After Weight Loss Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA

WHAT IS AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?

A lot of people are frustrated with their weight loss efforts because while they've improved their overall health and reduced their risk for certain diseases, they can't get rid of loose skin. If this is the case, after weight loss surgery can remove the excess skin and recontour your body. Board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz is proud to offer this life-changing procedure as part of your weight loss transformation. Learn how after weight loss surgery works by calling Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz MD FACS to learn more.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?

• Removes excess loose, sagging skin
• Lifts and tightens skin
• Addresses multiple body areas
• Recontours the body for a more balanced, natural look
• Enhances mobility and movement
• Improves the posture
• Helps to reduce skin irritation and chafing
• Provides a boost to confidence and self-image

WHY CHOOSE DR. SCHWARTZ FOR AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?

After weight loss plastic surgery involves a comprehensive approach, and patients considering this procedure should turn to an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Jaime Schwartz has performed countless body contouring surgeries for massive weight loss patients and works with each individual to meet their cosmetic goals. He has published numerous peer-review journal articles, been the principal investigator for FDA clinical trials, and has developed national guidelines for plastic surgical procedures to educate and assist other surgeons. Dr. Schwartz has also been asked to appear on TV shows such as "The Doctors" and "Botched!"

IS AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY RIGHT FOR ME?

Candidates for skin removal surgery have health problems or cosmetic concerns due to excess skin. Loose skin can make you more susceptible to rashes and make it more difficult to find clothing that fits. You may even have pain from chafing and irritated skin. Dr. Schwartz can reduce stretched-out skin in the following areas for a more contoured look:

• Abdomen
• Breasts
• Arms
• Thighs
• Buttocks

Patients should be at a stable weight for at least six months and discuss their history and weight loss progress with Dr. Schwartz so he can measure their readiness for surgery. We can work with your current medical team to make your body contouring is as safe as possible.

AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY REVIEWS

IS AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SAFE?

Stretched-out skin and poor skin quality can cause higher complication rates during after weight loss surgery. Up to 70% of patients can experience incision breakdown (dehiscence), fluid build-up (seroma), fat necrosis, and infection. Dr. Schwartz believes this is due to traditional methods of skin removal that can impact the blood supply, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. If there was a way to leave these structures intact, patients would have a better chance of healing with fewer complications. This is why Dr. Schwartz incorporates advanced tools and techniques into his Body LipoLift® procedures.

Recent studies have shown that performing liposuction first to remove the subcutaneous tissues (fat) and then removing only the skin (either just the top layer or both layers) decreases your overall complication rates. This method spares many lymphatics and blood vessels. Lymphatic vessels follow lines of deep, superficial, and subdermal. The more of these we can spare, the less likely for fluid buildup (seroma). The more blood vessels we can leave behind, the better blood and oxygenation to the tissues, which is essential for proper wound healing.

HOW IS AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY PERFORMED?

According to U.S. data, the average person that undergoes massive weight loss needs approximately five reconstructive procedures. Most commonly:

Circumferential Torso (Lower Body Lift)

This addresses the abdomen and buttocks. If there is a lot of excess tissue above the umbilicus (belly button), Dr. Schwartz may recommend a Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. This is very powerful at removing skin to shape the hips, waist, and even some of the lower back. For patients with excess skin around the torso (360°) and sagging buttocks, a circumferential abdominoplasty (a lower body lift) may be a better option. This can address the entire midsection. Dr. Schwartz pays special attention to the pubic area, known as the mons pubis, and includes a monsplasty. The gluteal lift can also sometimes include auto-augmentation, utilizing the excess skin and fat to give a better shape and contour.

Circumferential Upper Body

This includes the upper body from the chest through the armpit to the upper back. For men, there are varying degrees of chest contouring which may also include gynecomastia correction. Depending upon the amount of excess skin, there are many techniques to remove, shape, and contour to create a more masculine chest. Most women will need some type of breast lift, and many will also need volume either with an implant or a fat transfer. If there is extensive upper back laxity creating back rolls that can also extend into the axilla (under the armpit), an upper-body lift may be needed. This procedure is powerful in that you can reshape the back as well as the waist with an incision that can be hidden underneath the bra or bikini area.

Arm Lift

An arm lift, or Brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat that hangs below the arm. Most will tell you that excess weight can lead to some shoulder and neck discomfort. Depending upon the other planned procedures, the arm lift can be extended into the armpit and down the side to treat skin redundancy.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift tightens the upper leg by pulling and removing the excess skin toward the medial or inside portion of the thigh. Massive weight loss patients commonly battle hanging, loose skin in the thighs. This treatment helps create a tone and smooth upper leg appearance.

Facial Cosmetic Procedures

With weight loss patients, the face is also affected. Lost volume in the cheeks, lower face, and under the eyelids is common and can be corrected with cosmetic surgery. Dr. Schwartz may recommend any combination of procedures designed to restore facial volume and rejuvenate the face, neck, brow, and eyes. Fillers can also be used to increase volume where necessary.

SCHWARTZ RAPID RECUPERATION®

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz has developed special techniques so patients can return to their daily lives as quickly as possible. We begin with a gentle form of anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Side effects that accompany general anesthesia, like nausea and vomiting, have been eliminated in over 98% of patients utilizing our technique. Dr. Schwartz also uses special oral medications as well as longer-acting numbing injectable medications so that most patients only need Tylenol and Advil after their procedures. Decreasing the use of narcotic medications allows for faster healing since these medications also increase the risk for nausea and vomiting.

Dr. Schwartz will go over in great detail how the Schwartz Rapid Recuperation™ technique can help you achieve your goals faster and safer.

REACH YOUR AESTHETIC GOALS

Losing weight is an amazing accomplishment! If excess skin is impacting your appearance or health, Dr. Schwartz invites patients in Beverly Hills, CA, to learn more about their surgery options. Body contouring utilizing Body LipoLift® surgery can contour your body and help you surpass your goals.

As a very active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Schwartz has a significant interest in helping clients achieve their goals safely. He serves on many national committees for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which include Health Policy, Patient Safety, Emerging Trends, Quality and Performance Measurement, and the Clinical Trials Network. We have the most advanced techniques to care for our patients at Dr. Jaime S. Schwarts MD FACS.

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