Losing a significant amount of weight is an impressive accomplishment that requires dedication, willpower, and lifestyle changes. However, the resulting excess, sagging skin can be an unwelcome reminder of a heavier past. Body contouring procedures help remove this loose skin and reveal the new figure underneath. The following are some of the main benefits of body contouring after major weight loss.
Improved Appearance
After losing 50 pounds or more, the skin often lacks elasticity and cannot conform to the new contours of the body. Consequently, areas like the arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs end up with loose, hanging folds of skin. To meet your body goals, consider body contouring. Body contouring surgery eliminates these rolls and bulges for a smoother, tighter look. Clothing fits better, and many patients feel more confident about showing off their slimmer physique.
Better Proportion
In addition to eliminating loose skin, body contouring can reshape areas for an improved body proportion. Common procedures include breast lifts that reshape and lift the breasts for a perkier contour and tummy tucks, which eliminate abdominal skin and fat and tighten muscles for a flatter, trimmer waistline. Lower body lifts are often requested to eliminate buttock sag and trim outer thighs. The end result is a figure that showcases your new weight in the best possible light.
Improved Body Mechanics
Excess skin can interfere with daily activities and mobility. Sagging folds get in the way during exercise. Extra skin around the arms or legs can cause chafing. A heavy hanging pannus over the pubis is uncomfortable and can cause skin infections. Body contouring removes these impediments for greater freedom of movement and less skin irritation.
Better Hygiene Overhanging pannus and folds in areas like the abdomen, groin, and underarms have high moisture levels that can lead to rashes and infections. Removing the excess skin eliminates these at-risk sites and makes cleaning easier. Less skin tagging also means fewer areas for odor to accumulate. Altogether, body contouring enables better hygiene.
Reduced Chafing and Rashes
As previously mentioned, loose skin is prone to chafing, especially on parts of the body that touch or overlap. Common trouble spots include underarms, thighs, groin, and under the panniculus (hanging abdominal overhang). Body contouring eliminates this friction to provide relief from chafing.
Improved Psychological Well-Being
For most patients, the ultimate goal of weight loss is an attractive figure. However, excessive skin can make realizing this ideal difficult. Some patients feel self-conscious about the loose skin or discouraged by its persistence. Undergoing body contouring is like removing the last physical remnants of the past obesity. Many patients experience a new level of comfort in their body and happiness with their appearance after getting rid of the excess skin.
Long-lasting Results
The dramatic improvements from body contouring are not temporary. As long as patients maintain their post-op weight, the results can be permanent. Skin will not restretch substantially after removal. Contouring the underlying fat and tightening muscles provides shape and definition that diet and exercise alone cannot achieve. Patients can finally see and feel the satisfying outcome of their weight loss efforts.
Body contouring performed by a skilled plastic surgeon is an effective way to get rid of stubborn skin folds and bulges after major weight loss. The end result is a lighter, tighter, more proportional physique that reflects the newly thin body. Contouring also provides psychological benefits and improved comfort in the skin. If excess, sagging skin is undermining your weight loss achievements, body contouring could be the perfect solution to complete your transformation.
