Losing a significant amount of weight is nothing short of heroic. It’s a testament to your strength, discipline, and commitment to a healthier life. Yet, for many well-intentioned individuals, one of the most discouraging surprises after shedding pounds—whether through lifestyle changes, surgery, or medication—is loose, sagging skin.
Why Doesn’t Skin Always Bounce Back?
Skin elasticity is like this rubber band: it springs back when stretched, but loses its springback when stretched too far or too much. The longer your skin is stretched out, the less to snap back into elastic form. The reasons that a springback happens are:
- Skin quality, genetics, and age.
- Weight gain amount and duration.
- Lifestyle elements, such as sun exposure or smoking.
Even with significant weight loss, redundant skin can persist and be causing pain, rashes,
infection, or impaired movement.
The Transforming Role of a Tummy Tuck
When excess skin is invading your physical comfort and your mood, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a powerful option.
Here’s what it does:
- It eliminates excess fat and skin.
- Tightens the muscles of the abdomen.
- Re-contours and slims the waist.
- Gives a new, more streamlined shape.
Typically performed under general anesthesia, the surgery takes 1–2 hours and has a recovery period where most patients return to normal activity in 1–2 weeks.
Who’s a Great Candidate?
- Individuals between 20% of their ideal body weight.
- Those who have lost a substantial amount of weight and maintained it for at least six months.
- Patients in good overall health with stable weight.
When to Hold Off
It’s wise to delay a tummy tuck if you plan to become pregnant—tightening abdominal muscles could be separated again. Likewise, if you’re still losing significant weight, it’s best to wait—surgery works best once you’re at a stable point.
A Heartfelt Process of Whole Being
At our practice, we have tremendous regard for the emotional process that goes into each transformation. You didn’t just lose weight—you gained energy, self-esteem, and health. We honor that process and will walk you back to wholeness with compassion, respect, and personalized guidance.
If you’re having trouble with hanging skin that doesn’t match up to how far you’ve traveled, you’re not alone—and reconstructive options like the tummy tuck are for this very reason.
Why This Matters
- Physical comfort. No more discomfort on the skin or chafing.
- Emotional health. Assist in aligning your inner strength with your outward appearance.
- Confidence to be active. A smoother contour can help you embrace physical activities again.
Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Samuel J. Beran, MD is a highly accomplished plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Valhalla, NY. With more than 20 years’ experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Beran consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body. Recently, Dr. Beran was named a “Top Doctor” by RealSelf for his dedication to responding to consumer questions and patient feedback. The “Top Doctor” designation is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf physician community.