If you have recently lost a significant amount of weight, either with the help of bariatric surgery (e.g., Lap Band surgery, gastric bypass surgery) or through diet and exercise, but are disappointed to find that you still do not have the svelte body contour that you desire, you are not alone.
Unfortunately, massive weight fluctuations can often cause the skin to lose it elasticity. When this happens, the skin cannot shrink back to a smaller shape and size once an individual has lost the excess weight. This can lead to loose skin that hangs off the body in folds.
Fortunately, Milwaukee post-bariatric plastic surgeon Dr. Paul W. Loewenstein can help. He offers a range of body-contouring plastic surgery procedures to help post-bariatric patients finally achieve the tighter, toned contour they deserve. Here are two of our most popular post-bariatric procedures.
Abdominoplasty
With abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” surgery, Dr. Loewenstein may first perform liposuction of the abdomen, if necessary, to remove stubborn pockets of fat from under the skin. He then creates a horizontal incision that extends from one hip bone to the other. Although the incision is significant, he strategically positions it in the pubic area, where it can be easily concealed by a bathing suit or underwear line. Dr. Loewenstein next eliminates excess skin and repairs the underlying musculature with the use of permanent internal stitches, placed in a crisscross pattern throughout the abdominal muscle fascia. This pulls the separated muscles together and holds them in place, for a firmer, flatter abdominal profile. Dr. Loewenstein re-drapes the residual skin and closes the incision. Finally, he adjusts the position of the navel so it is aligned with the new, taut abdominal profile.
Lower Body Lift
For patients who desire a more toned contour throughout their lower body, Dr. Loewenstein performs lower body lift surgery. With lower body lift, the surgeon, again, performs liposuction of the treatment area, if needed, to remove excess fat. He creates an incision and eliminates excess skin from the lower body region. Dr. Loewenstein then repairs the supporting tissue structures before pulling the remaining skin taut and closing the incision. This procedure can be customized to address the areas of the lower body that most need contouring, including the front abdomen, flanks, lower back, hips and thighs.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Loewenstein to find out more about your post-bariatric body contouring treatment options, contact his office by calling (800) 614-5097.
