After Weight Loss Surgery
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Eau Claire and Wisconsin
Excess skin is a common concern for many individuals who lose a significant amount of weight, often motivating them to seek body contouring procedures to address these concerns. (1)
Losing a healthy amount of weight represents an incredible achievement that requires discipline and patience. Yet for many people, this accomplishment also introduces a new challenge. When skin stretches over time, it can lose its elasticity and remain loose or sagging after the underlying fat is reduced. This excess skin can make clothing fit awkwardly, hide the true results of weight loss, and even cause discomfort or irritation.
Located in Altoona, Wisconsin, Dr. Dax Demaree and his experienced team at Premier Surgical Arts specialize in procedures that address these concerns and restore smooth body contours. Dr. Demaree is triple board-certified in cosmetic surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, and general surgery. With years of experience helping patients complete their transformation, he provides individualized surgical plans that tighten, sculpt, and refine the body after massive weight loss. These procedures not only enhance physical comfort but also help patients fully embrace the confidence that comes with reaching their health and fitness goals.
To learn more about our excess skin removal treatments, contact Premier Surgical Arts online or call (715) 575-5800 to schedule your consultation.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Excess Skin Removal After Massive Weight Loss
Excess skin removal, often referred to as post-weight-loss body contouring, includes a collection of surgical procedures designed to eliminate loose, stretched, or sagging skin that remains after a person loses a significant amount of weight. These procedures tighten the skin, reshape the body, and highlight the leaner figure hidden beneath. In recent years, interest in skin removal surgery has surged as more individuals achieve major weight loss through improved diets, consistent exercise, and medical therapies such as GLP-1s. (2)
As people reach their target weights, they turn to cosmetic surgery to address the final stage of their transformation: removing the redundant skin that will not contract. Excess skin can develop on nearly any part of the body, particularly around the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, chest, and buttocks. Depending on the patient’s unique concerns, Dr. Demaree may recommend one or more procedures to achieve balanced, natural results. Each treatment targets a specific area but shares the same goal of helping patients remove excess skin.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
The abdomen often shows the most noticeable effects of skin stretching following major weight loss. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, addresses this concern by removing excess skin and tightening separated abdominal muscles to restore a flat, firm midsection. These procedures create a more sculpted silhouette that reflects the effort and dedication to weight loss.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift tightens and reshapes the upper arms by removing loose, hanging skin. During an arm lift, Dr. Demaree carefully removes the excess tissue and recontours the arms for a smoother, more defined appearance. He places incisions along the underside of the arm to lift and tighten the tissue. This procedure restores a firmer, more toned look.
Thigh Lift
The thighs are another common area where excess skin tends to persist after major weight loss. A thigh lift reshapes the upper legs by removing sagging skin that can be bothersome and cause chafing. This procedure can focus on the inner or outer thighs, depending on where the skin laxity is prominent. Dr. Demaree uses advanced surgical techniques to ensure symmetry between both legs and to maintain natural body proportions.
Benefits
Some of the key benefits of excess skin removal include:
- Enhanced body contour and improved muscle definition
- Reduced chafing, irritation, or skin infections
- Easier mobility and increased comfort in physical activity
- Better fit and appearance in clothing
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Long-lasting, natural-looking results from Dr. Demaree’s expertise
- Completion of the weight loss journey
Ideal Candidates
Excess skin removal can benefit a wide range of patients who have lost weight but struggle with sagging or loose skin. These procedures often benefit patients who:
- Have lost a substantial amount of weight and have maintained a stable weight for several months
- Experience loose or hanging skin around the abdomen, thighs, arms, or other areas
- Are in good overall health and free from medical conditions that could hinder recovery
- Have realistic expectations about the results they can achieve with surgery
- Wish to improve comfort, mobility, and appearance
While each patient’s circumstances vary, our goal is to help them achieve a body that reflects their hard-earned success.
Personal Consultation
If you have recently lost a notable amount of weight and are struggling with loose or excess skin that you would like to address, scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Demaree is the first step. During this private appointment, Dr. Demaree will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and evaluate your areas of concern. He will describe each surgical option and tailor a treatment plan to your anatomy, goals, and desired results.
This meeting also provides an opportunity to ask any questions about preparation, the procedure, or recovery. With his expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Demaree ensures that each patient feels informed, comfortable, and fully prepared for their procedure.
To schedule your personal consultation and begin the final phase of your transformation, contact Dr. Demaree and his team online or call Premier Surgical Arts at (715) 575-5800.
Preparation
Preparing for skin removal surgery involves several important steps to ensure your safety and optimize your outcomes. Dr. Demaree and his staff will give you a list of preoperative instructions tailored to your procedure plan. In general, we ask patients to:
- Avoid nicotine.
- Discontinue any medications that thin the blood.
- Arrange transportation home after surgery.
- Plan for sufficient rest during the first days of recovery.
- Follow any additional preparation instructions provided.
Procedure
Anesthesia is used during skin removal procedures to ensure the patient’s comfort. Dr. Demaree will begin by marking the treatment areas and will make precise incisions that allow for optimal tightening while minimizing visible scarring. He will carefully close incisions to promote healthy and discreet healing.
Dr. Demaree tailors each surgery to the patient’s individual goals. He performs some procedures in stages, or he will combine procedures to achieve comprehensive transformations. His experience in cosmetic and reconstructive techniques ensures natural results and a balanced appearance.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from post-weight-loss excess skin removal surgery varies based on the number of areas we treat and the patient’s overall health. A large number of Dr. Demaree’s patients notice an immediate improvement in body shape, although they see swelling and bruising during the initial healing phase.
Patients typically feel comfortable returning to most normal activities within about two weeks, but a complete recovery takes several months, and strenuous activities will have to be avoided for longer. Results appear gradually as swelling subsides and the skin settles into its new position. Once healed, patients enjoy a tighter, smoother, and more defined figure that reflects their dedication and perseverance. These procedures produce lasting results, especially for patients who maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. The renewed confidence and physical freedom that often come from removing excess skin tend to inspire patients to continue prioritizing wellness long after their surgery.
Cost of Excess Skin Removal After Massive Weight Loss in Altoona
Because we uniquely tailor each procedure to each individual, the total cost of your surgery will vary. After we establish the specific details of your treatment during your personal consultation, Dr. Demaree and his team will provide a detailed cost estimate. Additionally, Premier Surgical Arts offers financing options to patients who qualify.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help you reach your personal finish line. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our office at (715) 575-5800.
FAQ
How soon after major weight loss can I have skin removal surgery?
We recommend that patients wait until their weight stabilizes for at least six months before undergoing surgery.
Will I have visible scars after skin removal?
Some scarring is unavoidable, but Dr. Demaree places incisions strategically to make them as discreet as possible. Scars typically fade significantly over time. Can I address multiple areas during one surgery? Yes. Many patients choose to combine procedures, such as an arm lift and tummy tuck, for more comprehensive results.
How long is the recovery after skin removal surgery?
Recovery times will vary, but most patients resume normal activities within two to four weeks, depending on the extent of the treatment.
Is excess skin removal surgery painful?
Discomfort is normal in the early stages of recovery, but patients can manage it with medication and rest. We use anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure itself. Will the results of my post-weight-loss surgery last? Yes. With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, your results can be long-lasting. Can I finance my procedure? Premier Surgical Arts offers several financing options to help make treatments accessible and affordable.
References
- Handal M, Handal J, Nevill T, Finkelstein P, Kichler K. Cosmetic Procedures After Massive Weight Loss Surgery: A Guide for Prospective Patients. Cureus. Published online November 1, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.72864
- Haykal D, Hersant B, Cartier H, Meningaud J. The Role of GLP‐1 Agonists in Esthetic Medicine: Exploring the Impact of Semaglutide on Body Contouring and Skin Health. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2024;24(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16716