I lost 150lbs, which procedures can I use for excess skin? Also what costs are average MA?

Question

I have excessive skin on my arms, stomach, thighs, and sagging butt and breasts. Is a body lift my only choice? How much would it cost in MA?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your massive weight loss. The excess skin and fat you describe is very common after a 150 pound weight loss. I would suggest you undergo reconstructive plastic surgery after mass weight-loss.  Since you mentioned that your stomach, thighs, and buttocks bother you, I would suggest a 360 lower bodylift. This is often called a circumferential body lift or a belt lipectomy. Basically, the 360 lower bodylift removes skin and fat from the abdomen, lateral thighs, and buttocks. The  result is a flat abdomen, raised outer thighs, and a wrinkle free,  raised buttocks.Since you mentioned that your thighs bother you, I would suggest an inner thigh lift.  This is often called a medial thigh lift. Typically, the incision goes from the groin to the inner knee.  Since you mentioned that your arms and breasts bother you, I would suggest an arm lift or brachioplasty. Typically, the incision goes from the armpit to the elbow.  For the breast surgery, you probably need a mastopexy or breast lift. In addition if you want more fullness to your breasts, you may require a breast implant.Typically, the above surgeries are done in three separate surgeries. However sometimes the medial thigh lift and the 360 lower bodylift can be combined. This would reduce the number of surgeries and decreases your recover time.Since insurance is now required in America, many of these reconstructive plastic surgery procedures are covered by insurance plans. I would try to get insurance coverage to decrease the cost.I would not seek out the least expensive plastic surgeon. Rather, I would seek out the most experienced plastic surgeon. This will minimize your chances of complications.Good luck.

Kenneth Bermudez, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a variety of procedures available for patients who have undergone massive weight loss.There is a great article from NBC that describes different procedures.Take a look, I think it will be helpful.Ultimately, you need to see a ASPS board certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of these types of procedures to get specific answers for your problem.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This is very difficult to evaluate without pictures or an exam.Find a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of 
body contouring procedures each year.  Then look at the plastic 
surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who
 can deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

If you have lost 150 pounds and have excess skin, the only choice that will give you the results you want is body contouring by removing the excess skin.Listed below is a weblink on how to reduce risks of body lift surgery. The video also provides some background information.I prefer to use the Lockwood Technique which uses less tissue undermining and preserves blood supply to the tissues better than other techniques.As for costs, that is very hard to determine and depends on how many procedures you are doing.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Most plastic surgeons refer to a body lift as a circumferential body lift = belt lipectomy.  This procedure is essentially 3 procedures in one: extended tummy tuck + waist/lateral thigh lift + buttock lift (with the option of buttock augmentation).    Liposuction is commonly utilized as an adjunctive procedure if needed during a body lift.  Please visit with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to learn more about your options.Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

I lost 150lbs, which procedures can I use for excess skin? Also what costs are average MA?

Answers (8)

Answer: Procedures for excess skin

Answer: Procedures for excess skin

Answer: Body Lift

Answer: Body Lift

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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

I lost 150lbs, which procedures can I use for excess skin? Also what costs are average MA?

Answers (8)

Answer: Procedures for excess skin

Answer: Procedures for excess skin

Answer: Body Lift

Answer: Body Lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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