Weight loss and what comes after
Losing a lot of weight is a real achievement. For many people it also brings something they did not expect: loose skin. It can show up on the belly, arms, thighs, breasts, back or face. Some people find it gets in the way of clothing, exercise or confidence.
Our practice is unusual. The physician who runs your medical weight loss program is also a board-certified plastic surgeon who does body contouring. That means one doctor can help you plan the whole path, from the first visit to what comes after, if you want that.
Why loose skin happens
Skin stretches as weight is gained. After major weight loss, skin does not always shrink back to fit the smaller body. How much it shrinks depends on things like age, genetics, how much weight was lost, and how long the weight was carried. Exercise can build muscle underneath, but it does not remove excess skin.
Some people notice changes in the face as well as the body after weight loss.
Why a plastic surgeon runs this program
Most weight loss programs end at the scale. Ours does not have to. Dr. J. Michael Conkright sees every patient in the medical weight loss program himself. Because he is also a body contouring surgeon, he can talk with you about your long-term goals from the first visit.
That does not mean everyone needs surgery. Many people do not want it, and that is fine. It means you have a physician who understands both parts of the picture.
When to think about contouring
Body contouring is generally planned once your weight has been stable for a period of time, not while you are still losing. Dr. Conkright decides the right timing for each patient. If you are still on a weight-management medicine and thinking about surgery, tell him. The medicine labels advise telling any doctor planning anesthesia or sedation that you take one.
You can start the conversation any time. Many patients like to know what is possible early, so they can plan.
Planning ahead while you lose weight
You do not need to decide anything about surgery while you are still losing weight. A few simple steps can help when the time comes:
- Notice which areas bother you most, and why. Is it comfort, clothing, exercise or appearance?
- Write down your questions as they come up, and bring them to your visits.
- Keep a list of your medicines, including your weight-management medicine, to share with Dr. Conkright.
- Ask about timing at any visit. He is happy to talk about the future even if surgery is a long way off.
A consultation about contouring is a conversation, not a commitment.
Options Dr. Conkright may discuss
Depending on your body and your goals, Dr. Conkright may talk with you about:
- Surgery to remove excess skin after major weight loss, on the belly, arms, thighs, breasts or other areas
- Liposuction for areas of stubborn fat
- Non-surgical skin treatments in some cases
The right plan is his decision with you, at a consultation. You can read more on our body contouring page, our surgery after massive weight loss page and our liposuction page.
Awake surgery after major weight loss
Dr. Conkright performs many procedures with the patient awake, without general anesthesia.
Because you are awake, you can help us move and position you during surgery. This is a definite advantage after major weight loss, when positioning under general anesthesia is extremely difficult.
Whether awake surgery is right for your procedure is something Dr. Conkright discusses with you at your consultation.
About Dr. Conkright
J. Michael Conkright, MD, practices in Evansville, Indiana. Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, with over four decades of surgical experience — the last twenty years devoted exclusively to cosmetic and aesthetic surgery. Every consultation is with Dr. Conkright himself. Read his full bio.
Questions
Will my skin tighten on its own after weight loss?
Sometimes, partly. It depends on things like age, genetics and how much weight was lost. Dr. Conkright can assess your skin at a consultation.
How long should I wait after weight loss before surgery?
Contouring is generally planned once your weight has been stable. Dr. Conkright decides the timing for each patient.
Can I have body contouring while on a GLP-1 medicine?
Tell Dr. Conkright about any medicine you take. The labels advise telling any doctor planning anesthesia or sedation. He will plan with you.
Will exercise get rid of loose skin?
Exercise can build muscle, but it does not remove excess skin.
Do I have to be in your weight loss program to have contouring?
No. Anyone can request a body contouring consultation.
Do you do the surgery awake?
Many procedures are done with the patient awake. Because you are awake, you can help us move and position you during surgery. This is a definite advantage after major weight loss, when positioning under general anesthesia is extremely difficult.
Does insurance cover skin removal?
We do not accept insurance. Our procedures are self-pay.