Body contouring after rapid weight loss is becoming increasingly common as more and more patients are left with “Ozempic body” and “Ozempic face” after their weight loss success. These colloquial terms refer to the aged, drooping appearance that forms as a result of significant and rapid weight loss and a loss of skin elasticity. While this has been seen in the past as a result of other weight loss methods, the rise in popularity of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), and others has led to thousands of patients becoming afflicted with this condition.

While not life-threatening, skin sagging may reduce the self-confidence of patients and presents another frustrating hurdle in their weight loss journey. As one of the major motivators behind losing weight is an enhanced appearance, being left with unsightly, loose skin is an infuriating complication after so much success has been made in weight reduction.

Dr. Joseph Michaels understands that losing weight is a complicated journey and seeks to help his patients feel their best after this complex and disciplined life change. If your weight loss has left you with sagging, excess skin that creates unnecessary anger and frustration, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michaels to discuss your plans. If you have any other questions or would prefer to speak to one of our team members directly, please call one of our offices.

Ready to schedule your consultation?

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Reach out to our helpful staff in Rockville, MD at (301) 468-5991 or Fairfax, VA at (703) 957-8610.

If you are more than 100 miles from either of Dr. Michaels’ offices, you may opt for a virtual consultation.

About Post-Weight Loss Skin Sagging

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are the latest medical weight loss options, but unlike past methods, these medications have incredibly effective and fast results. On average, patients see a 10-20 pound reduction in their weight within the first month. (1) These medications work by mimicking the natural hormones that are produced during digestion. Specifically, they augment and enhance the hormone responsible for telling us when we are full and keeping us full. (2) This also delays gastric emptying, increases the metabolism, eliminates the obsessive thoughts around food and eating, and helps patients take control of their diet. Once this is achieved, a decreased appetite and increased control allow them to lose weight rapidly.(3)

Unfortunately, one of the most common complications of obesity is a loss of skin elasticity. The size of a patient and their age, genetics, and lifestyle can further complicate this, and once the underlying fat is reduced, the skin is not able to snap back to a snug fit around the body. What is left is excess, sagging skin. Not only is this an unsightly feature of your new, slim appearance, but it can complicate your everyday activities, make clothing uncomfortable, and increase negative feelings like embarrassment, low self-esteem, and more. Dr. Michaels has extensive experience in all manner of cosmetic enhancement and rejuvenation procedures, so regardless of your skin sagging issue, he can create a plan that will give you the appearance you are looking for. Get in touch with one of our DMV-area offices now to move past this annoying frustration of weight loss.

Benefits

Even with the assistance of medications, losing weight successfully is no easy feat, and you deserve to be proud of your progress. We understand that being left with unsightly skin on your body is frustrating after you have come so far, and we want to help you reach the finish line of body satisfaction. Some of the benefits Dr. Michael’s body contouring patients have experienced are:

  • Renewed confidence
  • Happiness with their ideal appearance
  • Increased comfort in clothing
  • Reduced back pain
  • Toned torso and abdomen
  • Tighter skin
  • Improved, accentuated silhouette
  • Youthful appearance
  • Eliminated wrinkles
  • Better hygiene
  • Increased agility and range of motion
  • Improved flexibility
  • Personalized patient care
  • Fast recovery with minimal complications

Candidates

Dr. Michaels is happy to help any patient who is afflicted with Ozempic body and is unhappy with their appearance. However, different patients will require different procedures depending on their goals, medical history, and current condition. This will all be discussed during your consultation. Regardless of the specific procedure(s), the patients who experience the best body-contouring results are those who are between 18 and 65, are in generally good health, do not smoke, have realistic expectations, and communicate and collaborate openly with Dr. Michaels.

Personal Consultation

If you are not happy with the appearance of your body after your successful progress in weight loss, then please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michaels. When you meet to discuss your body contouring options, you will first discuss your medical history and your weight loss journey. It will also be important to discuss your experience with GLP-1 medications and how they have affected your appearance. Dr. Michaels will take photos, measure your height and weight, and examine your excess skin in the areas you are looking to correct. With this information, he will create a plan that is tailored to your body and will ensure an attractive, natural-looking, youthful appearance.

Preparation

Preparing for your post-weight loss procedure will depend on what is necessary to meet your goals. However, Dr. Michaels generally recommends:

  • Taking time off of work
  • Preemptively filling any prescriptions
  • Arranging transportation to and from your appointments
  • Quitting smoking
  • Fasting before your procedure
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Calling one of our offices with any further preparation inquiries

Procedures

Dr. Michaels may incorporate many different procedures to rejuvenate your body after your weight loss, including:

Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the most common procedures performed on weight loss patients, as it corrects sagging skin in the abdominal area. It can also tighten separated abdominal musculature from weight gain or pregnancy. Dr. Michaels will make a horizontal incision below the belly button near the underwear/bikini line and remove skin along this plane. Depending on the amount of excess skin, you may undergo a traditional tummy tuck, mini, or extended one. A mini tummy tuck is a refinement of traditional abdominoplasty procedures that is performed on patients with smaller amounts of excess skin. An extended tummy tuck, however, contours more areas than just the abdomen and enhances the lower body, thighs, and buttocks, but not to the extent of a lower body lift procedure.

Arm Lift

Many patients are left with excess skin in the upper arms, a condition commonly referred to as “bat wings” after weight loss. Hiding one’s arms can be exhausting as they are one of the most exposed features of the body. Arm lifts, or brachioplasties, operate similarly to a tummy tuck in their removal of excess skin. Dr. Michaels will work with you to target what parts of your arms you want to tighten and then will mark these areas with a surgical marker. He will remove the excess skin and suture these incisions to create younger, toned, proportional-looking arms that you can be proud of.

Upper Body Lift

An upper body lift targets the skin folds that can form on the sides and back after significant weight loss. These folds and rolls normally hang from the armpits and ribcage and can reduce mobility, contribute to an undesirable silhouette, create hygiene issues, and diminish one’s self-esteem. Removing this excess skin involves making an incision in the shape of an inverted V below the shoulder blades. Dr. Michaels will then remove the dermal tissues and suture your incisions.

Lower Body Lift

Love handles are some of the most common sites on the body for fat to accumulate, and as patients lose weight, many are left with excess skin and an unsatisfactory, flabby appearance around their waist instead of the firm, toned look they want. Lower body lifts operate similarly to upper body lifts, except they target the love handles, waist, small of the back, outer thighs, and top of the buttocks. Receiving this procedure will help you achieve the toned, hourglass physique that you desire.

Thigh Lift

Thigh lifts can either be medial or lateral, meaning they target the inside or outside, respectively. The thighs are another common site for fat to build up, and once weight is lost, it is difficult for the skin to adjust to decreased mass. Dr. Michaels will make precise incisions to adjust your thighs to a proportional and desirable size to enhance your frame and appearance. It is also possible to incorporate a Brazilian Butt Lift or buttock augmentation into a thigh lift procedure. Using the removed fat to increase the size of the appearance of the buttocks makes for a swift procedure with a shortened recovery time and it can vastly improve the overall appearance of your silhouette.

Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation

Dr. Michaels offers various breast lift, breast augmentation, and combined breast augmentation with lift procedures. The key difference between a lift and an augmentation procedure is that a breast lift (mastopexy) focuses on removing tissue and tightening the skin around the breasts to create an attractive, rejuvenated appearance. Augmentation, however, incorporates implants or fat transfer to sculpt a woman’s breasts to an enhanced, desirable appearance.

Recovery and Results

Recovering from your post-Ozempic body contouring procedures will depend on what methods are involved in your treatment plan. However, all patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness within the first few days of their procedure. It will be important to avoid work and strenuous activities to promote healing.

Once your swelling has dissipated, you will immediately see positive results. Baggy, unsightly skin will be eliminated and you will be left with a smooth, toned appearance and tight-fitting skin.

Cost of Post Weight Loss Body Contouring in Fairfax

Each contouring plan created by Dr. Michaels will incorporate different procedures and every treatment plan is unique to the individual. The best way to receive an accurate cost estimate is to discuss your goals with Dr. Michaels at a consultation appointment. We also offer various financing plans and promotions to help you obtain the procedures you require and benefit from extra enhancement. If you have any questions about payments, pricing, procedures, or more, please call one of our offices to get the information you require.

FAQ

What procedures are involved in post-Ozempic body contouring?

The procedures that are typically incorporated into body contouring to correct Ozempic body are tummy tucks, upper and lower body lifts, thigh lifts, breast lifts, and augmentations, Brazilian butt lifts, arm lifts, and more.

Are there options to fix my Ozempic face?

Yes, Dr. Michaels offers many different procedures that can rejuvenate your face after your weight loss such as a facelift or neck lift.

References

  1. Lin F, Yu B, Ling B, et al. Weight loss efficiency and safety of tirzepatide: A Systematic review. PloS One. 2023;18(5):e0285197. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285197
  2. Dornbush S, Aeddula NR. Physiology, Leptin. PubMed. Published April 10, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537038/
  3. Kommu S, Whitfield P. Semaglutide. PubMed. Published February 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/