Skin Removal After Weight Loss

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest and Chicago, IL

Losing a substantial amount of weight for your health is no small feat. But while losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can do wonders for your longevity, you might discover that you are left with bothersome hanging skin, often around the abdomen, arms, thighs, back, and other areas. This excess tissue can create lumps under your clothing, cause bothersome chafing, and make it difficult for you to enjoy the results of your weight loss fully. Skin removal offers a way to feel confident in your body again, defining your new contours so that you can look as good as you feel!

At MH Plastic Surgery, Michael A. Howard, MD, offers advanced skin removal procedures that he tailors meticulously for each patient.

To learn more about your skin removal options, contact MH Plastic Surgery by calling (224) 271-4250 today. We look forward to meeting you!

About Skin Removal After Weight Loss

Skin removal surgery, a form of body contouring, uses excisional techniques to eliminate the excess skin that accumulates as a result of weight loss. (1) Dr. Howard approaches every post-weight-loss surgery with the patient’s unique goals in mind.

Depending on your concerns, you can choose to address one or more areas of excess skin.

The Impact of GLP-1s

You have likely noticed the somewhat recent rise in popularity of GLP-1 medications. These medications work by acting on hormonal pathways, directly influencing how hungry patients feel and how often. It helps patients lose substantial amounts of weight quite rapidly. As the prevalence of these medications has increased, so has the number of patients seeking skin removal procedures. (2)

Ideal Candidates

If you are struggling with loose skin after weight loss, you are likely a good candidate for a skin removal procedure. There are certain factors Dr. Howard takes into consideration to determine your candidacy. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Being at a stable weight for at least six months
  • Being in good overall health and having no underlying medical conditions that would impact your ability to undergo or heal from the procedure
  • Being a nonsmoker or willing to quit for an extended period
  • Having realistic expectations for surgical results

If you are not sure whether you are eligible for this procedure, do not worry! Dr. Howard will walk you through a careful evaluation of your candidacy. Your safety is our top priority, and we want to make sure you have an amazing experience at our practice.

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation will let you know everything you need to know about skin removal surgery, as well as your candidacy for the procedure. This is when Dr. Howard will evaluate your problem areas, skin laxity, medical history, and personal goals to design the best procedure for you. You will not be receiving a one-size-fits-all treatment plan—not even close! Every step of the process will be custom-tailored specially for you and your unique needs. The personal consultation is a crucial part of this surgical journey, and we are happy to provide you with resources that will make it all go smoother.

To schedule your consultation, contact MH Plastic Surgery by calling (224) 271-4250.

Preparation

Dr. Howard and his team will help you prepare for your procedure by providing you with customized guidelines. These often include directions about what to do the day of the procedure (what to eat, drink, etc.), what to avoid (alcohol, nicotine, certain blood-thinning medications), and what arrangements you should make (transportation, time off, assistance). If you have any questions as you are preparing for your procedure, please feel free to reach out to our team at any time. We want you to feel fully confident and comfortable heading into your procedure!

Procedure

On the day of your procedure, our team will help you prepare by cleansing and sanitizing your skin. You will also receive the appropriate anesthesia—typically, general anesthesia is used. Anesthesia will keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Dr. Howard makes all of his incisions with utmost discretion. He will hide them in the natural contours and creases of the skin so that you will barely know they are there after you heal. After he makes the incision, he will remove the excess skin. If you would like to address any stubborn fat as well, he can perform liposuction before removing the skin.

Skin removal is an incredibly versatile procedure. Some of the most common skin removal procedures include:

  • Tummy Tuck: Removes excess skin from the abdomen; also addresses diastasis recti (muscle separation) if needed
  • Mini Tummy Tuck: A variation of the full tummy tuck to remove less tissue for patients with less extensive concerns
  • Breast Lift: Removes sagging breast tissue and elevates the breasts for a more youthful, perky look

Recovery

Dr. Howard’s precise techniques and careful incision closure ensure that your recovery will go as smoothly as possible. During the initial stages of recovery following skin removal, it is very normal to notice swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the treated areas. It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided to you by your surgical team during this time. Aftercare tips often include:

  • Keep the treated area clean
  • Elevate the treated area while you sleep
  • Be mindful of your incisions
  • Refrain from putting too much strain on your body
  • Take gentle walks to encourage healthy circulation

Results

After you heal from your procedure, we are confident that you will be wowed by your results! You will notice flattering curves that look exceptionally natural. Your scars will be discreet after healing, and they will likely fade substantially over time.

Your results will be long-lasting, as Dr. Howard uses techniques that champion stability. It is important, however, to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as future weight gain can impact results. Pregnancy can also change the way your results look long-term, which is why we typically recommend that patients be done growing their families before considering surgery.

Dr. Howard and his team can provide you with lifestyle recommendations so that you can make sure you can keep your results looking as good as possible. If you have any questions after your procedure, or if you are interested in a touch-up procedure, we encourage you to reach out to our office.

To learn more about the results you can achieve, we encourage you to take a look at Dr. Howard’s stunning before-and-after photos, as well as our patient reviews. Dr. Howard has helped thousands of patients achieve their aesthetic goals. We look forward to helping you on your journey as well!

Cost of Skin Removal After Weight Loss in Chicago

The cost of skin removal after weight loss depends on your unique procedure details. For example, the number of areas you are addressing, the size of the treatment areas—as well as any combined procedures—will all have an impact on the final cost. Dr. Howard will provide you with a cost estimate for this procedure after your personal consultation.

Contact MH Plastic Surgery today by calling (224) 271-4250 to start planning your treatment!

FAQ

Why does skin sag after weight loss?

Skin often sags after weight loss because the skin has been stretched during the periods of weight gain. After the skin has been stretched for a long time, it loses its elasticity and its ability to retract if volume is removed. After weight loss, there is a lot less fat tissue under your skin, so your skin will tend to hang loosely. This condition is difficult to address without surgical removal.

Why do GLP-1s cause patients to develop loose skin so quickly?

These medications help patients achieve weight loss at an exceptionally rapid rate, so the skin is even less likely to retract to the new contours.

How many skin removal procedures can I undergo at once?

This all depends on you and your situation. Dr. Howard will help you determine how many procedures you can undergo during your personal consultation. Patients are often able to combine several procedures at once. Other patients benefit more from staged procedures.

How long does a skin removal procedure take?

This also depends on your treatment plan—factors like how large the treatment area is, how many areas you are addressing, and more will all impact the length of your procedure. Most skin removal procedures take 2-4 hours.

Do I have to stay in the hospital overnight after a skin removal procedure?

Dr. Howard often performs these procedures as outpatient procedures, meaning you are free to go home to rest when the surgical team approves.

References

  1. Handal M, Handal J, Nevill T, Finkelstein P, Kichler K. Cosmetic Procedures After Massive Weight Loss Surgery: A Guide for Prospective Patients. Cureus. Published online November 1, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.72864
  2. Toms JA, O’Neill E, Wiegmann AL, Adepoju J, Raj MS. Prevalence Patterns of Body Contouring Procedures Among Injectable Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Users. Aesthetic surgery journal. Published online April 15, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjae085