Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, TX

Common concerns after weight loss include skin laxity, stubborn fat deposits, and an overall aged look. While weight loss is an enormous achievement, these lingering concerns often leave patients feeling as though their weight loss journey is incomplete. Plastic surgery after weight loss is designed to address sagging skin, deflated features, and create smoother, more elegant contours.

Dr. Lisa Brostrom is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and the leader of New Image Plastic Surgery. She has more than 26 years of experience and achieves natural-looking, long-lasting transformation while prioritizing patient safety and well-being. Dr. Lisa Brostrom combines elite skill with compassion to guide you through each step of your journey.

Contact us online or call our office at (210) 640-6310 to schedule your personal consultation and receive a tailored post-weight-loss treatment plan.

About Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

After weight loss, plastic surgery can remove excess sagging skin and stubborn fat to accentuate your new physique. In addition to the confidence this provides, these procedures also reduce rashes, skin irritation, lower back pain from carrying excess weight over the abdomen, and discomfort and friction experienced during daily activities and exercising. (1) Weight loss is no small feat, and you should be able to enjoy the success you have achieved. With a tailored treatment plan, you can achieve the body image goals you have been working toward and live with a physique that you are proud to showcase.

Popular Surgical Procedures After Weight Loss

Lower Body Lift

A lower body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy or tummy tuck 360, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from areas including the belly, waist, hips, and buttocks. This procedure also tightens loose abdominal muscles, helping to cinch the waist.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck can remove excess abdominal skin that is left behind after weight loss. This procedure also repairs separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti, a condition that can occur during weight gain) to create a flatter abdomen. (2)

Arm Lift

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms. Dr. Lisa Brostrom offers a standard arm lift, a limited-incision arm lift, and an extended arm lift.

Facelift

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that corrects visible signs of aging over the face and neck. After losing weight, many patients notice an aged or tired appearance in their face. Dr. Lisa Brostrom specializes in the deep-plane facelift, which provides a comprehensive, deep structural lift over the face and neck.

Liposuction

Liposuction removes excess, stubborn fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, back, arms, and more to create a more sculpted appearance. After weight loss, many patients continue to struggle with bulging areas of fat which are often resistant to dieting, exercise, or medically-guided methods like GLP-1s. Dr. Lisa Brostrom can address these problems and accentuate your hard work.

Flankplasty

A flankplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses excess skin and fat on the sides of the torso. For many patients, the “love handles” are a key problem area after a weight loss journey. With flankplasty, you can sculpt these zones and highlight your natural curves.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift removes excess skin along the inner thighs to create smooth, attractive upper legs. As the thighs are one of the body’s main fat storage sites, weight loss can result in large amounts of excess skin that can cause uncomfortable chafing. Thigh lifts are effective for post-weight-loss rejuvenation, not only helping patients enhance their figure, but also improving their mobility and comfort.

Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift

Breast augmentation increases your breast size and volume using implants or a fat transfer. As the breasts change drastically during weight loss, breast augmentation offers the opportunity to replace lost volume. For patients who do not desire substantial volume changes, a breast lift can raise the breasts to address sagging.

Candidates

If you struggle with excess skin, diastasis recti, or stubborn fat after losing weight, you may benefit from plastic surgery. (3) Before undergoing your procedure(s), you must be at a stable, maintainable weight for at least six months, as any future fluctuations can affect results. You should be in good general health and lead a healthy lifestyle. It is also vital that you have realistic expectations about achievable outcomes and be willing to preserve your results with healthy habits.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Lisa Brostrom will evaluate your medical history, review your weight loss journey, and learn about your treatment goals. She will also examine your skin laxity and determine your target areas of concern to recommend the ideal procedures. After she examines your body, she will create a personalized treatment plan. Contact our office online or call us directly at (210) 640-6310 to schedule your personal consultation!

Preparation

After forming a treatment plan, Dr. Lisa Brostrom will provide preparation instructions for your procedure. In addition to the procedure-specific and patient-specific guidelines you receive, you must:

  • Achieve and maintain a stable weight for at least six months
  • Cease nicotine use and avoid alcohol consumption
  • Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements
  • Arrange recovery support
  • Plan time off work and responsibilities for recovery

Following these preparation guidelines closely keeps you strong throughout treatment, which facilitates optimal outcomes and a smooth recovery.

Recovery

Recovering from your post-weight-loss plastic surgery depends on the procedures you undergo.

During the first two weeks of your recovery, you will experience bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort, though these are manageable with rest and prescription medications.

You may need assistance with driving and household tasks over the first 2 weeks. Although movement should be limited initially, walking slowly around your house can help improve your blood circulation. You must avoid strenuous activity, bending, and heavy lifting.

Dr. Lisa Brostrom will have you wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your healing. After most procedures, you may return to light desk work after 2 weeks.

Swelling will begin to subside significantly, revealing new contours. Final results generally appear after three months and may continue to refine with time.

With Dr. Lisa Brostrom’s clearance at approximately 6 weeks, you will be able to resume demanding activities.

Cost of Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss in San Antonio

The cost of your post-weight-loss plastic surgery will vary. After considering the scale of your procedure(s), your personal goals, which procedures are ideal, and more, Dr. Lisa Brostrom will provide a comprehensive price quote. Contact us online or call our office at (210) 640-6310 to schedule your personal consultation today!

FAQ

What plastic surgery procedures are common after weight loss?

Common post-weight-loss procedures include abdominoplasty, lower body lifts, arm lifts, breast augmentation, breast lifts, facelifts, and more. These help to lift sagging tissues, enhance contours, replace volume, and eliminate stubborn fat.

Can I combine multiple procedures for post-weight-loss surgery?

Yes, depending on the areas you would like to target, you can include multiple procedures to address multiple concerns in one surgery. Dr. Lisa Brostrom can provide additional details and recommend which procedures will best deliver your goals.

How much does a post-weight-loss plastic surgical procedure cost?

The cost of your post-weight-loss plastic surgical procedure(s) varies depending on the severity of your weight loss concerns and your overall goals. Dr. Lisa Brostrom will provide you with a detailed cost outline after finalizing your treatment plan.

How long does a plastic surgery post-weight-loss procedure take?

Depending on the scale of the procedure, the number of procedures included, and more, a post-weight-loss surgery can take three to seven hours. Dr. Lisa Brostrom can provide a timeline that is more accurate to your specific plan.

Are the results of a post-weight-loss plastic surgical procedure permanent?

Yes, the results of a post-weight-loss surgical procedure are largely permanent, as the fat and excess skin that are removed during surgery will not grow back. However, future weight fluctuations can compromise results.

What are the benefits of a post-weight-loss plastic surgical procedure?

Plastic surgery after weight loss allows you to improve your body contours, self-esteem, body function and mobility, and much more. It helps you reach a finish line after a difficult weight loss journey and enjoy the results of your hard work.

When is it the best time to undergo a post-weight-loss plastic surgical procedure?

The best time to receive plastic surgery after weight loss is once you have held a stable goal weight for 6 to 12 months. This allows your body to stabilize and lower the risk of weight fluctuations.

References

  1. Handal M, Handal J, Nevill T, Finkelstein P, Kichler K. Cosmetic Procedures After Massive Weight Loss Surgery: A Guide for Prospective Patients. Cureus. Published online November 1, 2024. doi:10.7759/cureus.72864
  2. Manfellotto V, Cuomo R, Vastarella MG, et al. Abdominoplasty After Weight Loss in Post-bariatric Surgery: An Optimized Surgery Procedure and Clinical Protocol-A Large Single-center Study. Aesthetic plastic surgery. 2025;49(24):6905-6911. doi:10.1007/s00266-025-05176-1
  3. Cabbabe SW. Plastic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss. Missouri Medicine. 2016;113(3):202. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6140063/