80+ lb weight loss. What procedures should I consider? (photos)

Question

I have lost 80+ lbs and maintaining 6 years (regained 4ish) and left with excess skin, particularly in my stomach area. What procedures should I be looking at? I lift weights regularly but can't see any results in lower body due to skin.

Michal Brichacek, MD · Answer

There are several procedures which are possible. For the optimal result with greatest contouring of the waist, I would suggest a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty as a first stage procedure, followed by a posterior lower body lift in a second stage. We often have patients who choose to do their inner arms as well as a breast implant and lift in combination with the first stage of their procedure.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your incredible 80+ pound weight loss and your dedication to maintaining it for six years! That’s an amazing achievement. Based on your photos and description, you have excellent options for addressing the excess skin and achieving your aesthetic goals.

If the excess skin on your hips and buttocks bothers you, a 360 body lift would be a fantastic choice. This procedure removes excess skin and fat all the way around your midsection, addressing the front, sides, and back. It not only improves the abdomen but also lifts the buttocks and tightens the hips, giving a comprehensive transformation. For patients with significant skin laxity in these areas, the 360 body lift offers truly life-changing results.

However, if the buttocks are not a concern and your focus is primarily on the abdomen and waist, I would recommend an extended tummy tuck. This procedure would address the loose skin and provide muscle repair (if needed) while contouring the flanks. You’ll still get a beautifully sculpted result, but with less extensive surgery than a full 360 body lift.

No matter which procedure you choose, with your weight loss and fitness efforts, you’re going to see amazing results. I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can discuss your goals in detail and help create a customized surgical plan that fits your needs.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If your main concern is excess abdominal skin, then a tummy tuck, possibly combined with liposuction, would be a consideration.  A mini tummy tuck would not improve the skin laxity on the upper abdomen, which is apparent on the lateral photo.  Based on the photos your back does not seem to have as much loose skin, but if this area is a concern, then back lift or belt lipectomy surgery are options.  You would need an in-person assessment to discuss your overall health, check for any hernias/diastasis, and talk more about your goals, in order to pick the optimal procedure.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Twoblackkitties,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for posting. Congratulations on the weight loss! Exercising will definitely keep you healthy and help with your overall result, but it will not help with excess skin. A Low scar Tummt Tuck with Muscle repair and Mons Lift is your best option. This can be combined with back, flank and waist lipo. You are a perfect patient for this!

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there, you are an excellent canidate for an abdominoplasty with flank liposuction (tummy tuck) surgery! I would reccomend a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. Thanks!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend you undergo a circumferential lower body lift. This can be done in 2 stages, the anterior portion first and then the posterior portion. I do not believe you need a fleur de lis with extension. I do not believe liposuction would give you the results you desire.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss.  You are fortunate in that you have a narrow waistline that will show well with removal of your excess skin.  An abdominoplasty will correct skin excess on the front of your abdomen, but a lower body lift that extends 360 d. would enable us to improve your sides and backside.  Be sure to see a surgeon who has experience with belt lipectomy or lower body lift.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! To address the excess skin on the front of your body a tummy tuck would benefit you. As for the loose skin on the butt and thighs you would most likely benefit from a lower body lift to lift and shape the butt as well as the outer thighs. These procedures can be combined as a circumferential body lift, allowing you to have one single recovery period. Additional shaping of the waist could be done with liposuction depending on your specific goals. Having a consultation with a plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring will allow you to discuss your specific goals and have a customized treatment plan created to get you where you want to be.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and congratulations on the weight loss!  Nothing replaces an in-person examination but you will best be treated with an extended tummy tuck +/- a lower body lift depending on the quality of your skin along your buttocks, low back and outer thighs.  Seek out in-person consultations for the best treatment advice.