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

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.

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.

      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

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.

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

Based on the information provided and your areas of concern, I would suggest the following.A lower body lift which would correct your abdomen, sagging buttock and lateral thigh region. The incision goes where a tummy tuck incision would go, but continues around the back to the top of the buttock.the arms would get a brachioplasty, with the incision going from the armpit to the elbow region on the inner part of the arm. The breast would get lifted to remove the sag, and could be enhanced or reduced at the same time should you want it. These procedures can be done independent of each other or combined with a team approach with 2 surgeons. I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon who performs post bariatric plastic surgery frequently. Costs depend on which procedures you are doing and whether done in individual or combined procedures.

Body lift is not your only choice for removal of skin after massive weight loss. In fact, each person is different and the surgery can be tailored to the individual need of the patient. Body lift is  a very effective procedure for removing skin around the entire torso. It also helps lift the upper third of the thigh and buttock areas. However, you can do an abdominoplasty separately. Later, you can do a thigh or buttock lift. The excess skin of the back can likewise be treated in another operation. You should see a plastic surgeon to determine your surgical goals and the best way to get them. The costs of surgery vary from one place to another. There is no way to give you an estimation of cost without seeing you. Hope that helpsSaeed Marefat, MDArlington, VA

   Congratulations from losing your weight! Unfortunately, you do have the excess skin now, but this can be addresses with various procedures. If you do not have that much excess skin, then some non-surgical procedures will help. I am President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons.    The American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons has been established by plastic surgeons that specialize in body contouring surgery specifically for patients that have lost significant amounts of weight through non-surgical means such as diet or exercise or through the various bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass and lap band surgery. ASBPS's goal is to help these patients find an knowledgeable and experienced plastic surgeon to help them. Its members are all certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and most are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery or the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons.     We are a partner with Real Self and I recommend that you visit our website for further information as well as a member plastic surgeon in your area.