Though obesity has become an epidemic in this country, it is not a condition that most people aspire to become. The consequences of being massively overweight can exert a great toll emotionally, physically and physiologically. This can range from an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, infections, and cancer to poor self esteem, sexual dysfunction and disabling depression. Engaging in even the mildest of physical activities can be extremely difficult, embarrassing and exhausting.
Obesity, therefore, has few positives associated with it unless one uses a little creativity…
In a bizarre story, two women recently deployed their prodigious layers of fat and large pendulous breasts for evil purposes – to steal clothing from a store. They attempted to hide several pairs of boots, gloves and other items under their breasts and in body fat folds in a failed shoplifting attempt. The purported total value of the items sequestered was around $2600 – an amazing amount particularly since this occurred in a (discount) T.J Maxx store and not a Neiman-Marcus or Nordstrom.
I do see many people who have lost a significant amount of weight, often 100 pounds or more. Some have achieved their success by diligent dieting and exercise. Others pursue weight loss procedures such as lap banding or gastric bypass surgery. Nevertheless, what they are left with are massive amounts of excess skin that is circumferential and often hangs down in layers. This less than attractive sight is often not what they had expected to be left with following their successful weight loss.
Fortunately, there are a variety of plastic surgery procedures that can effectively address this post massive weight loss appearance problem and which I offer to my patients. They can be performed in a variety of combinations depending on each person’s particular needs and desires. Some of the more common of these surgical procedures include a tummy tuck, belt lipectomy (circumferential removal of skin from the abdomen and back), inner and outer thigh lifts, breast reduction, and arm lifts (brachioplasty).
These plastic surgery procedures not only can help patients obtain a much more attractive appearance and body contour but can also allow them to be much more active with little or no physical restrictions (as had been related to their weight or excess skin previously). My patients have indicated that they have had a marked improvement in self-esteem following surgery and a much more positive attitude and outlook.
If you would like to obtain information on plastic surgery procedures that can help address the excess skin that you have been left with following massive weight loss such as for a tummy tuck, belt lipectomy, breast reduction, or an arm lift, please call my office at 480-451-3000. We would also be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation for you if you desire.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona
Here at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we are seeing an amazing increase in the number of people pursuing arm lift surgery, also known as a brachioplasty. A major reason for this burgeoning interest is actually quite understandable and relates to our present epidemic of obesity.
Following a considerable weight gain often involving 50 to 100 lbs. or more, the skin becomes quite stretched out with associated disruption of elastic fibers. If there is a subsequent substantial weight loss, the outcome will be an excess of skin with little elasticity that just hangs down like a hammock or even bat wings. Not a pretty sight!
Arm lift candidate - right side
Arm lift candidate - right side posterior view
Arm Lift Candidate - right side
Arm lift candidate - left side
A brachioplasty is the surgical procedure that is employed to excise the excess skin and recontour the upper arm in order to obtain a more desirable appearance. It typically involves a T-shaped scar extending from the arm pit (axilla) to the elbow but it can be extended onto the forearm if there is excess skin here as well.
The arm lift surgery can be performed both by itself as well as with various other procedures including a breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, and even other massive weight loss corrective procedures such as an abdominoplasty and “belt lipectomy”. Postoperative discomfort is usually fairly mild – more of a tightness sensation. The outcome is usually quite dramatic.
We are in the midst of an unparalleled epidemic of obesity in this country. This is related to a combination of a general overindulgence in food, excessive consumption of foods high in fat and calories, and a more sedentary life style. Many of these people have realized that, for a variety of reasons, this excess weight needed to be shed. Through arduous dieting, exercise often in conjunction with bariatric surgery such as lap banding or gastric bypass they have lost tremendous amounts of weight, often far exceeding 100 pounds.
Success, finally! Celebration? Maybe not quite yet. Despite the massive weight loss that was so difficult to achieve, what many people didn’t anticipate was the permanent consequences on their bodies of first gaining then losing this sizable poundage. The figure that they envisioned following all this effort is not what they are seeing in the mirror. Instead of being slimmed down, contoured and generally smaller, most are left with unsightly deformities consisting of an excess of lax, irregularly contoured stretched skin that frequently cascades in rolls creating hygienic issues and an aesthetic nightmare.
Which areas are affected? From the face on down, the sequelae from massive weight loss may be seen. There is considerable variability among individuals as to the severity and areas that are most affected. Common areas include the abdomen, buttocks, circumferential trunk, inner and outer thighs, breasts, arms and even face and neck.
If you would like to obtain additional information on body contouring surgery such as for a tummy tuck, belt lipectomy, breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation, arm lift and face lift, you can contact my office at 480-451-3000.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona
