Loose skin removal surgery - is it feasible to undergo these procedures in a single surgical session?

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss. Typically these procedures need to be broken up based on time restrictions. The proximity of your incisions also play apart for optimal healing. For example- an abdominoplasty and thigh lift ideally should be spaced out as the incisions are close together and may impact healing. Different providers have different opinions, though, as well as different time restraints. You may also want to think bout recovering from all of these procedures at once vs. separating into 2 different surgeries- especially if you have other medical conditions that may put you at increased risk. Hope this helps.

Often a significant weight loss involving an abdominal "apron", significant hip/flank skin, and loose buttock areas will benefit from a "lower body lift", started in the prone (face-down) position, after which the patient is repositioned supine, and the recontouring continues around the hips to address the abdomen as well. A concomitant upper arm lift would be reasonable if the surgeon and anesthesiologist believes it to be safe (generally these procedures alone would take at least 8 hours), but I would recommend against all 4 extremities being addressed in the same session, safety/time-wise, and in consideration of the limitations in mobility and self-care post-op.

Congratulations on your incredible weight loss! Addressing loose skin after such a transformation is a significant step, and combining procedures can often be a feasible approach, depending on the amount of excess skin and overall surgical plan.

Typically, the extent of excess skin will determine the length and complexity of your surgery. I usually recommend the following staging options:

Option 1: Start with a body lift (which includes the tummy, hips, and buttocks) and combine it with an arm lift in the first stage. Then, in the second stage, focus on the thigh lift.

Option 2: Begin with the body lift and thigh lift in the first stage, then move on to an arm lift in the second stage. If you’re interested in breast or facial work, we can discuss incorporating those in the second stage as well.

These combinations balance maximizing results while ensuring your safety. By breaking up the procedures into two sessions, we can focus on specific areas and allow for a smoother recovery process. It's best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to develop a personalized approach that fits your unique needs and goals.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen