Sometimes after large fluctuations in weight the tissues of the abdominal wall, arms, or the legs loose their elasticity and natural turgor, becoming lax and flaccid. The person may have localized accumulation of fat in these areas that they cannot get rid of despite exercise. Striae (stretch marks) may cover the skin of the lower abdomen and occasionally go as far as the mid abdominal area. Stretch marks may also be present in the upper or lower extremity making it difficult for that person to wear short sleeve shirts or pants. The purpose of dermolipectomy is to eliminate many of the deformities that result from excess skin and to give the abdomen and extremities a tighter, firmer, and more pleasing contour.

Body contouring procedures are operations that can benefit both men and women. Men who have had large amounts of weight loss or who have folds of excess skin in the abdomen or extremities may also benefit from this surgery. It must be remembered that individuals who have excess skin may also suffer from excess fatty tissue in the same areas. This operation is not a substitute for more conventional methods of weight loss such as dieting and exercise. However, after large body weight fluctuations the skin turgor and elasticity is permanently lost. These individuals are unable to eliminate this excess skin by using normal measures. Under these circumstances dermolipectomy can provide a means to achieve this goal.

Dermolipectomy is best thought as a spectrum of surgical procedures that can be tailored to meet your specific need. In other words not every person requires an extensive skin excision. In certain situations after losing large amounts of weight the skin is able to retract considerably making the need for skin excision unnecessary. However beyond a certain amount of stretch, the skin looses this elastic potential and it may not retract to conform to the new shape of the body. The degree of skin redundancy will determine the length of the scar. If there is minimal skin redundancy the scars may be very short and well hidden. On the other hand where there is significant amount of skin excess the scars may be long and conspicuous. Only your Plastic Surgeon can tell you how extensive the scars will be. Dermolipectomy is often combined with liposuction (fat removal) enabling the surgeon to enhance the end result of surgery and to put finishing touches where necessary.

Your recovery from this operation will depend on the extent of skin excision. If a large amount is being excised the recovery may be 10 days. If a minor excision is being done the recovery will be closer to 7 days. You will have a moderated amount of swelling and bruising after surgery. The discomfort is tolerated by most patients without difficulty. The oral pain medication can easily control this discomfort. You should be able to return to your normal level of activity within 2-3 weeks after surgery.

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