If you are struggling with loose and sagging skin that doesn’t improve despite your best efforts, plastic surgery for loose skin may be the solution you need. In this article, let’s explore more about excess skin removal surgery, its types, risks, benefits and more.
But first, let’s see if excess skin removal is even the right choice for you or not. Here are three signs that may indicate you need plastic surgery for loose skin.
- Are you experiencing hygiene issues due to excess skin, like an unpleasant smell?
- Are you facing health issues caused by loose skin, like rashes, infections, or discomfort, especially in areas, like the stomach, arms, back, breasts, and legs?
- Do you want to improve the appearance of your loose skin and boost your self-confidence?
If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then keep reading this article to find more information about excess skin removal.
What Is Excess Skin Removal Surgery?
Excess skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring or skin tightening surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove sagging or loose skin and improve the overall appearance of your body. It is often performed after significant weight loss or pregnancy, where the skin loses its elasticity and fails to contract adequately.
At KCM Clinic, we specialise in providing exceptional care and expertise to patients seeking excess skin removal surgery. Our team of experienced plastic surgeons and dedicated staff is committed to helping you achieve the results you desire.
Who Does Excess Skin Affect?
Excess skin mostly affects people who have experienced significant weight loss, whether through bariatric surgery, diet, or exercise. When you carry excess weight, your skin and tissues stretch to accommodate your larger size. However, this stretching causes the skin and tissues to lose elasticity. As a result, when you lose weight, the stretched skin may not be able to conform to your new body shape, leading to sagging and loose skin.
If you are struggling with excess skin after weight loss, you may take the help of plastic surgery for loose skin. At KCM Clinic, we offer a range of excess skin removal procedures, such as tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts, and body lifts, tailored to individual needs.
Why Do People Have Excess Skin Removal Surgery?
Excess skin after significant weight loss can have a profound impact on a person’s self-confidence and overall well-being. Many individuals opt for excess skin removal surgery to address these concerns and improve their quality of life. Excess skin may also impact clothing choices, making it difficult to find well-fitting clothes that flatter the new body shape.
In addition to the cosmetic aspect, excess skin can also cause physical discomfort and health issues. Heavy skin can put a strain on the body, leading to discomfort, pain, and limited mobility. Skin folds can create an environment prone to skin infections, rashes, and fungal growth. These conditions can be not only uncomfortable but also pose risks to overall skin health. By undergoing excess skin removal surgery, you can alleviate these physical discomforts and reduce the risk of associated skin problems, promoting better overall health and well-being.
What Are the Types of Excess Skin Removal Procedures?
Several different procedures can address excess skin in various areas of the body. The most common types of excess skin removal procedures include:
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): It removes excess skin from upper arms, tightening and toning them for a defined contour.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): It tightens breast tissue and removes excess skin, resulting in firmer and lifted breasts.
- Facelift (Rhytidectomy): It addresses excess facial and neck skin, providing a smoother and more youthful appearance.
- Lower Body Lift: It targets excess skin and fat in multiple areas like the stomach, buttocks, and outer thighs for a sculpted lower body.
- Panniculectomy: It removes excess skin below the belly button to improve the appearance and function of the abdominal area.
- Thigh Lift: It enhances inner thigh contours by removing excess skin.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): It targets excess skin and restores muscle tone for a flatter and more defined abdomen.
What Can I Expect Before Excess Skin Removal Surgery?
Before undergoing excess skin removal surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and prepare accordingly. To ensure a safe and successful procedure, you may be asked to:
- Get blood work (lab tests) done to identify potential risks or conditions
- Stop taking certain medications, as recommended by your doctor
- Avoid vitamins and herbal supplements
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products
Risks/Benefits of Excess Skin Removal Surgery
When considering excess skin removal surgery, it is crucial to have realistic expectations and understand both the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. Here are some potential risks and benefits to consider.
Risks of Excess Skin Removal Surgery
- Bleeding
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis – DVT)
- Bruising and swelling
- Changes in skin sensations or numbness
- Infections
- Scarring
Benefits of Excess Skin Removal Surgery
- Improved body contour and appearance
- Increased self-confidence and improved body image
- Relief from discomfort, irritation, and hygiene issues caused by excess skin
- Enhanced mobility and ease of movement
- Potential improvement in physical activity levels
- Better fit of clothes with increased clothing options
- Better weight maintenance and long-term weight management
- Boost in overall well-being and quality of life
At KCM Clinic, our experienced plastic surgeons assess your specific situation, discuss the potential risks and benefits, and guide you through the excess skin removal surgery process, ensuring that you have realistic expectations for the procedure.
How Much Does Excess Skin Removal Surgery Cost in the UK?
The cost of excess skin removal surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the specific procedures performed, the extent of the surgery, the surgeon’s experience, the clinic’s location, and additional associated expenses. On average, the cost of excess skin removal surgery in the UK can range from £4,000 to £15,000 or more.
At KCM Clinic, we understand that the cost of surgery is an important consideration for our patients. We strive to provide transparent pricing information and work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that aligns with your budget and goals.
FAQs
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Does excess skin removal surgery cause scarring?
Excess skin removal surgery does result in scarring. However, skilled surgeons aim to minimise their visibility. Incisions are strategically placed in discrete areas and fade over time. Proper post-operative care and following your surgeon’s instructions can also help promote optimal healing and reduce the appearance of scars. At KCM Clinic, our surgeons prioritise achieving the best aesthetic outcome while minimising visible scarring.
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How painful is excess skin removal surgery?
During excess skin removal surgery, anaesthesia is administered to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. After surgery, you may experience some discomfort and soreness, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Your surgeon will provide post-operative care instructions to help alleviate any discomfort and promote a smooth recovery process.
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How soon will I see results after excess skin removal surgery?
After excess skin removal surgery, it is important to understand that visible results may not be immediate. Your body requires time to heal properly, both between procedures and after the final surgery. In most cases, it can take up to two years to see the final results from body contouring. Patience and adherence to your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions are essential for achieving optimal and long-lasting outcomes.
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How long do results from excess skin removal surgery last?
The results of excess skin removal surgery are intended to be long-lasting, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle and weight maintenance. However, the natural ageing process will continue, and factors like weight fluctuations may affect your results. Maintaining a stable weight and practising good skin care can help prolong the longevity of your surgical outcomes.
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How do you know if you need skin removal surgery?
If you are experiencing hygiene issues like an unpleasant smell, facing health problems such as rashes or infections, and want to improve the appearance of your loose skin, you may need plastic surgery. Excess skin can result from significant weight loss or pregnancy, and the surgery involves removing sagging skin to create a firmer body shape.
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Why do people have excess skin removal surgery?
Most people choose to have excess skin removal surgery to boost their self-confidence and enhance physical comfort. Many people experience pain, skin infections, fungal growth, and rashes due to loose skin and excess skin removal surgery help alleviate these issues.
