After weight loss body contouring is a collection of surgeries that address loose, hanging skin that occurs after significant weight loss. Bariatric surgery like the gastric sleeve and weight loss medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) can cause a person to lose massive amounts of weight, but they can be left with problematic excess skin that obscures their new silhouette. “Ozempic breast” and “Ozempic body” are recently coined phrases that refer to what can happen to the body after significant weight loss; individuals may be left with loose, hanging skin in areas like the breasts, back, and abdomen.

To address this issue, plastic surgeons can eliminate the excess skin using a variety of effective body contouring surgeries, such as breast lifts, augmentation with lifts, bra-line lifts, arm lifts, tummy tucks, thigh lifts, or a comprehensive lower body lift. These procedures not only enhance body shape but also contribute to a significant boost in overall quality of life and self-confidence. Dr. Everett believes that the weight-loss journey is not complete for most patients until the excess skin as a result of that weight loss is addressed.

At The Everett Clinic, we help patients with the excess skin they may have after weight loss through a variety of different surgeries. Dr. Marc Everett is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in New York City whose attention to detail and commitment to improving patients’ lives through rejuvenating surgeries has earned him a reputation as one of the best plastic surgeons in New York.

If you are facing skin sagging issues after bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medication use and you want to learn more about post-weight loss body contouring surgeries, call The Everett Clinic at (212) 774-7715 or fill out our contact form. The Everett Clinic has locations in both Manhattan and Queens for your convenience.

About Medical Weight Loss

Bariatric Surgery

A bariatric procedure is any type of surgery that alters the digestion process like the gastric bypass or one that makes the stomach smaller like the gastric sleeve. This kind of procedure is effective in improving symptoms of conditions like obesity, and related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and heart disease. ⁽¹⁾ However, about one-third of people who have had bariatric surgery experience bothersome excess skin from successful weight loss. ⁽¹⁾ This hanging skin can significantly impact one’s self-esteem, even after undergoing significant weight loss as a result of the surgery. Excess skin can also get in the way of everyday activities, causing discomfort and inconvenience.

The loose skin one may have as a result of bariatric surgery may also be a health risk–this kind of skin is more susceptible to uncomfortable infections. In addition, patients may be predisposed to skin rashes and swelling. All of these issues together can greatly contribute to lower self-confidence, and influence a person to not enjoy certain aspects of their everyday life. ⁽¹⁾ As with all kinds of excess skin, an individual is often unable to address the issue on their own, through dieting and exercise.

GLP-1 Medications

Semaglutide is a highly effective tool for weight management. ⁽²⁾ Similarly, tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, is also used as a type 2 diabetes treatment that can significantly reduce weight. ⁽³⁾ These medications belong to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class of drugs, meaning they have the ability to imitate the way a specific hormone (GLP-1) works. In the central nervous system, this hormone plays a key part in controlling appetite and cravings. By mimicking this hormone, semaglutide medications keep hunger at bay, reducing cravings and the amount of food one consumes, and slowing the rate at which the body moves food from the stomach to the small intestine. ⁽²⁾ However, like those who have undergone bariatric surgery, the rapid weight loss caused by the medication can result in unwanted excess skin that is difficult to eradicate on one’s own.

Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring

Post-weight loss body contouring encompasses a range of procedures that target specific areas of the body where excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity are common after substantial weight loss. The various types of post-weight loss body contouring procedures include:

Breast Lift

With weight gain, the structures of the breast stretch. When this weight is lost, the skin and structures within the breast are oftentimes not capable of returning to their previous shape. In cases of GLP-1-related weight loss, this has become known as “Ozempic breast”. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgery that can improve the shape of the breast mound by removing the excess skin caused by extensive weight loss. As a result of weight loss from bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medications, breast ptosis can also occur. Breast ptosis is when the position of the breast and the nipple begin to sag. ⁽⁴⁾ A breast lift can elevate the nipple to a more youthful position, while also contouring and lifting the area. Dr. Everett formulates unique surgical plans for each patient, performing the breast lift procedure according to the elasticity of the breast skin and the extent to which the breasts are sagging. ⁽⁴⁾

Augmentation & Augmentation with Lift

Breast augmentation more often than not involves the insertion of implants, which can be helpful if the breasts have lost too much volume after significant weight loss. ⁽⁴⁾ At The Everett Clinic, patients with volume loss can receive silicone or saline implants, or a fat transfer, in order to replace the lost volume. Overall, a combination augmentation with lift is a good option for patients who lack volume and desire increased upper pole fullness or increased overall breast size. ⁽⁴⁾

Bra-Line Lift

A bra line lift is a procedure that focuses on improving the appearance of the upper body. It specifically targets the area between the bra line and the upper torso, where sagging skin, excess fat, and bulges can be a concern for many individuals, especially after weight loss. This procedure helps to remove sagging skin, eliminate unwanted fullness, and tighten the upper back, resulting in a more sculpted and youthful look.

Arm Lift

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgery that addresses the way that skin hangs from the upper arms. Excess skin in this area can affect the way that clothes fit, and can lead to a feeling of lower confidence in people who have undergone weight loss because they still have “bat wings”. To address this issue, Dr. Everett may begin with liposuction to remove some volume caused by fat deposits in the arms. After this stage, he will make markings on the arms to indicate where the excess skin and fat will be removed. ⁽⁵⁾ After an arm lift, patients can move freely, without bothersome hanging skin getting in the way of their weight loss journey. Clothes may become more comfortable, and patients may feel more confident with the way their arms appear firmer and more youthful.

Tummy Tuck

The midsection is very commonly affected by the outcomes of significant weight change. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, removes the excess skin that can gather above and around the midsection area. ⁽⁵⁾ People who have undergone weight loss may experience the development of a pannus, or a sizable flap of skin that hangs over the midsection. The pannus can be either above the belly button or can hang over the groin area. ⁽⁴⁾ Some people who have lost large amounts of weight also experience the separation of the rectus muscles, or the muscles in the abdomen (diastasis recti). This condition can be addressed during a tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Everett can bring these abdominal muscles back together with internal sutures, resulting in a flatter, firmer-looking midsection. It is important to note that a tummy tuck is not intended to remove much fat tissue from the midsection but to remove the loose skin that can occur there.

Thigh Lift

Even after significant weight loss, it is common for some fat deposits to remain in the thighs, in addition to excess skin. During a thigh lift, we can address both of these issues at once by using liposuction to remove some of the fat at the beginning of the procedure. After liposuction, Dr. Everett can remove excess skin from key parts of the thigh, reducing the painful chafing that patients may feel as a result of skin rubbing together during everyday activities. ⁽⁵⁾

Lower Body Lift

A lower body lift is a more comprehensive approach to post-weight loss body contouring. People who have lost large amounts of weight may experience a combination of excess skin in many different areas, such as the midsection, hips, thighs, and lower back. During this procedure, excess skin can be excised from all of these areas at once, making for a convenient procedure with one recovery period. A lower body lift can be tailored from patient to patient to fit specific needs. ⁽⁵⁾

Results

Post-weight loss body contouring, whether for patients who have undergone weight loss from bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, or dieting and exercise, can help patients reclaim their body shape. By removing excess skin from targeted areas of the body, patients can enjoy a smoother contour and more defined silhouette. After post-weight loss body contouring surgery, patients can fully enjoy the results of their weight loss journey.

Cost of Body Contouring After Weight Loss in New York City

The cost of your body contouring surgery is highly dependent on the issues you wish to address during your procedure. All lifting procedures vary in cost. However, if you have questions about the pricing of a specific procedure, call The Everett Clinic at (212)774-7715 or fill out our contact form for further information.

FAQ

References

1. Toma T, Harling L, Athanasiou T, Darzi A, Ashrafian H. Does Body Contouring After Bariatric Weight Loss Enhance Quality of Life? A Systematic Review of QOL Studies. Obesity Surgery. 2018;28(10):3333-3341. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-018-3323-8
2. Humphrey CD, Lawrence AC. Corrigendum: Implications of Ozempic and Other Semaglutide Medications for Facial Plastic Surgeons. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2023;39(06):e1-e1. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-1779676
3. Farzam K, Patel P. Tirzepatide. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056/
4. Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057
5. Cabbabe SW. Plastic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss. Missouri Medicine. 2016;113(3):202-206. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140063/