Excess Skin Removal Surgery

Excess skin removal surgery is a cosmetic and reconstructive procedure that eliminates loose, sagging skin—typically after major weight loss, aging, or pregnancy. It improves both appearance and function, helping you feel more comfortable in your body.

This surgery is not just about looking better. It helps:

Reduce skin irritation, rashes, or infections from skin folds
Improve mobility, hygiene, and clothing fit
Restore a smoother, firmer body shape

Why It Might Be Right for You

This procedure may be a great fit if you:

Lost a large amount of weight (naturally or via bariatric surgery)
Have loose, stretched-out skin that doesn’t snap back
Struggle with chafing, hygiene issues, or discomfort from excess skin
Want to feel more confident and comfortable in your own body

It’s also ideal if:

You’re at or near your goal weight
You’ve maintained a stable weight for over 6 months
You’re in good general health and a non-smoker

Surgical Procedure

Excess skin removal surgery is a procedure designed to eliminate loose, sagging skin after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.

The surgery focuses on removing excess skin in areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and buttocks, restoring a smoother, firmer, and more youthful body contour.

The procedure typically involves:

Incisions: The surgeon carefully creates incisions in areas where excess skin is located.
Skin Removal: Excess skin and tissue are removed to improve the body’s shape.
Suture and Tightening: The remaining skin is tightened to enhance contour and smoothness.

Hospital Admission

Depending on the complexity of the procedure, excess skin removal surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. However, if multiple areas are treated or a more extensive body lift is performed, an overnight stay may be required for observation.

Duration of Operation

The surgery usually lasts between 2 to 6 hours, depending on how many areas are treated. Body lifts or more extensive procedures may take longer.

Anaesthetic

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be completely asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure. Local anesthesia may be used in combination if smaller, more localized areas are treated.

Before the Surgery

You will have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss expectations, concerns, and the details of the procedure.
A physical exam will be done to assess your general health, and you may be asked to get lab work or imaging if necessary.
Avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks before the surgery, as smoking can affect healing.
You may be advised to avoid certain medications or supplements, especially blood thinners, to reduce risks during surgery.

After the surgery

Compression garments will be worn to reduce swelling and help support the healing skin.
You will be encouraged to get up and move around shortly after the procedure to prevent blood clots.
Pain management will be discussed, with prescribed medications to control any discomfort.
Follow-up visits with your surgeon will be scheduled to check your progress, remove stitches, and monitor healing.

Results

The results are visible immediately after the surgery, with continued improvement over the following months as swelling decreases and the skin tightens.

Most patients report a smoother, firmer body with improved contours. Scarring will gradually fade, and the final results are usually visible after 6 to 12 months.

Related Procedure / Areas

Excess skin removal surgery can be combined with other procedures for comprehensive body contouring:

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Removes excess skin and tightens the abdomen.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Tightens loose skin on the upper arms.
Thigh Lift: Targets loose skin around the inner and outer thighs.
Body Lift: A more extensive procedure that addresses multiple areas, including the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
Breast Lift: Restores the shape and firmness of sagging breasts.

All About Body Lifting Procedures