Lower body lift for black female; seeking a doctor who specializes and understands darker skin? (Photos)

Question

I have weighed between 230-314 pounds for over 30 years. I'm finally under 200 and trying to lose 30 more pounds before I have a LBL. I live in NYC but don't feel that I have the support system to take care of me so I was thinking of going to Tulsa,OK where my sister lives but to be honest I haven't found a doctor who I feel would understand my issues. I know there have to be people with no one. What do they do? I'm thinking lipo, TT, and thighs, later arms and breast lift.

David Stoker, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss.  In my Los Angeles practice we do a large amount of surgery on patients following weight loss. Each surgeon has their own preferred technique for obtaining the best looking scars. The techniques are particularly important for patients who have darker skin and an increased risk of prominent scars.  The best way for you to compare doctors on this issue is to evaluate the before and after pictures on their websites for the procedures you are considering, such as tummy tucks and body lifts.  For larger procedures such as yours, it is usually worthwhile flying to have the surgeon of your choice perform the operation.  Good luck!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi KDub2016,Congratulations on your weight loss!  Great job!Thank you for your photos, history and question regarding finding a plastic surgeon who specializes in lower body lift in patients who have "darker skin".  There are several doctors nationwide who specialize in massive weight loss patients. I would suggest you interview with them. Often, consultations can be made through virtual Skype or Face Time.  You need to find an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in massive weight loss patients and has a significantly large practice of patients of "darker skin".  Look at their "before and after" pictures. In the before and after pictures collection, you should be able to see many "darker skin" or African-American patients. Try to find "before and after" pictures which show the scars. In the "after" pictures, many plastic surgeons hide the patient's scars with clothing.  Try to find pictures without clothing.  You are quite correct in realizing that you will need a support system to take care of you after your surgeries. Many patients travel to plastic surgery specialists. In addition, many plastic surgery practices cater to out-of-state and out of country plastic surgery patients.  In general and for your planning, I would suggest the following guidelines.  One week after a tummy tuck and thighs,  you may be ready to fly home.  Five to seven days after an arm lift and breast lift, you may be ready to fly home.Good luck with your tummy tuck or body lift, thigh lift, arm lift (brachioplasty), and breast lift. If you have any questions regarding any of these procedures, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you are a great candidate for a lower body lift.  However, an in-person examination will truly be able to give you the best advice. 
There are many plastic surgeons in NYC who have good experience operating on patients of your skin tone and shape. The most important aspect is to find
a surgeon you are comfortable with. With good surgical technique, you could
have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

You will need some help after surgery so keep that in mind. I would look for a surgeon that has experience in body contouring after weight loss also look at the before and after photos to see the quality of the results.  Finally your skin should heal well you can start to apply scar treatments once you are a few weeks out from surgery

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss. There are few plastic surgeons who actually specialize in post massive weight loss body contouring. There are a lot who dabble in it.My suggestion is as you have said to definitely lose more weight.  The lower your weight the potential for better results, fewer complications and an easier recovery. You're welcome to browse my realself site.Peter Fisher M.D

Lower body lift for black female; seeking a doctor who specializes and understands darker skin? (Photos)

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Answer: Body lift

Answer: Body lift

Answer: Specializing in post massive weight loss body contouring

Answer: Specializing in post massive weight loss body contouring

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Lower body lift for black female; seeking a doctor who specializes and understands darker skin? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Body lift

Answer: Body lift

Answer: Specializing in post massive weight loss body contouring

Answer: Specializing in post massive weight loss body contouring

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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.