You Lost the Weight, Now What? Removing Excess Skin After Weight Loss

For a lot of us, the start of a new year means making a list of resolutions. Maybe that’s something as simple as saving more money, or as aspirational as watching every film in AFI’s list of the 100 Greatest Movies. But let’s say that losing weight was one of your top resolutions last year, and you didn’t just meet your weight loss goals — you’ve surpassed them.

You should be resting easy now, right? Not necessarily. Because for some of us, the weight loss journey doesn’t end when the scale reads the number we’ve been hoping for. Some people experience loose skin after losing weight, which can cause physical discomfort as well as a variety of emotional challenges. But it doesn’t have to be this way! The team at Gallatin Valley Surgical Arts has a variety of surgical options to help you look and feel your best in your post-weight loss body. But first, let’s explore just how common excess skin after weight loss is. 

Loose Skin After Weight Loss Is Completely Normal

It should be noted that no two weight loss journeys are the same. Some people count calories and do Pilates, while others turn to weight loss surgery as the right solution for them. It’s just about finding the path that works for you. But like anything in life, losing weight may come with unintended consequences, like excess skin. This is because when you gain weight, your skin stretches to accommodate the larger size. After weight loss, however, your skin may lose its elasticity and fail to conform to your new body shape, thus resulting in excess skin.

If this has happened to you, there’s no need to worry, as excess skin is very common in people who have lost a lot of weight. For instance, as many as 70% of adults have experienced excess skin after bariatric surgery, according to one study. Thankfully, there’s a solution called body contouring surgery, which involves removing excess skin and fat to enhance the body’s appearance after significant weight loss. Gallatin Valley Surgical Arts offers both upper arm skin removal surgery and abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck. But the real question is: are these procedures safe?

Yes, Excess Skin Removal Surgery and Abdominoplasty Are Safe

Body contouring surgeries, like excess skin removal surgery and abdominoplasty, are generally safe — they also have a high satisfaction rate. In fact, one study found that 91% of patients were satisfied enough to recommend the procedure to a friend. 

For an abdominoplasty, your surgeon will remove the excess skin from the abdominal area, thus creating a flatter appearance around your stomach. For excess skin removal surgery around the arms, the surgeon will remove the excess skin from the upper arm so it looks more toned and contoured. Recovery times vary and can be anywhere from four weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the surgery.  

Keep in mind that your body needs time to heal after excess skin removal surgery, so it may take several months to start seeing a difference. But beyond just feeling happier about the way you look, are there any additional benefits from the procedures?

Improved Physical and Mental Well-Being

There have been countless studies on the benefits of weight loss, from improved physical mobility and reduced risk of chronic disease to greater confidence and self-esteem. But despite these positive changes, the emotional impact of weight loss is often overlooked. Think of it this way: if you’ve spent your entire life feeling unseen, it can be a total shock to the system if all of a sudden everyone notices you. As clinical psychologist Patrick M. O’Neil told U.S. News and World Report, people who’ve experienced weight loss may feel vulnerable from all the new attention they’re receiving, and as a result, it can leave them feeling uncomfortable.

And those feelings of discomfort can be even greater for individuals who experience excess skin after weight loss. In fact, a recent study found that loose skin can make people feel more self-conscious about their bodies, impacting their quality of life. However, surgical options, like excess skin removal surgery and abdominoplasty, have been shown to significantly improve patients’ psychological well-being. The procedures also offer physical benefits, like improved mobility and reduced physical discomfort, which can lead to a more active lifestyle. Ultimately, these surgical solutions can help patients feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.

Are you experiencing excess skin after weight loss? Gallatin Valley Surgical Arts can help! Contact our team today to explore procedures that can help you achieve your ideal post-weight loss body.