Best procedure for eliminating loose skin around pecs and flanks for male? (Photo)

Question

Lost 30lbs in 3 mos. & now have little fat remaining & am left with loose skin. Based on my photos, would I be a candidate for a non-surgical procedure (i.e. Exilis, Morpheus8, laser, etc.) or would the excess skin removal be more effective with gyno surgery for the anterior and lateral pecs and panniculectomy or abdominoplasty for the waist and flank areas? I will be undergoing laparoscopic DR & umbilical hernia repair, so wondering if these cosmetic issues can be addressed then.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss!  An in person evaluation is always recommended but based on the degree of skin laxity you are a better candidate to have the skin surgically excised.  You may see some improvement with the other treatments but will likely have the best overall contour and result with excision.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss achievement. Addressing loose skin after significant weight loss is a common concern, and there are several options to consider based on your specific situation and goals.

Non-Surgical Options: Treatments like Exilis, Morpheus8, and various laser therapies can be effective for mild to moderate skin tightening. These procedures typically work by stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity. They are non-invasive with minimal downtime, but results can be subtle and may require multiple sessions.

Surgical Options: Given your description of loose skin around the pecs and flanks, surgical procedures might provide a more definitive solution:

Gynecomastia Surgery: If there is excess glandular tissue or skin around the chest area, gynecomastia surgery could be beneficial. This procedure can remove excess tissue and tighten the skin for a more contoured appearance.
Panniculectomy or Abdominoplasty: These procedures are more extensive and involve the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen and flanks. An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) also includes tightening of the abdominal muscles, which could complement your planned diastasis recti (DR) repair.
Combining Procedures: Since you are already planning to undergo laparoscopic DR and umbilical hernia repair, it might be possible to address some of the cosmetic concerns simultaneously, depending on your surgeon's assessment and expertise. Combining procedures can be advantageous in reducing overall recovery time and anesthesia exposure.

It's crucial to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your photos and physical condition, discuss your goals, and recommend the best approach. They can also coordinate with your general surgeon to explore the feasibility of combining procedures safely.

Best procedure for eliminating loose skin around pecs and flanks for male? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

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Best procedure for eliminating loose skin around pecs and flanks for male? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.