Excess Skin (Sagging Skin)
Excess skin, often referred to as sagging skin, is a common aesthetic and functional concern that leads patients to see Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily Kirby for body contouring surgery.
Causes of excess skin
Excess skin typically results from aging, significant weight loss, or pregnancy. The skin’s elasticity allows it to stretch during weight gain or pregnancy, but it may not fully return to its original state after these changes. Evidence of this can often be seen with stretch marks (striae) on the skin. Aging also plays a role, as the skin naturally loses collagen and elastin—the proteins that provide firmness and elasticity, the “spandex” of the skin—over time.
Common concern areas
Excess skin can occur in various body areas, including:
- Arms: Sagging skin on the arms, often called “bat wings,” may be noticeable when wearing short sleeves or sleeveless tops.
- Back: Excess skin around the bra line can cause discomfort and affect how clothing fits.
- Abdomen: After significant weight loss or pregnancy, the abdominal area may have loose, hanging skin.
- Thighs: Sagging skin on the thighs can cause chafing and discomfort, particularly in warmer weather or during physical activity.
Procedures to remove excess skin
Arm lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift removes excess skin and fat in the upper arm for smoother, more toned arms. The tradeoff of tighter skin is a visible scar along the upper arm. A traditional arm lift involves an incision placed along the inside of the upper arm, from elbow to underarm. An extended arm lift involves an incision that continues below the underarm, down the side of the chest for added skin tightening in this area. However, if you have only a small degree of sagging, a mini brachioplasty may be sufficient, requiring only an incision located within the underarm.
Bra-line back lift
The bra-line back lift removes excess skin along the bra line, improving the back’s contour. It can significantly enhance comfort and the fit of clothing, particularly bras and fitted tops.
Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck addresses excess skin and weakened, widened abdominal muscles in the belly area. This surgery creates a firmer, flatter abdominal profile and restores core strength by repositioning muscles to their correct anatomical position, especially after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Body contouring after weight loss or bariatric surgery
Post-weight loss body contouring is a comprehensive approach to remove excess skin in multiple areas following significant weight loss. It usually involves several procedures, tailored to your needs, to achieve a more proportional body contour and reveal the results of your weight loss.
Thigh lift
A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thighs, improving the shape and reducing discomfort caused by skin chafing.
Mommy makeover
For loose skin after childbearing, a mommy makeover is a combination of procedures designed to address post-pregnancy body changes. It often includes a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction.
Non-surgical skin tightening & stretch mark reduction with Morpheus8 RF microneedling
For patients with a very mild amount of loose skin or visible stretch marks, Morpheus8 RF microneedling provides moderate skin tightening, as well as mild fat reduction, without incisions. A series of 3 treatments of fine microneedles and warming radiofrequency (RF) energy are used to treat the skin, promoting collagen remodeling within several skin levels. While stretch marks are permanent scars, they can also be treated with Morpheus8 to improve their overall appearance.
Each of these procedures requires careful consideration and planning, and it is important to learn the details so that you can make an informed decision about body contouring. Consult with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily Kirby to understand the options, risks, and expected outcomes for your body.
Female Plastic Surgeon Fort Worth
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Over 12 years of experience in private practice
- Founder and Medical Director of Kirby Plastic Surgery, Kalos Medical Spa, and City Surgery Center—a Quad A-accredited, state-of-the-art facility located onsite
- Specialist in breast surgery and body contouring, including postpartum
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2019
- First female Chief of Plastic Surgery, Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist Hospital
