Excess Skin Removal (Belt Lipectomy)
With more and more people undergoing bariatric surgery and weight loss, skin removal procedures are becoming increasingly popular. Weight loss can lead to areas of loose, hanging skin around the arms and thighs. As well as this, factors such as genetics, health, and the natural ageing process are common reasons for skin laxity in these areas.
The excess skin removal procedure is designed to reduce, shape, and tighten the tissue around the thighs and arms. During excess skin removal, we address both fatty deposits through liposuction as well as excess skin through surgical excision. Both men and women can achieve tighter, firmer skin, according to their personalised surgical plan.
Excess Skin Removal
Who is a good candidate?
Good candidates for skin removal are usually people who have undergone significant weight loss and wish to remove their excess skin and fat pockets. The surgery is also common for people who have loose skin around the arms and thighs as a result of genetics or the natural ageing process. The procedure can remove this excess tissue in order to achieve the patient’s desired results. Therefore, if you have excess skin or fat pockets around the upper arms and thighs, you may be a good candidate for excess skin removal.
Ideal candidates for this procedure are non-smokers, physically healthy, and have maintained a stable weight and diet for at least six months. A consultation with body sculpting specialist, Dr Bish, will help establish your suitability for skin removal and a suitable surgical plan to treat your concerns.
Excess Skin Removal
Benefits of surgery
After achieving significant weight loss, many people find that their skin remains loose and does not go back into place. Some people may wish to remove this excess skin for aesthetic reasons, as well as functional and health reasons. In addition to weight loss, genetic factors, age, and general health can cause the skin around the arms and legs to become loose. Excess skin removal can address these issues, with the following benefits:
- Removes drooping skin on the upper arms
- Reduces sagging on the inner thighs
- Corrects irritation caused by excess skin, such as chafing and rashes
- Improves your body shape and contour
- Promotes confidence in your outward appearance
Patients should understand that the results of the surgery are not guaranteed and will depend on individual factors such as the extent of excess skin and the patient’s desired results.
Excess Skin Removal
Your personal consultation
Before your procedure, get personalised guidance from highly skilled Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Bish Soliman. With a wealth of specialised knowledge, he will ensure you receive the best treatment for your body, health, and ideal outcomes. Book your personal consultation to receive:
- In-depth information about your desired procedure
- Personalised advice from Dr Soliman
- A customised treatment plan tailored to your needs
Excess Skin Removal
The procedure
The specifics of this procedure can vary from patient to patient, depending on the size of the targeted areas and the amount of skin to be removed. A number of techniques can be applied to reduce and tighten the tissue in common problem areas, including the upper arms and upper thighs. The surgery is performed in a hospital using general anaesthesia.
Arm Lift (brachioplasty)
An arm lift, also known as an arm reduction or brachioplasty, is designed to remove excess skin and fat between the elbow and the shoulder to reshape and contour the upper arm. Dr Bish will mark the area of loose skin to be removed, then make an incision from the armpit downwards towards the elbow. Incisions are placed carefully in locations that can be concealed with clothing. The procedure takes 3 hours to complete and usually requires an overnight stay.
Thigh Lift (thigh lipectomy)
During a thigh lift lipectomy, the incision is often made on the inner thigh, the groin crease, or a combination. Dr Bish designs the incisions in a way that they can be concealed when the legs are together. You can discuss which surgical method is right for you during your consultation.
Excess Skin Removal
After the surgery
Following your excess skin removal surgery, your incisions will be covered and a compression garment should be worn for four to six weeks to alleviate swelling. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight. You should have a friend or family member there with you to drive you from the hospital and ensure you get home safely.
After a brachioplasty, arm and shoulder exercises should be limited for two weeks post-surgery to allow for your wounds to heal. Any strenuous activities should be postponed for six weeks. You should take two weeks off work to recover from your surgery.
After a thigh lift (thigh lipectomy), gentle walking is encouraged for the first two weeks. Strenuous activities should be postponed for six weeks. You should take two to three weeks off work to recover from your surgery. After your wounds fully heal, you will be able to see the full results of your excess skin removal and enjoy a firmer, smoother body contour.
Excess Skin Removal
Frequently Asked Questions
How much downtime will I need afterwards?
You will need to take some time off after skin removal surgery to give your body time to heal. If you have a sedentary job, you may be able to return to work after two weeks. However, some people may need to take more time off.
Will I have visible scarring?
You should expect to have some scarring after your excess skin removal procedure. However, Dr Bish will take care to place your incisions in areas that can be hidden by clothing. Your scars will become less noticeable over time and will eventually fade to a subtle pale colour.
When can I resume my exercise routine?
You can resume light exercise and activities after two to three weeks. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise for six weeks after surgery.
What are the risks associated with excess skin removal?
Severe side effects are rare. However, every surgical procedure comes with some amount of risk, and excess skin removal is no exception. Potential complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor scarring
- Delayed wound healing
- Loss of skin sensation
- Damage to underlying nerves and blood vessels
- Changes in skin colour
- Asymmetry or other aesthetic issues
- Further surgery to correct complications
- Anaesthetic complications
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