Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon In National Harbor Accepting New Patients Near Washington DC, Arlington, Fort Washington, Maryland & Virginia
Losing a large amount of weight, whether through bariatric surgery, semaglutide, or your own effort, is a major accomplishment. You probably feel much healthier and more vibrant! While this transformation alone brings so many benefits, it can also leave behind excess skin that feels physically uncomfortable. Loose skin can cause irritation, make certain clothing fit differently, or create challenges in daily activities.
Body contouring procedures at Bella Cosmetic Surgery can help refine your shape by removing this extra skin. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael F. Chiaramonte, specializes in body contouring to help you feel more comfortable in your skin. If you are considering plastic surgery after weight loss in Maryland and DC, contact Bella Cosmetic Surgery.
Surgical Options for Removing Excess Skin After Weight Loss
The best procedure for removing excess skin depends on the stage and extent of your weight loss. Dr. Michael F. Chiaramonte offers a range of surgical options to reshape and refine your body after significant weight loss.
Panniculectomy: Removing Excess Skin After Bariatric Surgery
Shortly after bariatric surgery, excess skin may be removed through a procedure called a panniculectomy. This surgery removes the overhanging skin (pannus) that can cause discomfort, irritation, or mobility issues. Patients who still have additional weight to lose but are experiencing issues from excess skin may be good candidates for this procedure.
Abdominoplasty: Tightening the Abdomen
If you are closer to your goal weight, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may be a better option. This procedure removes extra skin from the area between the belly button and the pubic region. The abdominal muscles are also tightened to give you a more sculpted midsection.
For patients with excess fat in the upper abdomen, lipoabdominoplasty, or the Bella Body Lift, combines a tummy tuck with liposuction for a more contoured shape.
Circumferential Abdominoplasty and Body Lift for Full-Body Contouring
For those with more extensive skin sagging, a circumferential abdominoplasty may be recommended. This procedure removes loose skin around the abdomen, hips, and lower back for a more balanced appearance.
In cases where you have sagging in multiple areas, a body lift may be best. This procedure lifts and reshapes the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks to improve your proportions.
Additional Procedures for Body Contouring
We also offer other procedures to further refine your shape. Depending on your needs, Dr. Chiaramonte may recommend:
- Arm lift – Reduces sagging skin on the upper arms
- Buttock lift – Lifts and reshapes the buttocks
- Breast augmentation or breast lift – Restores volume and firmness to the breasts
- Laser skin resurfacing – Improves skin texture and tone
Candidates for Excess Skin Removal Surgery After Weight Loss
The best candidates for body contouring surgery after weight loss meet the following criteria:
A good candidate should:
- Have loose, excess skin after significant weight loss.
- Be at or near their goal weight for at least six months.
- Be in good health with well-managed medical conditions.
- Be a non-smoker or willing to quit before and after surgery.
- Experience discomfort, irritation, or mobility issues due to excess skin.
- Have realistic expectations about scarring and results.
- Be committed to maintaining a stable weight through a healthy lifestyle.
A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine the best approach based on your specific needs.
Recovery After Excess Skin Removal
Your recovery will depend on the type of procedure and how much skin is removed. Most patients need two to four weeks of reduced activity, with full healing taking several months. You can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort at first, but wearing compression garments and following your surgeon’s care instructions will help with healing.
You should be able to resume light activities within a couple of weeks, but avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least six to eight weeks. Keeping your incisions clean, attending follow-up appointments, and giving your body time to heal will help you get the best results. Scars will fade over time, and as swelling decreases, you’ll start to have a smoother shape.
Common Misconceptions About Body Contouring After Weight Loss
“Body contouring helps with weight loss.”
Body contouring isn’t a weight-loss procedure – it’s for removing loose skin after you’ve already lost weight. If you still have weight to lose, it’s usually best to wait until you’re closer to your goal before considering surgery.
“Exercise will tighten my loose skin.”
Building muscle can improve the way your skin looks, but it won’t get rid of excess skin. If the skin has lost elasticity after major weight loss, surgery is usually the only way to remove it.
“Non-surgical treatments work just as well as surgery.”
Non-surgical skin tightening treatments can help with mild sagging, but they can’t remove large amounts of loose skin. If you have a lot of extra skin, surgery is the only reliable option for a smoother, firmer look.
“The recovery is too difficult.”
Recovery does take time, but most people are up and moving within a few days and back to light activities within a couple of weeks. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions makes a big difference in how smoothly the healing process goes. Most people feel the recovery period is well worth the results.
“The scars will be too obvious.”
Scars are part of any surgery, but they will fade over time and are placed in areas that can be hidden by clothing. There are also measures you can take to help the scars heal well, such as avoiding sun exposure, drinking lots of water, and eating a healthy diet.
Why Choose Bella Cosmetic Surgery?
Dr. Michael F. Chiaramonte is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in body contouring and excess skin removal. As the Medical Director of Bella Cosmetic Surgery in National Harbor, Maryland, he has worked with patients from Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. He completed a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he later served as a clinical instructor.
Dr. Chiaramonte stays involved in research and education. He is a member of several professional organizations, including The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. At Bella Cosmetic Surgery, his approach prioritizes safety, careful planning, and individualized care to help patients feel great about their results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get Rid of Loose Skin Without Surgery?
Non-surgical options can improve skin elasticity to some extent, but they cannot remove significant amounts of loose skin after major weight loss.
For those with moderate to severe excess skin, surgery is the only reliable way to achieve a firmer shape. Strength training can build muscle tone, which may improve the appearance of loose skin, but it will not remove it.
Will Insurance Cover My Surgery?
Insurance may cover excess skin removal if it’s considered medically necessary, such as when excess skin causes infections, rashes, or other health issues. Cosmetic procedures, like tummy tucks, are usually not covered. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any requirements for approval.
Are There Financing Options Available?
Yes, Bella Cosmetic Surgery offers financing options to help make plastic surgery and MedSpa treatments more affordable. Patients can apply for Alphaeon Credit or CareCredit®, both of which provide flexible monthly payment plans, including interest-free options if paid within the promotional period. These options can help you move forward with your procedures without waiting or paying the full cost upfront.
What Are the Risks of Excess Skin Removal?
Risks include infection, scarring, bleeding, and complications with healing, especially for larger procedures. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon and carefully following post-surgical instructions can help reduce these risks. Most patients recover without serious complications when they follow proper aftercare guidelines.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations can stretch the skin again and affect the outcome. Staying consistent with a healthy lifestyle helps preserve your results.
How Can I Prepare for Surgery?
Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions, but preparation often includes maintaining a stable weight, quitting smoking, and ensuring you have support for the first few days of recovery. You may also need lab work or medical clearance before surgery. Planning for time off work and having the necessary supplies ready at home can make the recovery process smoother.
Read What Our Patients Are Saying!
"Dr. Chiaramonte exceeded my expectations. I am a month post-op from having the Bella Body Lift. Dr. C and his knowledgeable staff were patient and attentive to my questions and concerns. He provided realistic expectations for achieving the desired hourglass figure that was hidden under the markings of birthing two children and lousy eating habits. The figure has since returned better than ever. I am grateful to Dr. C for restoring my self-confidence and will certainly consider him for future services."
Discuss Your Options for Excess Skin Removal Surgery
To get the opinion of our board-certified plastic surgeon about plastic surgery after weight loss in Maryland and DC, request a consultation online or call the office at 301-567-6767. During your consultation, you’ll learn about the procedures available, what to expect during recovery, and how surgery can help refine your shape after weight loss.
