Before and after shot of woman who had post-weight-loss body lift surgery

How Long Should You Wait After Weight Loss to Get a Body Lift?

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Before and after shot of woman who had post-weight-loss body lift surgeryMany people who lose a significant amount of weight have loose skin once they reach their goal weight. It’s often physically uncomfortable and emotionally frustrating to deal with.

Whether you’re at your goal and currently living with loose skin, or you’re starting a weight loss journey and trying to plan ahead, it’s understandable to want to address the skin as soon as possible. But how long do you have to wait once you’ve hit your target weight? 

At the Plastic Surgery Center of Hattiesburg, Dr. Paul Talbot and Dr. William L. Reno III have helped many patients like you get the shape they’ve worked hard for. When it comes to body contouring surgery, timing is everything. Here’s some helpful advice on when to consider getting a body lift after weight loss.

The Best Time for Body Contouring After Weight Loss

It’s generally recommended to wait at least six to 12 months after reaching your goal before moving forward with a body contouring procedure. But the best timing can vary for each person. Factors like your age, skin elasticity, and how much weight you’ve lost all play a role in determining when you’re ready. That’s why it’s so important to have a personalized consultation with Dr. Talbot or Dr. Reno, who can help you figure out the right time for your body.

Why Timing Matters

This waiting period after you’ve reached your target weight can benefit you in the following ways: 

  • Maximizing Natural Skin Tightening: In those six to 12 months, you’ll allow your skin to tighten up on its own as much as possible. Giving your body time to do so will help you see better surgical outcomes.
  • Mastering Weight Maintenance: The maintenance phase can be as challenging as the weight loss phase, so give yourself ample time to adjust to it and build sustainable habits. This will help your surgery last a long time. If you were to gain the weight back, it would likely undo your results.

  • Prioritizing Your Health: You should be as healthy as possible before scheduling your surgery. Be sure to address any medical issues with your doctor to have a smoother recovery and better results.

You’re Worth the Wait!

Waiting might feel tough, but it’s well worth it. Those six to 12 months will set you up for success to see better, longer-lasting results from your post-weight-loss body contouring procedure. Plus, you’ll be more emotionally and physically prepared for the changes that come with surgery.

When you’re ready to explore body contouring options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Talbot or Dr. Reno. Call the Plastic Surgery Center of Hattiesburg at 601-296-3405 to take the next step toward the body you’ve worked so hard for.

Slim woman in white shirt and black underwear in jeans one size larger is showing successful weight loss.

What Can Be Done After Massive Weight Loss?

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Significant weight loss can leave behind stretched, sagging skin afterwards. While those who have worked hard to reach these goals are happy to be in an ideal weight range, they are often too shy or embarrassed to show off their results because of this excess skin that remains. At the Plastic Surgery Center of Hattiesburg in Hattiesburg, MS, men and women who have undergone massive weight loss can find solutions with the body lift procedures available at our office.

What Is a Body Lift?

A body lift procedure is typically performed after a patient has experienced significant weight loss. The fast loss of fat can leave skin and underlying tissue with a sagging appearance. A body lift procedure is a series of surgeries that can help remove excess skin, tighten muscles, and redistribute fat for a smoother, healthier-looking body contour–throughout the body. The results are dramatic and can make patients feel more confident with their new look.

Where Is the Body Lift Performed?

Dr. William Reno III and Paul Talbot of the Plastic Surgery Center of Hattiesburg can perform the body lift on various areas of the body, which may include the:

  • Arms
  • Abdomen
  • Buttocks
  • Thighs
  • Legs

What Can I Expect After the Procedure?

With proper post-operative care and instructions from our surgeons in Hattiesburg, MS, body lifts can produce dramatic improvements in physical appearance and self-esteem. However, body lifting is not appropriate for everyone. It is best used for those with significant, massive weight loss that has left them with excess, sagging skin. This can become problematic as some patients may experience irritation of the skin, especially in the folds that have developed with this type of weight loss. It can also lead to infections between the skin as well. During a consultation appointment with Drs. William Reno III and Paul Talbot, you can determine if you are a proper fit for this or other surgical treatments to improve the body contours after extensive weight loss.

Who Can I Call in the Hattiesburg, MS, Area To Learn More About the Body Lift Procedure?

If you have recently lost an extensive amount of weight from your body, we congratulate you! We would love to help you feel confident in your new body and enjoy the results you have worked hard to achieve. Call 601-296-3405 to request an appointment at our office to learn more about facial and body procedures available with our skilled plastic surgeons.