Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Injections

Losing a significant amount of weight—whether through bariatric surgery or injectable medications such as semaglutide (known commercially as Ozempic®)—is a notable accomplishment you should be proud of. But you may still feel self-conscious if you’re left with excess skin hanging from your new, smaller body.

Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Michelle Spring and Dr. Michael Hromadka perform body contouring plastic surgery in Kalispell for patients from Whitefish and Great Falls, Montana; Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho; and throughout the Northwest. Learn more about how plastic surgery can put the finishing touches on your weight loss journey.

Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Procedures

Different types of plastic surgery procedures may be needed after losing significant weight. Depending on your condition and cosmetic goals, your surgeon may recommend one or more of the following procedures:

• Tummy tuck surgery
• Breast surgery such as a breast lift
• Facial rejuvenation such as a facelift or facial fat grafting

What Is Semaglutide? How Can It Help You Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals?

Semaglutide is an FDA-approved medication for weight management that mimics a hormone responsible for regulating appetite. It can help you feel satiated longer and consume fewer calories, leading to significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.

Originally intended to help adults manage their diabetes, semaglutide has become increasingly popular as part of a medically managed weight loss program for those who are overweight. Semaglutide has been clinically shown to substantially reduce patients’ body weight and improve their metabolic health.

Once patients reach their ideal weight, they may seek plastic surgery as a next step. Rapid, significant weight loss often results in excess, sagging skin, so surgical procedures addressing skin laxity and contour issues can help patients achieve their cosmetic goals.

How Is Ozempic Different From Semaglutide?

Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide that is used specifically to manage type 2 diabetes. While both medications contain the same active ingredient, their primary difference lies in their intended use and dosage.

Semaglutide, marketed under different names like Wegovy®, is prescribed at higher doses for weight management. Ozempic is typically prescribed at lower doses for blood sugar control in diabetes patients. The dosing schedule also differs between these medications.

Who Would Benefit From Post-Weight Loss Surgery?

If you’re considering body contouring surgery after weight loss, you may be experiencing some or all of the following:

• Stubborn pockets of fat
• Sagging skin
• Asymmetric contouring of the midsection
• Loss of volume in the face

You should be in good overall health and maintain a stable weight for at least 6 months before the surgery. You should also be committed to maintaining a reasonably steady weight after the procedure because weight fluctuations can compromise the results. Even though these procedures are typically associated with patients who have lost significant weight, they can also benefit those with excess skin caused by aging.

Besides enhancing your confidence, body contouring surgery is also appropriate for patients whose surplus skin causes chafing, infection, or other skin conditions and makes exercising difficult.

You don’t need to pay the full surgical cost upfront. We accept several flexible payment options so you can feel comfortable moving forward with your procedure and getting the relief you deserve. Learn more about patient financing at Mountain West Plastic Surgery. 

Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery Following Weight Loss

Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, creating a firmer and smoother abdomen. This procedure can significantly enhance your appearance and boost your confidence by creating a more toned and contoured midsection.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Recovery from a tummy tuck typically involves 2 to 3 weeks of downtime. You can expect swelling and discomfort, which gradually subsides. Most people return to normal activities within a month. Full recovery takes a few months as the tissues settle and heal.

Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery Following Weight Loss

Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is beneficial for patients experiencing sagging breasts after weight loss. This procedure raises and reshapes the breasts, removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue for a perky, uplifted appearance. It restores firmness and improves the overall contour of the breasts, enhancing your post-weight loss figure.

Breast Lift Recovery

Recovery from a breast lift usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks, with initial swelling and bruising. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks. Like abdominoplasty, complete healing occurs over several months.

Benefits of Facelift or Facial Fat Grafting Following Weight Loss

A facelift tightens facial tissue and redrapes facial skin for a smoother, more youthful appearance. Facial fat grafting restores lost volume and improves facial contours using fat from another area of your body. When performed together, these procedures revitalize your appearance by addressing the sunken, droopy appearance often caused by significant weight loss.

Facelift or Facial Fat Grafting Recovery

Recovery from a facelift or facial fat grafting involves 1 to 2 weeks of downtime. Most patients return to normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks, with full recovery and final results visible within a few months.

Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Are you ready to discover how body contouring surgery at Mountain West Plastic Surgery can help you look as good as you feel? To discuss your options with one of our two highly trained plastic surgeons, request a consultation using the online form. Or you can call our office at (406) 609-0210 to schedule an appointment.