Male body lift: what is the best way to set up a plan to remove excess skin after weight loss?

Question

Hi, I hope you’re well! I am a 24 yo male, was obese most of my childhood, lost a lot of weight (over 140lbs) with diet and exercise, very healthy now. I do have some excess skin - not very extreme. Would it be best to split up the skin removal in 2 surgeries? Is it possible to do arms, chest, and abdomen/above groin in the 1st surgery and back and inner thighs in the 2nd surgery? How many hours for surgeries? General anesthesia with intubation? Safer without muscle tightening? Thanks!

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. I usually split these surgeries in two or three sessions. The upper body is done in one sessions  and the lower body in one or two sessions. At your age, however, you would need a careful assessment of what surgeries you really need. Some skin tightening can also happen with non surgical treatments like Thermitight or BodyTite. Please find an experienced Board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss and commitment to a healthier lifestyle! As for your question, it's best to discuss the specifics of your case with a board-certified plastic surgeon, as they can provide you with personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and goals. However, I can provide some general information that may be helpful to you.

It's common for patients with excess skin after significant weight loss to undergo multiple surgeries to remove the excess skin, with different areas addressed in each surgery. The decision to split up the surgeries will depend on the extent of your excess skin and your overall health. Your surgeon will evaluate your individual case and provide a recommendation on the timing of the surgeries and which areas to address in each surgery.

The length of the surgery will depend on the extent of the procedure being performed, as well as the individual surgeon's technique and experience. Generally, skin removal surgeries can range from 2 to 8 hours, but your surgeon will be able to give you a more accurate estimate after evaluating your individual case.

Regarding anesthesia, general anesthesia is typically used for skin removal surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the anesthesia options with you and provide you with information on the potential risks and benefits of each type of anesthesia.

As for muscle tightening, it's often recommended as part of skin removal surgery to achieve optimal results. However, the decision to tighten muscles will depend on your individual case and the extent of your excess skin. Your surgeon will evaluate your case and provide you with a recommendation on whether muscle tightening is necessary.

I hope this information helps, but please remember that the best way to get personalized advice is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in skin removal surgery.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear realselfmember000,

First of all, a huge congratulations on your incredible weight loss journey! Losing over 140lbs is no small feat and it's wonderful to hear that you're feeling much healthier.

Splitting your body lift into two surgeries can be a good idea for managing your recovery. Thinking about your comfort and results, we could certainly arrange it into an 'upper body' and 'lower body' procedure. The choice between starting with the upper or lower body depends on what matters most to you - is there a specific area you're more eager to address first?

In the first surgery, we could focus on your arms, chest, and the area above your groin. Then, in a second procedure, we could tackle the back and inner thighs. Every surgery is unique, but you can expect several hours in the operating room for each of these.

Yes, you would be under general anesthesia with intubation for these procedures - it's essential for your comfort and safety.

I'd also like to address your question about muscle tightening. This is typically a key part of an abdominal body lift. It helps to enhance your waistline, usually bringing it in by 3-6 inches, and can give a more pleasing overall result. However, it's important to have a thorough discussion about this with your surgeon to make sure it aligns with your personal health and your goals for the surgery.

This information should give you a good foundation for planning your body lift. Remember, your surgeon will be able to give you a detailed plan that's specially tailored for you.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear realselfmember000,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Safety is the primary determinant when it comes to planning the number of stages for body contour after weight loss.  A physical exam is necessary to assess the level of difficulty and time each area will need to perform the operation well.  Generally speaking, a circumferential body lift is a stand-alone procedure.  The chest combines well with arms.  And thighs are often performed done alone.  Thighplasty and brachioplasty (arms) are much more difficult to recover from than most patients think.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very difficult to comment on your problem without in person evaluation or, at least, a serie of photos.  In general, procedures like abdominoplasty, circumferential body lift, thigh lift, excision of back/chest folds, etc. are needed to achieve desired result. Only on the basis of in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring surgery you can get more meaningful answer to yours questions. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss!  It can be overwhelming to consider what to do and when after major weight loss.  That is where your board certified plastic surgeon comes in to help you decide.  After an examination and discussion of your goals it can be determined where your main trouble areas are and what procedures make sense to have done together.  I've included a video about surgery after weight loss that I hope you find helpful.

Male body lift: what is the best way to set up a plan to remove excess skin after weight loss?

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