After losing 65, 90 or more pounds (30, 40 or more kilos), with or without bariatric surgery, the skin does not retract. A body lift, arm lift (brachioplasty) and thigh lift remove that excess and restore shape, in planned stages.
Work is done in separate operations by area, prioritizing what bothers you most. Safety comes first: controlled operating time, blood clot prevention, and protein and iron levels checked before surgery.
The scars are long, but they are planned to stay hidden in natural folds and beneath underwear; in exchange, quality of life changes.
Is it for me?
Major weight loss with a stable weight for at least 6 to 12 months.
Excess skin that chafes, gets irritated or limits movement.
Patients with prior bariatric surgery, cleared by their bariatric team.
What you should know
How it is done, how to care for it, and what to expect.
General information so you arrive at your consultation with the right questions. Your plan is defined during the consultation.
Technique
Circumferential body lift: extended abdominoplasty plus lifting of the buttocks and outer thighs.
Arm lift and inner thigh lift in separate stages.
Breast lift or male chest correction as needed.
Aftercare
Compression garments for 6 weeks per area.
Early walking and compression stockings.
Protein-rich nutrition to support healing.
Results and how long they last
Immediate change in shape; scars mature over 12 to 18 months.
Risks and how they are reduced
Seroma, wound separation in areas of tension, blood clots. Higher risk than in conventional cosmetic surgery, which is why it is planned in stages.
Step by step
Recovery path: Post-bariatric body lift
Day 1
Hospital; compression garment; early walking.
Week 1
Drains removed; wound care.
Month 1
Back to light activities; no heavy lifting.
Month 3
Next stage, if planned, from month 3 to 6.
Approximate timelines. Your exact path depends on your case, the technique and how your body heals. Results vary.
Real cases
Results from Dr. Méndez's patients.
Real photographs shared with permission and faces covered, comparable with a before-and-after slider.
