Not every body contouring patient is worried about unwanted fat — quite a few want to correct sagging skin that obscures their body shape. (Some patients want to address both fat and skin!) Dr. Rob Kessler, a plastic surgeon that performs body contouring in Newport Beach, offers procedures designed specifically to remove excess skin and tighten the remaining skin. Here, he discusses some of the available treatment options.
Arm Lift
The skin of the upper arms can lose elasticity due to the effects of aging or significant weight loss. The tissues can become loose and saggy for the same reasons. Arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a great way to reshape and firm the arms for a leaner contour.
During the procedure, Dr. Kessler creates an incision from the armpit to just above the elbow. Through the incision, he uses liposuction to remove any unwanted pockets of fat; then he removes lax tissues and sutures the tissues into place. Dr. Kessler trims excess skin and tightens the remaining skin.
After the arms heal, they look tighter and more toned. Scarring from the arm lift incision is concealed within the natural creases of the skin and fades significantly over time.
Thigh Lift
Like the tissues and skin of the upper arms, the skin of the thighs can lose elasticity and look flabby or saggy due to aging or weight fluctuation. Thigh lift reduces excess skin and fat from the thighs and upper knees to create a leaner leg contour.
Dr. Kessler creates an incision in the crease of the groin, sometimes extending vertically down the inside of the leg (the length of the incision depends on the degree of correction needed). Through the incision, Dr. Kessler performs liposuction to remove localized fat deposits. Then, he lifts and tightens the underlying tissues. He can remove excess saggy skin and re-drape the skin more tightly around the thigh.
After healing from surgery, the thighs should look toned and slender. The skin should hug the curves and contours of the leg without any dimpling or puckering.
Body Lift
The mid to lower areas of the body — including the torso, back, hips, thighs and buttocks — can develop sagging, thanks to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging and the effects of gravity. Body lift comprehensively rejuvenates the lower body for a more attractive contour.
Dr. Kessler creates the body lift incisions on the lower back, extending circumferentially around the abdomen and down to the hips and thighs. Through the incision, the plastic surgeon removes excess tissue and skin from the torso and hips. Liposuction can be used if needed to remove localized fat pockets. Finally, Dr. Kessler tightens the remaining skin so it hugs the body.
Once the lower body heals, it should look smoother and tighter with a better tone. The scarring from the incision should fade over time and is easy to conceal underneath underwear or bathing suits.
Learn More about Body Lift Procedures
If you are bothered by areas of excess saggy skin, Dr. Kessler can help. Call or email our practice today to speak with Dr. Kessler about your options.
