Spring 2025
By Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Patients often ask me what they can do to improve their bodies after significant weight loss. Many people who have achieved great weight loss are left with heavy loose folds of skin appearing on the abdomen, thighs, breast, face, buttocks or arms. The reason that this occurs is that the skin has lost elasticity because of being stretched for a lengthy period of time and the skin cannot shrink back to its previous size and shape.
Whether the patient had a surgical procedure, used semaglutide, or achieved this accomplishment after months of diet and exercise, many parts of the body will not recover on their own. In these cases, excess skin can limit mobility, cause hygiene and medical problems and can result in rashes that could lead to infection.
Fortunately, many surgical Body Contouring procedures can significantly improve the body appearance and reduce this excess skin. Most people in this situation have put a tremendous amount of effort to achieve their goal weight and with the addition of cosmetic surgery will be able to achieve the best result.
Body contouring after major weight loss improves the shape and tone of underlying tissue that supports fat and skin while also removing excess sagging fat and skin. There are several options that can be used to target the areas of concern. In some cases, a Body Lift will be performed to address many areas at once. A Body Lift can be a complex procedure that could take many hours to complete, and the surgeon must have extensive experience in performing this type of procedure.
Some people opt for a Breast Reduction or Lift and a Tummy Tuck, less involved procedures that still provide significant and measurable results. While most patients will require a breast lift, some will need either a breast reduction or a breast augmentation, depending on their desired results.
Tummy Tuck is the nickname for Abdominoplasty which is designed to tighten up the abs and surrounding skin. This is particularly helpful after losing a lot of weight because the loose hanging skin is removed from the abdomen and the stomach is flattened. Additionally, Liposuction is often performed with the Tummy Tuck to eliminate localized fat deposits that may not be responsive to diet and exercise.
Both men and women request these types of procedures to increase the tightness and overall appearance of their bodies. Every patient is different and procedural recommendations are customized for each individual so that they achieve the look they are striving for.
Using state-of-the-art technology, combined with advanced surgical techniques, we obtain the best and most natural looking results possible. At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, our plastic surgeons have years of experience and provide customized procedure options to help you look and feel your best.
To schedule your complimentary consultation call 914-637-6299 or visit www.GreenbergCosmeticSurgery.com.