After weight loss surgery, as we discussed the past few weeks, skin can become loose and not return to its pre-surgical state. Last week we talked about tummy tucks, removing skin from the abdomen and tightening the underlying muscles. This recreates the shape and tightness of the abdomen that is lost after weight loss. Another common procedure that is requested after massive weight loss is the arm reduction or brachioplasty. Many people gain excessive weight in their arms and after the weight is gone the skin can hang. Many describe these at "bat wings". The unsightly nature of this excess skin becomes hard to conceal and makes wearing short sleeves, tank tops, or anything other than a long sleeve top impossible.
What to do about it?? There are some non-invasive ways to tighten up the skin but these are usually inadequate after weight loss. It requires skin removal, just like with the tummy tuck. The up side to this procedure is the reclaimation of your original arm shape with the ability to wear more fashionable clothing and the loss of the "bat wings". The down side, as with most cosmetic procedures is the scar that occurs on the medial aspect of the upper arm. Photos compliments of the ASPS.
Fortunately, this scar is on the inside of the arm and becomes less and less visible with time.
Come see us at Total Body Surgical where we do ALL post weight loss body contouring.
ALSO, be sure to take advantage of the Lap band introduction at INTEGRIS Total Body Surgical, and the Breast Augmentation Special through the end of July!!