Body Contouring After Weight Loss
We are Maine’s most trusted team for plastic surgery after successful weight loss.
- Loose skin is common after major weight loss, including lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medications.
- Skin that folds, hangs or feels heavy often will not fully tighten on its own.
- Body contouring may help if loose skin causes rashes, irritation, hygiene issues or clothing problems.
- Most patients should wait until their weight is stable for several months, often at least 3-6 months.
- Common options include tummy tuck, panniculectomy, arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift and lower body lift.
- You don’t need to know the right procedure before your visit. We’ll help you find the best plan.
You’ve put in a lot of effort to achieve your results.
Losing a lot of weight – whether with GLP-1 medications, bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes – is a big accomplishment. But loose or sagging skin can sometimes make it harder to see your progress.
We’re here to help with that.
At Plastic + Hand, our board-certified plastic surgeons offer body contouring to remove extra skin, improve comfort and reshape your natural contours. We’ll work with you to explain your options and find the approach that fits your body and goals.
BODY CONTOURING IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST REMOVING EXTRA SKIN. IT’S ONE REASON MANY PATIENTS LOOKING FOR THE BEST PLASTIC SURGEONS IN MAINE CHOOSE PLASTIC + HAND FOR PERSONALIZED CARE AFTER SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS.
BODY CONTOURING AFTER GLP-1 WEIGHT LOSS
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro® and Zepbound® have helped many people lose significant weight. But when weight loss happens quickly, the skin may not have enough elasticity to tighten on its own.
That can leave loose skin around the abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts, face, neck or lower body.
As more people reach their goal weight with GLP-1s, surgery or lifestyle changes, we see more patients asking about body contouring. These procedures can remove extra skin, improve your shape and help address areas that diet and exercise can’t change.
WILL MY LOOSE SKIN TIGHTEN ON ITS OWN AFTER WEIGHT LOSS?
It depends on your age, genetics, skin quality, how much weight you lost and how quickly you lost it.
Mild loose skin may get better over time with strength training, good nutrition, staying hydrated and patience. But skin that folds, hangs or causes discomfort often won’t fully tighten without surgery.
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your skin and help you determine whether surgery is right for your goals.
DO I NEED PLASTIC SURGERY AFTER WEIGHT LOSS?
Not everyone needs plastic surgery after weight loss. But many people find it helpful if loose skin affects their comfort, movement, hygiene or confidence.
Excess skin can lead to:
- Chronic rashes, sores or skin infections.
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably.
- Discomfort during exercise or daily activities.
- Frustration with your shape despite your progress.
- Hygiene challenges in skin folds.
Plastic surgery after successful weight loss can help improve comfort, mobility, hygiene and body shape, especially if extra skin gets in the way of daily life.
WHAT SURGERY REMOVES LOOSE SKIN AFTER WEIGHT LOSS?
After major weight loss, loose skin can appear in several areas. The best procedure depends on where you have extra skin, your goals and your plastic surgeon’s advice.
At Plastic + Hand, our board-certified plastic surgeons in Maine offer a full range of body contouring and skin removal procedures after GLP-1 weight loss, bariatric surgery or major lifestyle-related weight loss.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes excess abdominal skin and can tighten stretched abdominal muscles. It’s one of the most common body contouring procedures after pregnancy, bariatric surgery or GLP-1 weight loss.
Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy removes the hanging lower abdominal “apron” of skin, called a pannus, which can cause rashes, infections, hygiene problems or make it hard to move comfortably. Unlike a tummy tuck, a panniculectomy focuses only on removing the hanging skin and may be covered by insurance if it’s medically necessary. It does not tighten the abdominal muscles or move the belly button, so your surgeon will help you decide what’s right for you.
Arm Lift
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes loose, hanging skin from the upper arms. This can help create a smoother, more toned look when exercise isn’t enough.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift removes extra skin from the inner or outer thighs. It can help smooth and reshape your legs after weight loss or changes from aging.
Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift, or belt lipectomy, treats loose skin around the abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks. This can be a good choice if you have extra skin in several lower-body areas.
Breast Lift
A breast lift, or mastopexy, reshapes and lifts sagging breasts after weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding or aging. It can be done with or without breast implants.
Facelift and Neck Lift
A facelift or neck lift can tighten loose skin around the cheeks, jawline and neck. These procedures may help after weight loss, aging or loss of facial volume.
Other Procedures
We also offer liposuction, breast augmentation, facial fat grafting and eyelid surgery. At your consultation, we’ll help you figure out which procedure or combination is best for your body and goals.
CAN EVERYTHING BE DONE IN ONE SURGERY?
Some patients reach their goals with just one procedure, like a tummy tuck or arm lift. Others benefit from a step-by-step plan that treats different areas over time.
There’s no single answer for everyone. At your consultation, we’ll discuss your priorities, look at your skin, and create a plan that fits your body, recovery and schedule.
WHAT IS ‘OZEMPIC FACE’?
Losing weight quickly or in large amounts can also affect your face. As facial fat decreases, you might notice hollow cheeks, loose skin, jowls, under-eye hollows or a more tired look.
This is sometimes called “Ozempic face,” but it’s not specific to Ozempic®. It’s usually related to rapid or significant weight loss, which can happen with GLP-1 medications, bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes.
Depending on your goals, options can include dermal fillers, facial fat grafting, skin treatments, facelift or neck lift, eyelid surgery or other facial procedures.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT FOR PLASTIC SURGERY AFTER WEIGHT LOSS?
Most patients should wait until their weight has been stable for several months before having body contouring surgery. For many, this means waiting at least 3 to 6 months.
Some patients may need to wait longer, especially after bariatric surgery or rapid GLP-1 weight loss. Waiting gives your body time to adjust and helps your surgeon plan for the safest, most predictable results.
DOES INSURANCE COVER SKIN REMOVAL AFTER WEIGHT LOSS?
Insurance usually does not cover cosmetic body contouring surgery. However, some skin removal procedures, such as panniculectomy, may be covered when loose skin causes medical problems.
This can include chronic rashes, infections, skin ulcers, hygiene problems or other functional issues. Insurance requirements vary, and you’ll usually need documentation.
During your consultation, our board-certified plastic surgeons in Maine can help you understand whether your concerns are cosmetic, functional or both – and what next steps may make sense.
THINKING ABOUT SKIN REMOVAL AFTER SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS? SCHEDULE A CONSULT.
You don’t need to know exactly which procedure you need before your visit. That’s what your consultation is for.
Many patients come to us after searching for the best plastic surgeons in Maine for body contouring after successful weight loss. At your consultation, we’ll help you understand what’s realistic, what’s safe and what options may fit your goals.
We’ll take time to learn about your weight loss journey, look at the areas that concern you and talk about what you want to change. Your surgeon will then explain your options, what surgery can and can’t do and whether one procedure or a step-by-step plan is best.
This is also your chance to ask questions, learn about recovery and feel confident about your next step. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision that feels right for your body, lifestyle and goals.
A TEAM YOU CAN TRUST
As a top plastic surgery practice in Maine, Plastic + Hand brings together board-certified plastic surgeons, advanced training and a full team focused on your comfort, safety and results.
Our Plastic + Hand surgeons have trained at top medical centers across the country and are part of the largest, most trusted plastic surgery center in Northern New England.
All our surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have performed the most cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in the region.
Your comfort is our priority. Our fully accredited AAAHC day surgery center provides personalized care in a private setting.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons, skilled physician assistants, highly trained nurses and caring staff work together to personalize your experience at every step.
WITH A PLASTIC + HAND SURGEON, YOU’LL GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT WITH THE RESPECT YOU DESERVE…ALL RIGHT HERE IN MAINE.
Schedule time to talk with us
Each and every patient is unique. It’s important to us that we listen to our patients from the outset, so a consultation with one of our experienced Patient Care Coordinator is the first step in determining whether body contouring surgery is appropriate for you.
