Best Method for Surgeries After Weight Loss?

I am african-american female, 35, post lap band, lost 95lbs and lead a very active lifestyle that includes running, spinning and weight training about 5X a week. I am seeking a breast lift, thigh lift and tummy tuck. As a surgeon, how would you go about these surgeries? I went to one consultation and the surgeon suggested smart lipo on the thighs and then 3 months later going back in to remove the excess skin. Would you recommend this strategy?

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jasmine77

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Staging multiple procedures effectively...

Dear Jasmine. You had mentioned in your question that you were thinking about a breast lift, thigh lift and tummy tuck. It is a bit difficult for me to answer these questions without photos. If your legs are mild to moderate, you may go ahead with a straight thigh lift, probably with an incision from the groin to the inner knee. If your thighs are a little bit more severe, you may require liposuction approximately three months later. I would... more

Multiple surgeries required after massive weight loss

If the patient wants multiple procedures done (including a breast lift, thigh lift and tummy tuck) I usually do the breast lift first. It is technically easier because the breast lift is not opposed by the tightened abdominal skin after tummy tuck. After the breast lift, I would consider doing the abdominoplasty. If you have lost weight, certainly keeping the weight off is a concern for you. An abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement has been shown to be effective in... more

Surgical Treatment

I'm sorry, but it is impossible to make any recommendations for surgical treatment without a formal physical exam. the procedures you are seeking seem reasonable. But only after a consultation can anyone give you medical/surgical recommendations. Please see a board certified PS to learn more about your options. Best of luck. Dr. Basu Houston, TX

Timing of surgery after weight loss

First consideration is what bothers you the most. All other things equal, I would favor doing the breast lift and tummy tuck. I don't have photos to look at , but I find that in some patients the TT tightening yields some tightening to the inner thighs, occasionally giving enough improvement that more is not needed. Also, surgeon and patient get to see what the scars look like in these hidden areas before committing to scars on the legs that are not easily hidden in summer wear. The odd... more

Forget the smart lipo

If you are near your ideal weight, or you BMI is below 30, you may be a good candidate for skin removal surgery, such as a tummy tuck or breast lift. Go see a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about what will help you. I doubt laser lipo will do you any good - unless you are still too overweight and have a lot of fat. Go get an in person consultation to help you out.

Tummy tuck and breast lift usually done together.

Hi. That's the most common combination because those are the things that bother the patient the most. Thigh surgery should be done several months later. The plan you mention does not sound good.

Surgery after weight loss

The order of surgeries depend on what bothers you most. In general Medial thigh lift and tummy tuck in one surgery. If you need a circuferential lift then may have to consider that. If you need a small amount of liposuction I may do it at that time. Breast lift, with or without implants in another session.