The COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020 forced many individuals to work from their homes. As a result, videoconferencing through platforms like Zoom became a regular part of their daily routine. This frequent virtual interaction prompted many individuals to undergo facial procedures in 2021.
Moreover, COVID-19 impacted people in other ways as well. While some studies indicate that many people gained weight during the pandemic, others utilized the lockdown and transition to remote working as an opportunity to adopt a healthier diet and exercise regimen. plastic surgery Weight loss became a primary focus, and experts predict that post-weight loss surgery or body contouring surgery will be the new trend in 2022. This type of surgery provides the final touch to achieve the desired body shape after putting in considerable effort towards weight loss.
Why consider plastic surgery after weight loss
Losing weight can have numerous health benefits, such as reversing conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. However, for individuals who have been overweight for an extended period, weight loss can lead to an undesirable outcome: excess and sagging skin, which can be a source of embarrassment despite the achievement of weight loss.
Moreover, this excess skin is susceptible to rashes and fungal infections as the skin folds over itself. Furthermore, some individuals may experience areas of stubborn fat that are resistant to exercise or dieting, adding to their dissatisfaction with their appearance.
What is body contouring surgery?
Body contouring surgery comprises several procedures that aim to address excess skin and persistent fat deposits that persist after weight loss. These procedures aid in the restoration of one’s natural body contours by eliminating sagging skin around various areas of the body such as the face, neck, arms, breasts, midsection, and thighs.
Ideal body contouring procedures after weight loss
The process of body contouring after weight loss is highly personalized and varies based on the specific areas that require attention. Although each procedure targets a specific body part, they can be combined to address multiple areas simultaneously, such as in a mommy makeover. The most commonly performed surgical procedures for body contouring after weight loss include:
Tummy tuck
A tummy tuck procedure targets the midsection. When you carry excess weight, your skin stretches, and your abdominal muscles become weak and stretched out. During a tummy tuck surgery, the surgeon removes excess abdominal skin and tissue while tightening abdominal muscles. This procedure helps to restore a more toned and flattened abdomen, highlighting the new body contours. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend combining liposuction with a tummy tuck to remove stubborn fat deposits and enhance the overall results.
Breast lift
After significant weight loss, many individuals experience breast ptosis, or sagging of the breasts. Breast lift surgery aims to lift and reposition the breasts and nipples, restoring them to their natural position on the chest and providing a more youthful and toned appearance.
Facelift
Substantial weight loss can lead to changes in the face and neck that may cause you to look older than your actual age. Sagging skin around the face, neck, and jowls can contribute to an aged appearance. A facelift or neck lift procedure can remove excess skin, giving you a more youthful appearance. Additionally, if weight loss and aging have resulted in reduced facial volume, fat transfer during a facelift can help restore fullness to your face.
Arm lift
Excess skin on the arms, resulting from weight loss or aging, can create the appearance of bat wings and make individuals feel self-conscious when wearing sleeveless or short-sleeved shirts. Arm lift surgery aims to remove excess skin and tissue, resulting in smoother and more defined upper arms and eliminating the appearance of bat wings.
Buttock enhancement
Weight loss can result in a reduction of volume in certain areas where you desire a fuller appearance. Although you may be able to fit into your favorite jeans, your buttocks may appear flat. Buttock enhancement surgery can help you achieve the curves and volume you desire, resulting in a more shapely appearance that will complement your favorite jeans perfectly.
Thigh lift
Weight loss can result in excess skin on the upper thighs, which can cause discomfort from chafing during walking or exercise. Thigh lift surgery targets the removal of this excess skin from the upper and inner thighs, resulting in a more toned appearance and alleviating any discomfort caused by excess skin.
Are you a good candidate for body contouring?
To be a suitable candidate for body contouring surgery after weight loss, it is important to be in good physical health without any underlying medical conditions that could hinder healing and recovery. Additionally, it is recommended to be at or near your target weight and maintain this weight for several months. Commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, is also essential. It is important to note that weight gain following surgery can reverse the results achieved through body contouring procedures.
If you have achieved significant weight loss during the COVID-19 pandemic but are still struggling with excess skin, you may benefit from post-weight loss plastic surgery, which is predicted to be a growing trend in 2022.
Frequently Asked Auestions
What is plastic surgery after weight loss?
Plastic surgery after weight loss refers to a variety of procedures aimed at removing excess skin and fat after significant weight loss, resulting in a more toned and contoured appearance.
Am I a good candidate for plastic surgery after weight loss?
A good candidate for plastic surgery after weight loss is someone who is in good physical health, has reached their goal weight, and has maintained it for some time. They should also have excess skin and/or stubborn fat in targeted areas that they would like to improve.
What are some of the most common plastic surgery procedures after weight loss?
Some of the most common plastic surgery procedures after weight loss include tummy tucks, breast lifts, facelifts, arm lifts, buttock enhancement, and thigh lifts.
What are the risks associated with plastic surgery after weight loss?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with plastic surgery after weight loss, including infection, bleeding, and scarring. It is important to discuss these risks with your surgeon and follow all pre- and post-operative instructions.
Will insurance cover the cost of plastic surgery after weight loss?
In most cases, plastic surgery after weight loss is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. However, some procedures may be covered if they are deemed medically necessary, such as a breast reduction due to back pain. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered.
Conclusion
There is a growing interest in body contouring surgery among people who have lost significant amounts of weight, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people found themselves working from home and able to focus on healthy lifestyle changes.
While it’s difficult to predict future trends in plastic surgery, many experts believe that post-weight loss surgery will continue to gain popularity in 2022 and beyond as more people seek to remove excess skin and stubborn fat and achieve their desired body contours. Ultimately, the decision to undergo body contouring surgery after weight loss is a personal one and should be made in consultation with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.