Temecula Plastic Surgeons

After Massive Weight Loss My Arms Need Help, am I an Arm Lift Candidate? (photo)

Hi, my skin was damaged after gaining and loosing about 140lb 10 years. I have stretch marks down my upper arms and the skin is loose, causing it to ripple when I flex my arms. Please let me know if you think an arm lift would help improve the appearnace of my upper arms, specifically: would it remove the loose skin present and any of the stretch marks? Thanks.

Thank you for the question and pictures.

You should be very proud of your significant weight loss;  unfortunately, patients who have lost this much weight tend to have “loose skin”  that is a constant reminder of where they have been.

I think you may be an excellent candidate for arm lifting surgery. Arm lifting is an great procedure to improve the contour of the arms and remove  redundant skin and adipose tissue;  the downside is a relatively high rate of unsatisfactory scarring and the need for revisionary surgery.

It may behoove you to visit with well experienced  board certified plastic surgeons.

Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

I Have Lumbar Pain and Spurs on Discs, Will a Reduction Ease The Pain?

Am I Crazy Considering a Breast Reduction? Aged 52, I Am 36K and 5"2" in Height I Weigh 180 in height and roughly 160lbs. I have a lot of lumbar pain also spurs on 2 discs on my neck, will this operation help both my self esteem and neck and back pain.

Thank you for the question.

No you are not “crazy” to consider breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations were performed ( in all age groups).  It does help patients who are suffering from breast hypertrophy related symptoms (both physical and psychological).  Generally, most patients with breast hypertrophy saw from from upper spine, neck, shoulder discomfort etc.

You should be aware however that symptoms  that are related to anatomic  anomalies  (for example disk disease)  not necessarily improve after breast reduction surgery. For these symptoms it would be best to consult with spine specialists.  Once these concerns have been fully evaluated/treated,  in person consultation with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon may be helpful to you.

Generally, the most common “complaint” heard after breast reduction surgery is “I wish I had done this earlier”.

Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Should I Get a Tummy Tuck if I Never Worked out to Try to Get Rid of It?

I have had weight loss surgery and lost 75lbs recently and I haven't really worked out 100% like I know I should. However, regardless of this, I have always had a big stomach whether I am heavy or thin it has always been big. Now 2 kids and 2 c-sections later, it just hangs and I hate it. I have about 23lbs to lost to get to goal, when shoudl I get a tummy tuck?

Thank you for the question. Congratulations on your significant weight loss.

Ideally, you will be able to  reach your long term goal weight prior to undergoing the tummy tuck operation. After pregnancies and significant weight loss it is very likely that you will be a good candidate. Patients in your situation often see no significant improvement in the appearance of their abdomen despite rigorous exercise.

I would suggest that you consult with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons when the time is right for you. Make sure you discuss your goals carefully so that an appropriate operation can be designed.  Sometimes patients opt to undergo tummy tuck surgery;  sometimes patients preferred to undergo lower body lifting to achieve their goals.

I hope this helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon