After achieving extreme weight loss, many people are left with another mountain to climb – loose, hanging skin. Excess skin can be difficult to keep dry and clean, and can make normal daily activities physically uncomfortable. Emotionally, it can be discouraging and frustrating to not obtain the final results you deserve.
If you are troubled by an abundance of excess skin, particularly after gastric bypass or other bariatric surgery, you may be ready to learn about the latest ways to say goodbye to saggy skin. With years of experience performing extensive skin tightening surgery and specialized post-bariatric treatments in the Manhattan area, Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S can support you through this last stage of your weight loss journey.
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Diet and Exercise
If you have achieved substantial weight loss, you are probably already committed to a healthy diet and proper exercise program. The problem isn’t your weight, though; it’s the excess skin that is still hanging around. Because your skin was previously stretched beyond its original shape and size, it may have lost some elasticity, or stretchiness.
Some studies have shown that certain supplements – including gelatin, selenium, zinc, and vitamin C – can help improve skin elasticity. Although supplements seem natural, harmful drug interactions or side effects could occur. You should talk with your physician before starting any new supplements.
Body Contouring
When diet and exercise simply aren’t enough, many patients seek cosmetic treatments to address their excess skin. Special lasers can treat smaller areas by encouraging collagen production, which helps the skin appear smoother and tighter. When you have a lot of hanging skin, however, laser treatments may not provide the results you are looking for.
For large, stubborn areas of excess skin, several plastic surgery techniques can reshape and revitalize your body after extreme weight loss, including:
- Breast lift to raise and reshape sagging breasts
- Arm lift to remove loose, hanging skin on the upper arms
- Facelift to remove excess skin from the lower face and the neck
- Thigh lift to remove drooping, wrinkling skin on the thighs and buttocks
- Tummy tuck to tighten the skin and muscles of the abdomen
- Full body lift to remove excess skin from several areas of the body
Because body contouring procedures remove excess skin as well as tighten the tissues under your skin, these procedures are incredibly effective at restoring the contours you desire.
Full Body Lift & Post-Bariatric Surgery
The most common post-weight loss cosmetic surgery, a full body lift removes extra skin and fat from the belly, hips, buttocks, back, and outer thighs. A full body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, lifts and smooths the contours of the entire body for dramatic, life-long results.
Generally, candidates for a full body lift are people who have lost a great deal of weight, usually 60 pounds and over. Our specialized surgical team has performed countless post-bariatric surgical procedures, including treatment on patients who had lost 100 pounds or more.
Learn More about Skin Tightening Procedures
If you have lost over 60 pounds and your weight has stabilized, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S. Our highly skilled and experienced team is dedicated to providing a comfortable, positive experience that rewards you with the amazing body you have worked so hard to achieve.