooper is a member of several professional organizations and has served on various boards.

Consultation Process:

We believe that a successful treatment plan begins with a comprehensive consultation. During your initial consultation with Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg, he will take the time to listen to your concerns and goals and evaluate your needs. This process ensures we can provide you with a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

During the process, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg works closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan that meets their goals. He will take the time to explain all available treatment options, including the benefits and risks associated with each option, to help you make an informed decision about your care.

We understand that surgery can be a big decision, and we want our patients to feel comfortable and confident. Our team strives to create a warm and supportive environment where patients can ask questions and receive the information they need to make a learned decision about their care. We believe this open and honest dialogue is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Benefits

Undergoing plastic surgery after major weight loss can provide many benefits for patients who are looking to improve their appearance and overall quality of life. Some of the key benefits of this procedure include:

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