I particularly enjoy working with patients who have recently undergone significant weight loss. Some of the most gratifying results – for both patient and physician – come from supplementing weight loss with cosmetic surgery to restore a balanced body contour.

Losing significant body fat, especially after many years of overweight, can leave behind loose, flabby folds of skin that do not respond to exercise. Older skin that has lost some of its natural elasticity also often means disappointing results for weight loss patients.

If you are contemplating gastric bypass surgery for drastic weight loss, or plan to lose a significant amount of weight soon, you should discuss with your personal physician the possibility of coordinating plastic surgery with your weight loss program. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon can give you valuable input on what to expect and the available solutions such as a tummy tuck or liposelection.

Some advance planning and coordination will greatly increase your chances of a successful and satisfying weight loss result.

There is never a good reason to have more elective plastic surgery than you absolutely need to achieve your aesthetic goals. Don’t ever apply the old adage, “While I’m at it I might as well…”. There are several “mini” plastic surgery procedures which are tailored to correct a specific facial or body feature you wish to improve without being unduly invasive or requiring long recovery periods.

The surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and also to tighten the abdominal muscles is referred to as abdominoplasty, but is more popularly known as a “tummy tuck”. This procedure is most often performed together with a full body resculpture following drastic weight loss or pregnancy or in conjunction with liposuction. There is, however, a modified procedure called the “mini tummy tuck” which can accomplish very pleasing results in specific cases.

How do you know if the mini tummy tuck is for you? Some of these conditions could make you the perfect candidate:

• Following a weight loss program your weight has reached your desired level and is stable but you still carry a roll of extra fat below your belly button and in the waist area that you cannot get rid of.
• You exercise and eat healthy foods and feel toned but have been unable to firm or tighten your abdomen muscles.
• You’ve never had a weight problem and you’re happy with your general body shape but as you reach middle age you find your weight has shifted to your waist area.
• You are satisfied with your weight and shape, but the skin around your waist and abdomen is loose and flabby so you avoid clothing that reveals this area.

A consultation with a Board-certified plastic surgeon who will explain the various options available and what choices you can make to achieve your goals could be very rewarding.