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January 23, 2026
Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss
Ozempic. Wegovy. Bariatric surgery.
No matter how you get there, losing a significant amount of weight can change your life. But it can also come with a few changes you might not expect – especially when it comes to excess skin.
We asked board-certified plastic surgeon Arthur Turko, MD, FACS, of Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates in Portland, Maine, to walk us through what to expect after weight loss – and what you can do about it.
You may notice this physical change first.
“When people lose a lot of weight, we often see it first in the face,” says Dr. Turko.
That’s where the term “Ozempic face” comes from – when volume disappears in the cheeks, skin starts to sag, and facial features look more hollow or aged.
“We’re seeing more people with flattened cheeks, deeper folds, jowls and loose neck skin,” he adds. “Fortunately, we have great procedures that can help.”
These may include:
- Facelift or neck lift surgery to remove excess skin and improve sagging.
- Facial fat grafting to restore youthful volume to the cheeks or under the eyes.
“These procedures offer long-lasting results – often 10 to 15 years or more – and can really help people feel like themselves again,” says Dr. Turko.
What about the rest of the body?
Beyond the face, excess skin often shows up in other areas – especially when people lose 30, 50 or even 100+ pounds.
“We’re seeing it in the arms, breasts, abdomen – pretty much everywhere,” says Dr. Turko. “And once that extra skin is there, it doesn’t tighten up on its own.”
For many, the next step is skin removal surgery.
“No matter how you lose the weight, the goals are the same,” says Dr. Turko. “We remove excess skin to help people feel confident in their results they worked so hard for.”
Surgery timing matters.
Thinking about body contouring surgery? Dr. Turko recommends waiting until your weight is stable.
“The best results happen when you’ve hit your lowest weight and maintained it for about six months,” he says. “We want to make sure you’re healthy, eating well and ready for surgery before we move forward.”
From there, your plastic surgeon will work with you to create a plan that matches your goals. That might mean one procedure – like a tummy tuck, breast lift or arm lift – or a staged approach to safely address one or two areas at a time.
Are you considering plastic surgery after weight loss?
“Surgery isn’t just about removing skin – it’s about helping people see themselves the way they always imagined,” says Dr. Turko. “Seeing that confidence shine through is incredibly rewarding.”
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, our Plastic + Hand team is the most trusted Maine plastic surgery team.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons bring extensive training and experience to even the most complex cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty, tummy tucks, facelifts, neck lifts, breast surgeries, liposuction and body contouring.
We’re committed to providing the results you seek with the respect and compassion you deserve. The first step begins here. Call us at 207-775-3446 or submit this request form to schedule your consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator to get started.
