If you’ve recently achieved a significant milestone in your weight-loss journey, you might be dealing with saggy skin that won’t go away on its own. Whether you lost weight through diet, exercise, bariatric surgery, or weight-loss medications like Ozempic®, having excess skin can affect confidence, comfort, and overall health. The good news is that there are proven techniques in body contouring surgery available to remove this extra skin and help you enjoy a smoother, more contoured physique.
At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire—led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ember Ewings—we specialize in providing comprehensive surgical treatment options to address the challenges that come with major weight loss. While a healthy lifestyle remains crucial for overall wellness, these measures may not always resolve leftover folds of skin. That’s where targeted surgical procedures can make all the difference. Read on to find out why these surgical options may be the best choice if you’re ready to look and feel your absolute best.
Why Surgery Offers the Most Dramatic Results for Excess Loose Skin After Weight Loss
- Directly Removes Excess Skin. Surgical procedures remove the extra skin that typically cannot be addressed through diet or exercise alone.
- Addresses Underlying Structures. By repositioning deeper tissues, surgery offers long-lasting enhancements and a smoother overall shape.
- Refines Stubborn Fat Deposits. When combined with liposuction, these procedures help reduce fat pockets that resist traditional weight-loss methods.
- Reduces Discomfort and Irritation. Removing folds of skin can minimize issues like chafing, rashes, and infections, improving everyday comfort.
- Boosts Confidence and Motivation. Seeing a dramatic transformation often encourages patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle, safeguarding their investment for years to come.
The Limitations of Non-Invasive Measures
Strength training, good nutrition, and proper hydration can certainly support a healthier body, but there are often limits to what these methods can achieve if you have lost a lot of weight. In cases of significant weight loss, cosmetic surgery may be needed to remove persistent extra skin. Leftover skin can sometimes lead to discomfort, restricted mobility, and other quality-of-life concerns that non-invasive approaches simply can’t resolve.
Exploring Surgical Solutions for Excess Skin
Many people feel frustrated when creams, lotions, or other topical solutions don’t improve areas of hanging skin or loss of skin elasticity. Below are some popular body contouring procedures offered at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire, designed to remove extra skin and refine your overall shape.
1. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck is one of the most common and effective procedures for removing unwanted skin and fat cells in the abdominal area. Rapid weight loss often leaves surplus skin around the midsection.
An abdominoplasty removes that excess tissue and, if necessary, repairs abdominal muscles that may have been stretched. Many patients opt to include liposuction to further enhance the final contour. The result is a flatter, firmer-looking abdomen and improved comfort during daily activities.
2. Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Moderate weight loss or a significant drop in pounds can lead to extra skin hanging under the upper arms. An arm lift (brachioplasty) removes this tissue and sculpts the remaining area for a more streamlined look. Liposuction can also be added to address isolated fat pockets. By eliminating the loose skin that can cause discomfort and self-consciousness, an arm lift offers a more confident appearance—especially in short-sleeved clothing.
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3. Thigh and Buttock Lift (Lower Body Lift)
A lower body lift targets the thighs, buttocks, and sometimes the hips, removing excess skin that often appears in these areas after a significant amount of weight has been lost.
By removing the loose tissue and repositioning underlying structures, this procedure can yield more balanced proportions and enhanced body contours. While recovery can be significant, the outcomes often lead to greater comfort and boosted self-esteem.
4. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
For women, weight fluctuations or major weight loss can result in breasts that lose fullness and shape. A breast lift repositions and reshapes the breast tissue for a more youthful profile. For those wishing to restore lost volume, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation.
In addition to reshaping the breasts, this procedure can correct asymmetry and improve the position of the nipples, creating a naturally refreshed appearance.
5. Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)
Gynecomastia involves enlarged male breast tissue that can remain even after significant weight reduction. A male breast reduction removes any lingering excess skin or tissue to create a flatter, firmer chest. Often performed with liposuction, gynecomastia surgery can greatly improve confidence and comfort, along with encouraging a continued healthy lifestyle.
6. Facelift & Neck Lift
Substantial weight loss can also impact the face and neck area. A facelift and neck lift can remove extra skin that contributes to wrinkles, jowls, or a less-defined jawline. By addressing these problem spots, patients often look more youthful and rested. These surgeries may be paired with nonsurgical treatments, like dermal fillers or laser resurfacing, for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
7. Liposuction
While liposuction alone does not remove skin, it complements many of the surgeries above by targeting stubborn fat deposits. Used in combination with procedures such as a tummy tuck or arm lift, liposuction can further refine your silhouette.
The Long-Term Benefits of Body Contouring Treatments
Beyond Appearance: Improved Comfort and Mobility
Removing extra skin doesn’t just change how you look—it can also reduce chafing, skin irritation, and infections. Additionally, freeing your body from these excess folds often makes it easier to engage in physical activities and maintain an active lifestyle.
A Psychological Boost
By completing their weight-loss journey and addressing areas of sagging skin, many people find a renewed sense of confidence. Clothing fits better, and social interactions feel more comfortable—all contributing to an improved self-image.
Maintaining Your Results
Studies suggest that patients who undergo body contouring after major weight loss often do a better job of keeping the weight off over time. After seeing dramatic improvements in the mirror, people are usually more inspired to stick with healthy habits, including balanced eating and regular exercise.
Choosing the Best Option for Removing Excess Skin in Eau Claire, WI
Personalized Consultation with Dr. Ember Ewings
Determining which surgical option is right for you can feel overwhelming. That’s why Dr. Ewings and our dedicated team at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire offer comprehensive consultations. We review your medical history, discuss your goals, and outline the potential advantages of each procedure to help you make a confident, informed decision.
Combining Procedures for Optimal Results
Some patients may benefit from a combination of procedures—such as pairing a tummy tuck with liposuction or a facelift with a neck lift—to achieve the best possible outcome. Our goal is to create a custom plan tailored to your unique body and aesthetic preferences.
Take the Next Step Toward Confidence
Ready to take control of your appearance and remove excess skin that’s been holding you back? When you schedule a consultation, we’ll provide a personalized plan and advice on maintaining your results, including how to stay committed to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration.
Don’t let loose or extra skin overshadow the hard work you’ve invested in your weight-loss journey. Contact the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire today to set up your consultation with Dr. Ewings. Experience the confidence that comes with a smoother body contour—and embrace the vibrant, active life you deserve.
