Post Massive Weight Loss Reconstruction
Serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas area
Serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas area
Losing a significant amount of weight, whether through bariatric surgery or lifestyle change, is a major achievement. But after such a transformation, many people are disappointed to be left with sagging skin and uneven contours that no amount of lifestyle changes can fix. Post-massive weight loss reconstruction can help restore a sense of physical and emotional closure to your journey.
At Michael Spann, MD, every reconstruction plan is designed with care, patience, and precision. Dr. Spann works closely with each patient to identify the areas that matter most, whether that’s the abdomen, arms, thighs, chest, or elsewhere, and develops a safe, staged plan to help you feel comfortable in your body again.
If you're ready to take the next step after weight loss, we invite you to schedule a consultation with double-board certified plastic surgeon Michael Spann, MD, at our welcoming Little Rock or Fayetteville location.
Tailored to each patient’s goals, from arms and thighs to abdomen and chest
Often staged over time for safety and the best outcome
2 to 4 weeks per procedure, depending on the treated area
Results are typically stable with good weight maintenance
Best for patients who are at a stable weight and in generally good health
Post-weight loss reconstruction procedures are designed to remove the excess skin and fat commonly left behind after massive weight loss. These procedures are often performed in stages for a safe approach that provides harmonious results. Dr. Spann works with each patient to create a treatment plan aligned with their goals, anatomy, and tolerance for recovery time. Commonly treated areas include the abdomen, arms, thighs, back, buttocks, breasts, and chest.
Post-weight loss surgery is not just about cosmetic improvement. It’s about relieving the physical discomfort and emotional burden of loose hanging skin. Lift surgery helps patients enjoy sleeker contours, enhanced physical comfort, and the ability to wear a wider range of clothing styles. Dr. Spann combines deep surgical experience with a collaborative, judgment-free approach to help patients finish what they started and feel whole in their new shape.
Depending on your individual needs, your post-weight loss reconstruction plan may include:
Body Lift - A lower body lift (also called belt lipectomy) removes loose, hanging skin and excess fat the abdomen, flanks, outer thighs, and buttocks.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) - Ideal for addressing excess skin and separated abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck tightens the abdominal wall and removes lax skin in the lower abdomen.
Thigh Lift -This procedure addresses sagging skin and fatty tissue on the inner thighs, and sometimes the outer thighs as well. It’s often paired with a body lift or done separately for contour refinement.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) - An arm lift removes loose skin and excess fat from the upper arms, helping create a more toned and proportionate look.
Breast Lift - A breast lift restores a more youthful, elevated breast position after weight loss. In some cases, breast reduction is also performed to remove excess tissue and improve comfort and symmetry.
Male Chest Reduction - Male chest reduction surgery removes excess skin, fat, or glandular tissue for a sculpted, masculine chest.
Back or Upper Body Lift - This procedure targets the upper back, bra roll, or chest area to remove skin folds that may not respond to weight loss alone.
Liposuction - While not a weight-loss treatment, liposuction can help sculpt away areas of stubborn fat that persist even with a healthy diet and good exercise routine.
Every surgical plan is developed after a thoughtful consultation, including a review of your goals, medical history, and anatomy. Procedures may include a body lift, thigh lift, breast lift, arm lift, chest contouring, or other approaches depending on your needs. Some areas may be treated together in one procedure, but many patients undergo surgery in stages to reduce surgical risks and support the best possible outcomes.
Procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia in Dr. Spann’s AAAASF-accredited surgery center or a local hospital. You'll be guided through every step, from pre-op planning to detailed aftercare, with an emphasis on safety, comfort, and clear communication.
Areas commonly treated following massive weight loss include:
Dr. Spann will work with you to identify treatment areas and sequence procedures in a safe, thoughtful way.
Beyond aesthetic refinement, many patients find that post-weight loss surgery improves physical comfort, reduces skin irritation, and enhances self-esteem. You may feel more confident in clothing, better able to move freely, and more at peace with the body you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
By removing excess skin, tightening underlying tissue, and improving body contours, this type of reconstruction can also bring closure to a deeply personal journey. The goal is to help you feel not just transformed but complete.
Ideal candidates for post-weight loss reconstruction are typically individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, have maintained a stable weight for at least six months, and are in generally good health. If you’re experiencing loose skin, persistent discomfort, or difficulty with clothing due to excess tissue, surgical reconstruction can offer meaningful relief and restore your silhouette.
At Michael Spann, MD, we know that every journey is different. Dr. Spann and his team will carefully evaluate your health history, goals, and anatomy to determine the best options for your needs. We take the time to explain each step, helping you feel confident, informed, and supported in deciding what makes the most sense for your body and your lifestyle.
Recovery timelines vary depending on the extent of the surgical procedure. Most patients need 2 to 4 weeks off from work per surgery, with more time needed before resuming strenuous activity.
Our comprehensive recovery protocol includes advanced pain management techniques to reduce the need for narcotic medications, as well as lymphatic massage to reduce swelling and support good healing. You’ll be asked to wear compression garments and follow post-op instructions carefully to help drain excess fluid, prevent blood clots, and support tissue healing.
Dr. Spann’s approach to recovery is rooted in proactive care, minimizing pain, supporting the healing process, and ensuring you feel prepared and supported throughout your journey.
The results of post-weight loss reconstruction can feel transformative, both physically and emotionally. Once your body has healed, you can expect smoother contours, less chafing or irritation, and the removal of skin that may have limited your mobility, wardrobe choices, or comfort in daily life. Many patients share that these changes make a meaningful difference in how they move through the world, boosting not only their self-image but also their ease and enjoyment in everyday activities.
While it takes several months for swelling to fully resolve and scars to mature, the improvement in shape and confidence is often noticeable early in the healing process. Dr. Spann focuses on delivering results that feel natural to your frame, complement your lifestyle, and celebrate the work you've already done. For many, this step marks a powerful sense of closure and a new chapter of feeling more fully at home in their body.
At Michael Spann, MD, we specialize in thoughtful, detail-oriented care for patients who have transformed their lives through weight loss. Dr. Spann brings over two decades of surgical experience and the focused skill of a board-certified plastic surgeon to every procedure. His approach combines surgical precision with a deep understanding of body mechanics, scar placement, and tissue quality, ensuring that your results are not only beautiful but built to last.
What sets our practice apart is the level of attention and planning that goes into each transformation. From your first consultation, you’ll experience a calm, collaborative environment where your goals guide every decision. We listen carefully, tailor your plan to fit your unique anatomy, and support you every step of the way, from recovery logistics to long-term results. The outcome? A renewed shape that feels aligned with the progress you’ve worked so hard to achieve, and care that honors your full journey.
Most patients are advised to wait at least 6 to 12 months after reaching a stable weight before undergoing reconstruction. This ensures your body has had time to adjust, and your results will be longer lasting.
Your treatment plan will depend on your overall health, the areas being addressed, and your recovery capacity. Dr. Spann will develop a safe, staged plan during your consultation, based on your priorities and anatomy.
In many cases, yes. Procedures like a tummy tuck or lower body lift can remove areas of skin where stretch marks are most concentrated, especially on the lower abdomen or thighs. However, stretch marks that lie outside of the excised tissue may remain, though they may appear less prominent after skin tightening.
The amount of skin removed depends on your anatomy, degree of skin laxity, and safety considerations. Dr. Spann carefully balances the desire for contouring with a commitment to preserving good circulation, minimizing tension, and promoting proper healing. These details will be fully discussed during your surgical planning.
If you're still in the process of losing weight, it's best to wait until your weight has stabilized, ideally for at least 6 months. Dr. Spann typically recommends that patients be within a healthy, stable range and no longer actively pursuing weight loss before undergoing skin removal or body contouring.
Yes, in many cases. Liposuction may be used to refine surrounding areas or remove localized fat deposits during a lift or contouring procedure. Dr. Spann will assess whether this combination is right for you based on your goals, skin quality, and overall health.
Most procedures involve longer incisions to provide comprehensive contouring, so some degree of scarring is inevitable. Dr. Spann is highly focused on placing scars in areas that are discreet and easy to conceal. Over time and with good scar care, many patients find their incisions fade significantly. We’ll walk you through everything you can do to support your healing and minimize scarring.
The cost of your surgery will vary based on the extent of the procedure and any additional treatments you choose. During your initial consultation at Little Rock Plastic Surgery, we will provide a detailed quote and discuss available financing solutions, including flexible payment options through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.
