Surgery After Weight Loss

An arm lift (brachioplasty) addresses the loose, hanging skin that often develops on the upper arms after weight loss. Dr. Mariotti removes excess skin and fat from the area between your armpit and elbow, creating a more toned and defined arm contour. This procedure helps eliminate the “bat wing” appearance that can make you self-conscious about wearing sleeveless clothing.

The abdomen often has the most skin laxity after dramatic weight loss. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes loose skin and excess fat while tightening weakened abdominal muscles that may have separated during weight gain. It can also remove stretch marks and C-section scars below the navel. The ultimate result is a flatter, firmer midsection that better reflects your weight loss success.

A lower body lift, sometimes called a belt lipectomy, provides a complete transformation of your lower body contours. This procedure addresses sagging skin around your entire midsection, including the abdomen, hips, lower back, buttocks and thighs. Dr. Mariotti extends the tummy tuck incision so that it circles your body like a belt, allowing him to lift and tighten these areas comprehensively.

Weight fluctuations can leave breasts deflated and sagging. A breast lift repositions your breast tissue higher on your chest while removing excess skin, creating a more youthful shape and position. Sometimes excess tissue from the lateral chest wall can be used to augment your breast volume. Dr. Mariotti carefully sculpts your breast tissue to restore natural-looking proportions that complement your new figure.

Some patients find that even after weight loss, their breasts remain disproportionately large. A breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to create smaller, lighter breasts that better match your new body proportions. This procedure can also alleviate physical discomfort and limitations caused by overly large breasts.

A thigh lift addresses loose skin on the upper inner and outer thighs that can cause chafing and make it difficult to find properly fitting clothes. Dr. Mariotti removes excess skin and fat to create smoother, more proportionate thigh contours that allow you to wear shorts and skirts with confidence. This is usually one of the last surgeries performed in a staged treatment plan.

Weight loss can leave the buttocks flat and saggy, with excess hanging skin. A buttock lift removes this loose skin and repositions the remaining tissue to create a more shapely, lifted posterior. This procedure helps restore natural curves while eliminating skin that can cause hygiene concerns and clothing difficulties.

While most post-weight loss concerns are body-focused, weight loss can also accelerate facial aging, leaving you with loose skin around your cheeks, jawline and neck. A facelift and/or neck lift repositions deep tissues and removes excess skin to restore more youthful and defined contours. Dr. Mariotti takes care to create natural-looking results that don’t appear pulled or tight.

Even after losing a lot of weight, you might find yourself dealing with stubborn pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise. Liposuction can remove these isolated fat deposits, helping to smooth and contour specific areas of your body. This procedure is often combined with lifting surgeries to enhance the overall results.

During a private consultation at our Concord plastic surgery office, Dr. Mariotti will evaluate your areas of concern, listen to your goals, and discuss your weight loss journey, lifestyle and overall health history. This conversation is the foundation of your customized surgical plan, which might include multiple procedures performed in stages for optimal safety and results.

You will receive detailed preoperative instructions to help ensure you are in the best physical and mental shape possible for your surgery. Our team will work with you to schedule your procedures and explain our financial policies and payment options.

Your surgery will take place at Premier Surgery Center in Concord, where Dr. Mariotti serves as medical director. The length of the procedure will depend on which combination of surgeries you’re having. It is likely to range from two to six hours under general anesthesia. Some patients choose to have multiple procedures performed at once, while others prefer to stage their surgeries over time.

Dr. Mariotti takes a methodical approach to body contouring, carefully removing excess skin while preserving important supporting structures and blood supply. He places incisions so your scars will be as discreet as possible and hidden by most clothing. His experience in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery allows him to achieve natural-looking results while prioritizing your safety and comfort.

Recovery from surgery after weight loss varies significantly based on which procedures are performed. Most patients take at least two weeks off work, with more extensive procedures requiring longer recovery periods.

Expect some swelling, bruising, tenderness and discomfort as your body begins the healing process. Dr. Mariotti will prescribe the appropriate medication for pain management. You should notice an improvement in these symptoms, as well as your results taking shape, over the next several days and weeks.

Initially, you may need to wear compression garments to minimize swelling and support your healing tissues. While you’ll be encouraged to walk shortly after surgery, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. You may be able to resume light physical activities around two to three weeks post-surgery and more vigorous activities at the four- to six-week mark.

Dr. Mariotti and our caring team will monitor your progress through regular follow-up appointments to ensure your recovery stays on track.

Your new figure will emerge gradually as swelling subsides and tissues settle. While you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your body contours, your final results typically take six to 12 months to fully develop. During this time, your scars will continue to fade and soften, and your body will adjust to its new contours.

The results of post-weight loss body contouring are long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight. Surgery is never a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Support your results through appropriate diet and exercise and healthy habits like adequate hydration and sleep, responsible alcohol consumption and stress management.