I don't even know where to start looking for this kind of procedure with limited scarring. I have lost over 170 lbs. over the years and am looking for a experienced surgeon who will give me what I want but also tell me what I need. I am only 22, so having a normal looking body for once means a lot to me. My biggest fear is having a botched surgery that I can't fix anytime soon.
You are correct in having concerns and in your desire for an experienced surgeon. I would certainly research every prospective surgeons credentials and reviews as well as all before / after - photos . There should be an abundance of personally performed pre and post operative results which consistently demonstrate your surgeons level of expertise . Good luck and best wishes
Dr Shienbaum Brandon Plastic Surgery Brandon Florida
The key to body contouring after weight loss surgery is skin excision and liposuction. When you excises skin and tighten the remaining skin you improved the look of the skin because it's tighter. The liposuction part of the surgery has the benefit attacking the thick problem areas of fat and leaving smooth even levels of fat with significant skin contraction. What I try to do is maximize the liposuction to decrease the amount of the skin excision and scarring. Theoretically if I can make the skin contract 50% that I can make the scars 50% less. The other thing to consider is a tummy tuck changes the length of the skin but doesn't make the diameter of the skin decrease to the diameter of the body. Liposuction can make the skin shrink-wrapped the body allowing the true shape to show.
You started in the right place! Choosing the right surgeon for you is a big decision. Make sure that your surgeon is a board certified plastic surgeon, ask your friends or doctors for recommendations, check the online reviews, and research the websites for information and photos. Go on a few consults and come up with a game plan together... trust your gut, then go for it!
Thank you for sharing your excellent question. The best advice is to first research treatments that address your key areas of concern - liposuction, tummy tuck, body lifts, breast lift, etc. With some foundation of knowledge to stand from then pursue a series of consultations with ASPS board certified plastic surgeons for greater detail and an in-person examination of your tissues to make more definite recommendations on procedures to help you reach your goals.
Hello Lawren. Congratulations on your massive weight loss, after which the reconstruction of your body contour must be done in several stages, to preserve your health. You just have to find an experience surgeon, with good accreditation, good cases, and get an evaluation.
In my case it could be an free online evaluation, that even though is not the ideal, can give you an idea of the best approach for your reconstruction . Without pictures is impossible to recommend you a surgical plan. You are young and finally you are getting each day closer to the image you desire and deserve. Good luck.
26 year experience
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
International Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery
Dominican Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Board Certified
Thank you for this excellent question. A great place to start is using the Find A Surgeon tool on this website. ALl of the surgeons listed here are Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and are members in good standing with the ASPS. In addition, you need to find a surgeon that will safely help you achieve your goals. You may have to meet with a couple of surgeons before you find the one that is right for you.
Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine which procedures are best to achieve your goals.
Best wishes!
I can certainly understand your concerns. No one wants to have sub optimal work done on them and then face the additional costs and risks of further surgery to repair things. However, today you can glean a lot on the internet so you are much more educated about the surgery you are contemplating. There are online forums of patients sharing their experiences. In addition, most surgeons have a photo gallery you an look at. After all that an in person consultation with several surgeons will help you to further understand your options and to help set your expectations. Best of Luck Dr Harrell