Dermolipectomy is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin from various parts of the body and tighten the remaining skin.
Causes of Excess Skin
Excess skin can result from pregnancy, significant weight loss, or genetic factors. This loose skin cannot typically return to its original position without surgical intervention.
Types of Dermolipectomy
Depending on the area of the body, specific terms are used for these procedures:
- Abdominal Dermolipectomy (Abdominoplasty): Tightening loose abdominal skin.
- Arm Dermolipectomy (Brachioplasty): Tightening loose skin on the upper arms.
- Thigh Dermolipectomy (Meloplasty): Tightening loose skin on the thighs.
These procedures are often combined with liposuction to enhance the body’s contour and achieve more natural results.
Abdominal Skin Tightening (Abdominoplasty)
The most common dermolipectomy is for excess abdominal skin. In some cases, repositioning the navel is necessary. Mini-abdominoplasty targets only the lower abdomen, often combined with breast lifts, reductions, or liposuction, collectively known as ”mommy makeover”.
Arm Skin Tightening
Excess skin on the upper arms can cause discomfort, especially in summer when wearing short sleeves. This procedure removes the excess skin and underlying fat, leaving the remaining skin tightened.
Thigh Skin Tightening
Significant weight loss can lead to loose skin on the inner thighs and buttocks. This issue is particularly noticeable in individuals who have lost 30-50 kilograms. Removing this excess skin improves body aesthetics and comfort.
Recovery After Dermolipectomy
Recovery depends on the surgery area and the amount of skin removed. Patients will typically need to wear compression garments and avoid heavy physical activities. Office workers may return to work sooner than those with physically demanding jobs. Lymphatic drainage treatments are recommended to speed up recovery and improve results. Scars will fade over the first year and can be minimized with treatments similar to those used for stretch marks or removed with a minor surgical procedure.