You’ve Reached Your Goal Weight – What’s Next? 7 Plastic Surgery Procedures to Consider After Weight Loss
Posted January 20, 2025
Congratulations on reaching your goal weight! While this is an incredible achievement, you may notice areas of excess skin, stubborn fat deposits, or changes in body contour that diet and exercise alone can’t address. If you’re considering plastic surgery to refine your results, here are seven popular procedures that can help you feel even more confident in your body.
1. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
After significant weight loss, loose skin around the abdomen is common. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles for a firmer, flatter stomach. This procedure is ideal for those struggling with sagging skin that won’t improve through exercise alone.
Best for: Patients with loose, excess abdominal skin after weight loss.
2. Body Lift (Lower, Upper, or Full-Body Options)
A body lift helps tighten and contour multiple areas, including the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and lower back. This procedure removes sagging skin and reshapes the body for a smoother, more toned appearance.
- Lower Body Lift: Focuses on the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
- Upper Body Lift: Addresses excess skin in the arms, back, and chest.
- Full-Body Lift: Combines multiple areas for a dramatic transformation.
Best for: Patients with significant skin laxity in multiple areas.
3. Breast Lift & Augmentation Options
After weight loss, breasts may lose volume, sag, or appear deflated. Depending on your goals, you may consider:
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts for a perkier look.
- Breast Augmentation: Implants restore lost volume for a fuller shape.
- Breast Reduction: Removes excess tissue and skin to balance proportions.
Best for: Patients with sagging, volume loss, or disproportionate breasts post-weight loss.
4. Liposuction for Stubborn Fat
Some areas may hold onto stubborn fat even after reaching your goal weight. Liposuction helps remove localized fat pockets that diet and exercise haven’t eliminated. Common areas treated include:
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Hips
- Flanks (Love Handles)
Best for: Patients with isolated fat deposits they can’t lose naturally.
5. Facial Rejuvenation Procedures
Rapid weight loss can sometimes affect facial volume and skin elasticity, leading to sagging or a hollow appearance. Popular post-weight loss facial procedures include:
- Facelift: Tightens sagging skin and restores youthful contours.
- Neck Lift: Reduces loose skin under the chin and along the jawline.
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Eliminates drooping eyelids and under-eye bags.
Best for: Patients experiencing facial sagging or volume loss after weight loss.
6. Non-Surgical Skin Tightening
Not ready for surgery? Non-invasive treatments can help tighten loose skin and improve texture.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing: Improves fine lines, skin tone, and elasticity.
- Virtue Deep RF Microneedling: Tightens skin and reduces small fat pockets.
- Laser + RF Microneedling Combo: Great for crepey skin on the thighs, knees, and belly.
Best for: Patients with mild to moderate skin laxity looking for non-surgical options.
7. Fat Grafting for Volume Loss
Fat grafting can restore volume naturally if weight loss has left certain areas looking flat or hollow. This procedure involves removing fat from one area of the body via liposuction and transferring it to another, commonly in:
- Breasts
- Face
- Buttocks
Best for: Patients wanting natural volume restoration without implants.
When Is the Right Time for Surgery?
It is recommended that you wait at least six months to a year after reaching your goal weight before considering surgery. This allows your weight to stabilize and ensures the best surgical results.
Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Antimarino can help determine the best procedures for your body and lifestyle.
Your transformation doesn’t stop at weight loss. These procedures can help refine your results, so you feel confident and comfortable in your new body.
