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Surgery after Weight Loss New York City

Plastic surgery after weight loss has fast become a popular procedure in light of the great number of obese people that have undergone bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass and gastric banding, or have lost weight through diet and exercise.

Plastic surgery after weight loss has fast become a popular procedure in light of the great number of obese people that have undergone bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass and gastric banding, or have lost weight through diet and exercise. Dr. Schulman has vast experience in body contouring after massive weight loss.  He has lectured extensively on this topic and is routinely hosted by bariatric surgery support groups.

Dr. Schulman is keenly aware that the skin that remains after weight loss can make this exceptional accomplishment seem “incomplete”.  He uses the most advanced surgical techniques to safely rejuvenate the face, neck, torso, upper body, and lower body after weight loss. The goals of plastic surgery after weight loss may address many concerns, including:

  • Remove excess fat that was resistant to massive weight loss surgery or traditional weight loss methods
  • Remove the loose skin that often remains after weight loss
  • Tighten abdominal muscles that have become lax
  • greater enjoyment in social, physical and intimate activities that you may be avoiding
  • Create symmetry and proportion of the body
  • Improves self esteem, self image and confidence
  • Make your weight loss journey “complete”

Dr. Schulman is experienced with a variety of bariatric procedures for weight loss. He understands the effect that weight loss has on your skin quality and healing ability and uses this knowledge to design a plastic surgery plan that will best meet your needs, without compromising your safety.

During consultation with Dr. Schulman, you will learn about the body contouring techniques to improve the areas you dislike. You may learn about anesthesia, facility choices and the guidelines that you will follow to help achieve the maximum benefit. Dr. Schulman will also discuss the types of procedures that may be performed at the same time to minimize your number of surgical procedures.

Most of these procedures can be performed as an outpatient, with you returning home the same day.  Some of the larger procedures, such as a Lower Body Lift, may require an overnight stay in a hospital.  In situations where multiple procedures are being combined into one surgery, Dr. Schulman may also recommend an overnight stay in the hospital for your own safety.

Surgery after Weight Loss Procedures include:

  • Face and Neck Lift
  • Breast Augmentation
  • Breast Lift
  • Breast Reduction Surgery
  • Male Breast Reduction Surgery
  • Arm Lift
  • Tummy Tuck
  • Upper Body Lift
  • Lower Body Lift
  • Butt Lift
  • Thigh Lift

Before and After Images

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 1

Procedure: Tummy Tuck after Weight loss This young man successfully lost 100 pounds through diet and exercise. He complained about the loose skin on his abdomen which is expected after such significant weight loss. He underwent a tummy tuck. Since he did not have any abdominal muscle separation, he only had skin removed. But since his excess skin went across the lower back too, his tummy tuck went all the way around. This is a common procedure for people who have lost such significant weight. He was very happy, and like most weight loss patients, he went on to have additional procedures with Dr. Schulman.

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 2

Procedure: Upper Body Lift This 20 year old woman lost a lot of weight after bariatric surgery. She previously had excess skin removed from her abdomen and a breast lift. However, now she returns to address the skin of her upper back. Since this is skin., liposuction alone will not help very much and the skin needs to be directly cut off. She had this skin removed and you can see the improvement. The scar will be well-hidden beneath a bra or bikini top.  An upper body lift is the only way to treat the skin of the upper back and is commonly combined with other procedures such as a breast lift, arm lift, or tummy tuck.

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 3

Procedure Fleur-de-lys Tummy Tuck This patient is in her late 50’s and lost nearly 100 pounds. She wanted a tummy tuck, but since she had more extra skin than the usual patient, she required a more extensive procedure. She underwent a fleur-de-lys tummy tuck. This involved removing skin in both the up-and-down direction, as well as the side-to-side direction. This is why you see an additional scar running down the middle of her abdomen. So yes, there is additional scarring with this specific type of tummy tuck, but it has the advantage of being able to remove more skin and do more contouring than a traditional tummy tuck. For her, the additional scars were worth it.

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 4

Procedure: Arm Lift (brachioplasty) This is another patient who complained of excess skin of her arms after weight loss. She called them her “bat wings”.  Liposuction would remove the fat, but would do nothing for the loose skin. In fact, it would make the skin hang even more. She had a brachioplasty, which cuts off the skin from the upper arms. Bye-bye bat wings.  This procedure is commonly combined with other procedures such are breast lift, tummy tuck, or upper body lift.

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 5

Procedure: Breast Lift: It is common for breasts to change with pregnancy, aging, and weight loss.  It doesn’t take a huge amount of weight loss for breasts to deflate and then droop. This 35 year old patient experienced breast drooping after multiple pregnancies and a 40 pound weight loss. She had a breast lift. This lift repositioned and reshaped her own breast tissue. The result is a rounder, perkier breast, without the need for any implants.

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 6

This 42 year old female successfully lost almost 100 pounds. She was left with excess skin on her inner thighs. Aside from her not liking the appearance, this skin caused other issues like rashes and irritation from the constant rubbing. Just like any area of excess skin, the only way to improve it is to cut it out. She had an inner thigh lift performed that removed this fold of skin, while keeping the scar high up in the groin crease. This procedure was also combined with targeted liposuction to improve the results.

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 1

Procedure: Tummy Tuck after Weight loss This young man successfully lost 100 pounds through diet and exercise. He complained about the loose skin on his abdomen which is expected after such significant weight loss. He underwent a tummy tuck. Since he did not have any abdominal muscle separation, he only had skin removed. But since his excess skin went across the lower back too, his tummy tuck went all the way around. This is a common procedure for people who have lost such significant weight. He was very happy, and like most weight loss patients, he went on to have additional procedures with Dr. Schulman.

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 2

Procedure: Upper Body Lift This 20 year old woman lost a lot of weight after bariatric surgery. She previously had excess skin removed from her abdomen and a breast lift. However, now she returns to address the skin of her upper back. Since this is skin., liposuction alone will not help very much and the skin needs to be directly cut off. She had this skin removed and you can see the improvement. The scar will be well-hidden beneath a bra or bikini top.  An upper body lift is the only way to treat the skin of the upper back and is commonly combined with other procedures such as a breast lift, arm lift, or tummy tuck.

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 3

Procedure Fleur-de-lys Tummy Tuck This patient is in her late 50’s and lost nearly 100 pounds. She wanted a tummy tuck, but since she had more extra skin than the usual patient, she required a more extensive procedure. She underwent a fleur-de-lys tummy tuck. This involved removing skin in both the up-and-down direction, as well as the side-to-side direction. This is why you see an additional scar running down the middle of her abdomen. So yes, there is additional scarring with this specific type of tummy tuck, but it has the advantage of being able to remove more skin and do more contouring than a traditional tummy tuck. For her, the additional scars were worth it.

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 4

Procedure: Arm Lift (brachioplasty) This is another patient who complained of excess skin of her arms after weight loss. She called them her “bat wings”.  Liposuction would remove the fat, but would do nothing for the loose skin. In fact, it would make the skin hang even more. She had a brachioplasty, which cuts off the skin from the upper arms. Bye-bye bat wings.  This procedure is commonly combined with other procedures such are breast lift, tummy tuck, or upper body lift.

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 5

Procedure: Breast Lift: It is common for breasts to change with pregnancy, aging, and weight loss.  It doesn’t take a huge amount of weight loss for breasts to deflate and then droop. This 35 year old patient experienced breast drooping after multiple pregnancies and a 40 pound weight loss. She had a breast lift. This lift repositioned and reshaped her own breast tissue. The result is a rounder, perkier breast, without the need for any implants.

Surgery After Weight Loss: Patient 6

This 42 year old female successfully lost almost 100 pounds. She was left with excess skin on her inner thighs. Aside from her not liking the appearance, this skin caused other issues like rashes and irritation from the constant rubbing. Just like any area of excess skin, the only way to improve it is to cut it out. She had an inner thigh lift performed that removed this fold of skin, while keeping the scar high up in the groin crease. This procedure was also combined with targeted liposuction to improve the results.

Face and Neck Lift

Loose skin of the face and neck commonly develops after weight loss, making a young person look significantly older than their actual age. Dr. Schulman may perform the face lift and/or neck lift to remove and lift sagging skin. He uses advanced techniques to avoid an “over-pulled” look and places all incisions in a well hidden area. Read more neck lift.

Breast Augmentation

The placement of breast implants, or breast augmentation, can restore reduced breast volume after weight loss. The incisions are well hidden and the recovery is minimal. Dr. Schulman will carefully evaluate you to see if breast implants will give you the results you want. Sometimes, he will recommend a breast lift as well, in order to lift your breasts. Learn more about breast augmentation.

Breast Lift

During the female breast lift procedure after weight loss, Dr. Schulman will create an incision around the nipple that may extend downward to the extent required for an adequate lift. He will then lift breasts that are lying flat and reposition existing tissue to create round, youthful breasts. He may also recommend the placement of breast implants, or breast augmentation, in order to restore the shape and volume that you lost after your weight loss. Simultaneous breast lift and augmentation is a powerful way to lift he breast, increase volume, and improve shape. Read more about breast lift.

Breast Reduction Surgery

Female breast reduction surgery involves the removal of excess skin, fat, and breast tissue. Not only will Dr. Schulman make your breast smaller in volume, but he will also perform a breast lift. This surgery results in improved appearance of the breasts and a reduction in symptoms such as back pain and shoulder pain often attributed to the weight of large breasts. Learn more about breast reduction surgery.

Matthew Schulman, M.D.

Meet Dr. Schulman – Body Contouring after Weight Loss

“Congratulations on your weight loss.  Losing weight is an accomplishment that you should be proud of.  But as you have found out, skin usually appears looser after weight loss and this is probably keeping you from fully enjoying and celebrating your weight loss.

I have extensive experience in body contouring after weight loss. During your consultation, we will figure out which specific areas of your body bother you. You may be unhappy with the appearance of your stomach, butt, thighs, chest, neck, or face. Mostly likely, you have several areas you are unhappy with. We will figure out what is the best way to start, and what procedures can safely be combined together.

You have made a tremendous investment in your health and I want to help you complete your transformation.”

 
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Male Breast Reduction Surgery

During male breast reduction surgery, or gynecomastia surgery, Dr.Schulman will remove excess skin, fat, or breast tissue. This may be done though liposuction, direct excision, or a combination of both. The incisions are placed in areas that are well hidden. This surgery dramatically improves self-esteem and makes men feel more comfortable in social situation where the chest is exposed. Read more about male breast reduction surgery.

Arm Lift

During the arm lift procedure, Dr. Schulman will remove the excess skin and fat that commonly hangs from the upper arms after weight loss. The scar is placed within the underarm area of along the inside of the upper arm. Read more about arm lift.

Tummy Tuck

During the tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Schulman will remove hanging lower abdominal skin and fat (pannus) and tighten the underlying abdominal muscle. In cases of extensive excess skin, the tummy tuck incision may continue to the sides or even around the back and is called an extended abdominoplasty. Sometimes Dr. Schulman recommends an additional incision in the midline of the abdomen (fluer-de-lys) for even greater contour in cases of significant excess ski after massive weight loss. He may use liposuction on specific areas such as the flanks to remove excess fat and improve your overall result. Lean more about tummy tuck.

Real Patient Testimonial

Real Patient Testimonial

Life Changing is an understatement…Dr. Schulman literally transformed me. I secretly call him my magician.  I’m still a work in progress and will definitely be back for more.

Upper Body Lift

The upper body lift procedure involves removing the excess skin and fat from the arms, upper back, and bra line. The procedure may include the use of liposuction to remove excess fat. The upper body lift procedure also involves lifting skin and underlying tissue into a more aesthetic position. The upper body lift will improve the entire area above the waist.

Lower Body Lift

The lower body lift procedure is the surgical equivalent of “pulling up your pants.”  It is sometimes referred to as a circumferential abdominoplasty or circumferential panniculectomy. It combines a tummy tuck, buttock lift, and outer thigh lift into one operation.  Dr. Schulman will discuss with you if this is the best procedure for you specific body type.  This procedure is among the most powerful body contouring procedures for after your weight loss. Recovery from a lower body lift usually requires an overnight observation in a hospital or other appropriate medical setting.

Butt Lift

During the Brazilian butt lift procedure, Dr. Schulman will create incision in a well-hidden area. He will then remove excess skin and fat, while lifting the underlying tissue. The result is an improved shape to the buttock area. He may also inject your own fat into the buttock for an improved shape.

Thigh Lift

The thigh lift procedure involves trimming excess skin and underlying tissue from the outer and/or inner thigh area. The thigh lift may involve liposuction to improve your result. Read more about thigh lift.

Questions and answers about Surgery After Weight Loss

Anyone who has had changes in their bodies after weight loss is a candidate. Maybe you lost just a little weight or maybe you lost a large amount of weight. Also common are people who have had multiple small fluctuations in weight, with repeated gain and loss. This may include people who have lost weight through diet and exercise, people who have lost weight after weight loss surgery, and women with multiple pregnancies.

The simple answer is “skin”.  Weight loss causes a reduction in fat and no significant reduction in skin. The result is loose and hanging skin that can occur anywhere on the body.

Much of it has to do with genetics, specifically the quality of your collagen and elastic in your skin. But, it also has to do with how much weight you lost and how fast you lost it. Generally, rapid massive weight loss, as is commonly seen after weight loss surgery, leads to more loose or hanging skin. Skin tends to retract more, if weight loss is “low and slow”. But everyone is different so it is impossible to accurately predict.

Surgery can be done on any area of the body that has loose skin. People often complain about the breast, male chest, abdomen, arms, thighs, buttocks, neck, and face.  So, procedures commonly include breast lift and breast implants, male chest reduction, tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, buttock lift, neck lift, and face lift.

This will really depend on how many areas bother you and how many you are wanting surgery on. In general, the more weight you lose, the more loose skin. So, if you lost massive weight, it would not surprise me if you have 3-4 parts of your body you want an operation on. Some procedures can be safely combined into a surgery, but some need to be done separate. This means that you may need 2-3 total operations.

Yes. It is impossible to remove skin without making incisions that leave scars. We do everything possible to promote a well healed scar and place those scars in areas that can be hidden beneath clothing. But, if you are totally against having scars, then you should not have any plastic surgery procedure.

Not necessarily. Keep in mind that your “ideal body weight” is just an arbitrary number based on your height. Many people will never achieve the ideal body weight, since their bodies may be “programmed” to be at a higher weight. I recommend that you wait until your weight loss has plateaued for 6 months. This means that you have stopped losing significant weight. This tells us that your weight loss is basically over, and it is a good time for skin removal surgery.

Insurance companies will pay for surgeries that are deemed “medically necessary”. This means that it is being done to correct a medical problem. In some cases, excess skin may be causing medical problems such as rashes, skin breakdown, and pain. In most cases though, the excess skin is simply cosmetic – you have extra skin and you don’t like the way it looks. You can check with your insurance carrier to find out if your excess skin removal may be eligible for insurance coverage.

Your skin removal surgery after weight loss will be performed under general anesthesia, administered by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist

Plastic surgery after weight loss is a specialized area of plastic surgery. Oftentimes, these surgeries are more complex. They are more extensive contouring procedures that require more time in the operating room. Commonly multiple surgeries are combined together. This means that you should find a plastic surgeon who is experienced with plastic surgery after weight loss.

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