Has Anyone Had This Done?
The Final Step
Plastic Surgery Expert Says ‘Belt Lipectomy’ can Eliminate Extra
Skin From Weight Loss
Commentary
By Dr. Al Aly
Special to ABCNEWS.com
Jan. 29 Weight reduction surgery, especially the minimally
invasive kind, is one of the most rapidly growing areas of surgery
in the United States today.
The boom has been fueled by a growing public desire for rapid weight-
loss, along with recent advances in surgical techniques and
increased scientific knowledge about obesity.
In addition to surgeries, many Americans are also losing large
quantities of weight through more traditional methods such as
changes in nutrition and lifestyle habits.
Although these patients have worked very hard to lose significant
amounts of weight, they are unable to see a tremendous difference in
their appearance because they are still daunted by hanging skin and
fat.
When a person loses a substantial amount of weight, the outer skin
of the belly, hips, and back acts like a deflated balloon and
develops many extra folds. To treat this problem, plastic surgery
can be utilized to help transform bodies that have gone through
dramatic obesity and weight loss.
A “Tummy Tuck” can reduce the problem of excessive skin, though this
type of surgery only addresses the stomach region, leaving many
areas of excess. This excess usually presents in the form of
persistent back rolls, low lying or sagging buttocks, and loose
outer thighs.
To treat all of these areas it is necessary to perform a “Belt
Lipectomy,” in which the “tire” of hanging skin and tissue is
removed from around the entire body. Patients end up with firmer
skin, a flatter belly, a more defined waist, lifted outer thighs,
and higher buttocks.
In my experience, Belt Lipectomy can make a meaningful change in the
lives of patients, leaving them with increased self-esteem and an
improved body image.
For patients who have lost significant weight it is best to pursue
this kind of surgery when the maximum weight loss goal has been
reached, and they have been stable at their goal weight for at least
one year.
Al Aly, M.D. is is an assistant professor of Plastic &
Reconstructive Surgeon at the University of Iowa.
To find out more information about Belt Lipectomy, contact a board-
certified plastic surgeon in your area by calling The American
Society of Plastic Surgery at 888-4-PLASTIC (1-888-475-2784).
Specific information about Belt Lipectomy can also be found at
www.aboutplasticsurgery.org
*Editor’s Note:* Beginning Wednesday on Good Morning America, Dr.