6 Popular Procedures for Men After Weight Loss
Once you have shed the pounds, stubborn pockets of fat and excess skin may remain. This leaves many Fort Worth weight loss patients asking, “What’s next?”
Here, expert body contouring surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby highlights 6 procedures she customizes to help male patients reveal their hard-earned physiques after considerable weight loss.
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is not just for women! Techniques are a bit different for men, as the goals are often different for men and women. Excess skin and tissue can settle around the midsection after significant weight loss and obscure the leaner shape beneath. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) removes excess skin and fat from the lower torso to reveal a smoother, toned midsection. Depending on the amount and location of the excess skin, we may use more extensive abdominoplasty techniques, such as a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty or circumferential body lift, to achieve optimal skin removal and proportionate body contouring results. Loose, sagging skin typically adds bulk to the waistline, so most patients can expect to go down in pant size after a tummy tuck.
If you have abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti), we can reposition and tighten these muscles to enhance your abdominoplasty results and encourage optimal muscle functionality. If you have a small umbilical (belly button) hernia, this can be repaired at the same time, as well. Many patients report that correcting abdominal muscle separation makes exercise easier and more effective, which can help you maintain your weight loss results and healthier lifestyle habits.
Abdominoplasty recovery:
- 2 weeks of focused recovery. You need to maintain a slightly bent position at the waist to avoid straining your suture line(s) and allow tightened tissues and muscles to heal.
- 4-6 weeks of light activity. Avoid excessive straining or reaching and lifting anything over 10 pounds, and wear your compression garments until advised otherwise.
We monitor your healing at each follow-up appointment and will clear you for certain activities as your body recovers. More extensive abdominoplasty procedures may require slightly longer recovery periods; however, patience and strict adherence to recovery guidelines will encourage the fastest and most pleasing results.
At our Fort Worth plastic surgery practice, Dr. Kirby uses a TAP nerve block injection during most tummy tuck procedures to reduce pain in the first days after surgery. This type of anesthesia has several benefits and helps patients feel more like themselves much faster.
Dr. Kirby uses ERAS protocols, or “multimodal analgesia,” to minimize recovery time for a better post-op experience.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, removes excess skin and tissue from the upper legs. Massive weight loss often results in saggy skin pooling along the thighs, particularly on the inner thighs. Once we remove excess tissue and re-drape the remaining skin, leg muscle tone is more visible and creates a fit, masculine appearance.
For many patients, a thigh lift also alleviates chafing and may increase mobility for greater comfort during exercise and daily activities. This procedure often allows you to choose from a wider range of clothing options, such as shorts or slimmer pant styles, and a pleasant side effect of a thigh lift may be a drop in pant size.
Thigh lift recovery:
- 7-10 days of focused recovery
- 4-6 weeks of light activity
We place thigh lift incisions in natural body contours and shadows to be as concealed as possible, and you can help your surgery scars heal optimally by following all recovery instructions and activity restrictions.
Arm Lift
Even the most vigorous weight-lifting routines may not be enough to fill out loose arm skin once the weight is gone. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes drooping skin from the upper arms to help reveal muscle tone, create a more sculpted look, and improve mobility.
Arm lift recovery:
- 7-10 days of focused recovery
- 3-4 weeks of limited arm movements (You should not lift your arms above your shoulders during this time.)
- 4-6 weeks of light activity
Compression garments are often key to speed recovery and optimize body contouring results; you can conceal them under clothing if Dr. Kirby advises you to wear them.
Gynecomastia surgery
Gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction, reduces enlarged male breast tissue and stretched skin, which is usually unresponsive to diet and exercise. Hormone imbalances typically cause fullness in the breast area, which may worsen with weight gain and appear more prominent as the rest of the body slims down.
During this procedure, we excise unwanted tissue and use liposuction to create a firm, flat, and masculine chest appearance. Male breast reduction can help boost confidence, especially when you wear tight clothing or go shirtless.
Gynecomastia surgery recovery:
- 3-5 days of focused recovery
- 4-6 weeks of light activity
View gynecomastia surgery before and after photos »
Liposuction
Liposuction is an excellent option for men seeking to remove specific areas of stubborn fat. And if you have any of the above body contouring surgeries, liposuction will likely be added to your surgical plan to fine-tune the shape and definition of your results. We use liposuction to smooth the transition between different body areas so your results appear more natural or as a spot treatment in other areas, such as under the chin to eliminate a “double chin.”
Liposuction recovery:
- 3-5 days if performed as a standalone procedure, followed by a gradual return to normal activities
If liposuction is part of a surgical plan, you will follow the recovery guidelines for the primary procedure and use compression garments as needed.
See actual male patients’ liposuction before and after photos »
Upper eyelid lift
Eyelid surgery, specifically upper blepharoplasty, removes excess or stretched upper eyelid skin and fat. While anyone with a noticeable amount of eyelid skin or “hooded eyes” can benefit from eyelid surgery, tissue changes from weight loss can worsen uneven eyelid folds, cause a tired and droopy appearance, and even obstruct your vision. An upper blepharoplasty for men, performed differently than in women, smoothes the upper eyelid to create an alert eye appearance while still preserving a masculine look.
Eyelid surgery recovery:
- 5-7 days of focused recovery
- 3 weeks of light activity
See actual male patients’ eyelid surgery before and after photos »
ERAS recovery protocols
For many men considering post-weight loss surgery, the recovery time is a primary consideration. Dr. Kirby uses Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to help you feel more alert and comfortable after your procedure(s). ERAS protocols combine proven methods to limit uncomfortable side effects of surgery and anesthesia for a faster, smoother recovery.
Take the next step in your weight loss journeyYou have come so far; now it is time for the final step in your body transformation. Fort Worth Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby tailors male body contouring procedures to preserve a defined, masculine appearance. If you are ready to reveal what excess skin hides, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kirby. Text or call us at (817) 292-4200 or fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.
