When is plastic surgery a good option?

Plastic surgery isn’t typically used as a first-line weight loss solution. In fact, it’s not generally considered a weight loss method at all. Instead, plastic surgery procedures can help to improve body contouring and remove excess skin after significant weight loss. Procedures such as liposuction can remove localized pockets of fat, but they’re not intended for large-scale weight loss and they don’t address the lifestyle and behavior changes necessary for long-term weight management.

Weight loss is best achieved through a combination of a balanced, nutritious diet and regular physical activity. Medical interventions for weight loss, such as medications or bariatric surgery (like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy), might be appropriate for some people with obesity, particularly when they’ve tried to lose weight through diet and exercise without success and have obesity-related health conditions.

That being said, there are some situations in which plastic surgery could be a component of a weight loss plan, specifically:

• Post-Bariatric Body Contouring: After significant weight loss through bariatric surgery, diet, or exercise, people may have loose or excess skin that can be uncomfortable or interfere with daily activities. In these cases, procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), body lift, or arm lift (brachioplasty) may be considered.
• Liposuction: This procedure can remove small, localized areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. However, liposuction is not a tool for significant weight loss. It’s more for contouring and shaping the body in specific areas.

Any surgical procedure carries risks, and the decision to have surgery should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, taking into account your personal health history, goals, and the potential benefits and risks. If you’re interested in learning more, check this Ver Halen Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery – tummy tuck option!