When you gain excessive weight and lose that weight, the skin is stretched. For some people, the skin does not shrink completely when weight is lost. This is common among those who have weight loss or bariatric surgery, but it can occur when you lose a large amount of weight using any method. A belt lipectomy is a body contouring surgery that can remove loose or extra skin and tissue around the lower torso. At pēkomd® cosmetic surgery center in Toledo, OH, we offer belt lipectomy to reshape the body contour after weight loss.
While the skin does have elastic qualities to stretch and reshape, it can only be stretched so far before it is permanently damaged. Aging also plays a role in skin elasticity. Lost collagen and elastin in the skin due to aging can result in sagging skin on the face and body, especially after weight loss. For those who have lost 50, 100 or more pounds, the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and lower back can have loose flaps of skin left behind. This excess skin and tissue can be uncomfortable and unattractive, which is why many people seek a belt lipectomy after massive weight loss.
Truncal Body Lift Surgery
A truncal body lift, or belt lipectomy, is a body contouring plastic surgery to remove excess skin and reshape the lower body. An incision is made from the middle of the back all the way around the front of the abdomen. This incision is like a “belt,” extending almost all the way around the bottom of the torso. Extra skin is removed from the love handles, abdomen, buttocks and outer thighs, then the tissue is tightened and lifted.
A belt lipectomy can tighten and reshape the abdomen, upper thighs, buttocks and lower back. While this surgery is cosmetic in nature, it can also be used to improve comfort and function. Some patients with extreme amounts of excess skin may experience rashes or discomfort from their skin flaps, which can be relieved with truncal body lift surgery.
Losing excess weight is a wonderful accomplishment but living with folds of loose skin can affect your self-confidence and comfort. To learn more about belt lipectomy surgery and whether it is right for you, contact us at pēkomd® in Toledo, OH, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Koltz.
