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women after losing weight to show how plastic surgery procedures by female plastic surgeon Dr. Megan Dreveskracht can help

YOU DID THE WORK

NOW IT'S TIME TO SEE ALL

THE RESULTS

POST-WEIGHT LOSS

PLASTIC SURGERY

Weight loss poses unique challenges to your Plastic Surgery goals. 

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brachioplasty

ARM LIFT (BRACHIOPLASTY)

WHAT IS AN ARM LIFT?

After a significant weight loss journey, many of my patients find that while they feel healthier and more active, they are left with a reminder of their former weight in the form of "bat wings" or loose, sagging skin on the upper arms. An Arm Lift, or Brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove this excess skin and any remaining stubborn fat between the armpit and the elbow. My goal with an Arm Lift is to restore a more toned, youthful contour to your arms so that you can feel confident and comfortable in short sleeves or sleeveless tops.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?

The best candidates for an Arm Lift are individuals who have reached a stable weight and are in good overall health. If you have significant skin laxity on your upper arms that doesn't respond to exercise, you may be a great candidate. As with all surgical procedures, being a non-smoker is essential for proper healing. During our time together, we will discuss your goals and ensure this procedure is the right step for your body.

BEFORE YOUR CONSULTATION

Before we meet, I encourage you to think about what bothers you most about your arms and what you hope to achieve. If you are considering multiple areas to address, it's important to have an idea of what areas are most important to you, as staging surgical procedures is common after significant weight loss. It’s also helpful to have a list of any medications you’re taking and your surgical history ready. If you’ve recently undergone weight loss surgery, please ensure your weight has been stable for at least six months to a year.

THE CONSULTATION

During your consultation, we will have a real conversation about your goals. I will perform a physical exam to assess the quality of your skin and the amount of excess tissue. We’ll talk about where the incisions will be placed—typically along the inside of the arm where they are best concealed—and whether liposuction should be included to achieve the best possible contour. I want you to leave our meeting feeling fully informed and comfortable with the plan we’ve created together.

THE PROCEDURE

An Arm Lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under IV sedation or general anesthesia. On the day of surgery, I will meticulously mark the areas for skin removal while you are awake to ensure precision and make your time under anesthesia as minimal as possible. Once you are asleep, I will remove the excess skin and fat, and carefully close the incisions with deep, dissolvable sutures to provide the best possible scar. Liposuction is often combined with skin excision to improve results. The entire process is focused on creating a natural, balanced look that complements your new physique.

AFTER SURGERY

Recovery is a vital part of your journey. You will likely wear a compression garment for an average of 3-6 months to minimize swelling and support your new arm contours. Most patients take about one to two weeks off work, depending on the nature of their job. While swelling usually peaks around day three or four, you’ll start to see your new shape emerge shortly after.  At no point in your journey will you be on bed rest after surgery. However, arm use will be limited (especially in the first few weeks) and you will be restricted to no heavy lifting and no arms above 90 degrees for a minimum of 4 weeks postoperatively. We will follow up periodically throughout your healing journey to ensure everything is on track and you are recovering as expected. 

Tummy tuck

TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY) AFTER WEIGHT LOSS

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?

The Tummy Tuck remains one of the most transformative procedures I perform for my post-weight loss patients. When you lose a significant amount of weight, the skin and abdominal muscles often lose their ability to "snap back," leading to a protruding abdomen or a "pannus" of hanging skin. A Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, removes this excess skin and fat while also repairing the underlying muscles that may have separated. It’s about more than just looking better; it’s about feeling stronger and more "held in" within your own body.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?

If you have loose skin, stubborn fat, or weakened abdominal muscles following weight loss, you are likely an excellent candidate. It is important that you are at or near your goal weight and that your weight has been stable. If you are planning future pregnancies, I usually recommend waiting until your family is complete to ensure the longevity of your results. It is important to note that a tummy tuck will not remove visceral fat-- fat that exists on the inside of your abdomen, around your organs. This type of fat is common with weight gain and menopause, and causes a rounded appearance of the abdomen. Because this fat is on the inside , it is not addressed with any type of tummy tuck and may affect results. 

BEFORE YOUR CONSULTATION

Take a moment to evaluate your abdominal area. Are you most concerned with the skin, the underlying muscle weakness, or both? Being able to describe your concerns helps me tailor the procedure to your specific needs. Also, consider your recovery timeline and when you might have the necessary support at home.

THE CONSULTATION

In our consultation, I’ll listen to your story and perform a thorough exam. We will discuss the different types of tummy tucks—from a "standard" to even an "extended" abdominoplasty—depending on how much skin needs to be addressed. We’ll talk about the incision, which I carefully place low on the abdomen so it can be hidden by most swimwear and undergarments, management of the belly button, and the use of drains. My priority is ensuring you understand every step of the process, from our preop planning to your recovery. During your consultation it is also important to have a full history of any previous abdominal surgeries you may have had. If there is a risk of an underlying hernia present, additional imaging may be needed before surgery. 

THE PROCEDURE

This is an outpatient surgery performed under IV sedation with an epidural or a general anesthesia. All tummy tucks, regardless of the type, begin by making a horizontal incision just above the pubic area. The extent of the incision (vertical with a fleur de lis, circumferential with a full body lift) depends on the type of tummy tuck we have decided on preoperatively. Once the skin is removed, I am able to tighten the abdominal muscles (a process called fascial plication) to create a firmer internal foundation.  Last, many layers of sutures are placed in order to create a seamless skin closure over your surgical drains. Compression garments are placed ahead of your discharge home. 

AFTER SURGERY

You will need to take about two to three weeks off work to focus on healing. You’ll wear a supportive abdominal binder and may have small drains for a week or two to prevent fluid buildup. While you’ll feel some tightness initially, this will gradually improve. Patients are never on bed rests, and ambulation is an important part of recovery as it helps to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. While many people feel that a tummy tuck recovery is one of the hardest in plastic surgery, most patients find that the boost in confidence and physical comfort makes the recovery period well worth it.

Breast Lift After Weight Loss

BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY) AFTER WEIGHT LOSS

WHAT IS A BREAST LIFT?

Weight loss can have a significant impact on breast tissue, often leaving the breasts looking "deflated" or sagging lower on the chest wall. A Breast Lift, or Mastopexy, is designed to raise and reshape the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This procedure repositions the nipple and areola to a more youthful height, restoring a sense of harmony and balance to your upper body.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?

You may be a good candidate if your breasts have lost volume or shape, or if your nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease. It’s important to have realistic expectations; while a lift restores shape, it doesn't significantly change the size of your breasts. If you desire more fullness, we can discuss combining the lift with an implant and/or fat grafting. Once consideration, especially in those patients who have lost significant weight, is the use of mesh with a breast lift and/or reduction to help hold up the tissue over time. 

BEFORE YOUR CONSULTATION

Think about your ideal breast shape and position. Looking at "before and after" photos can be a helpful way to communicate what you’re looking for. Also, ensure you are up to date on your routine mammograms if applicable, as breast health is always our first priority. If you are wondering whether you want a volume change or a breast lift alone, try wearing a bra that holds your breasts in an ideal position. If you are happy with the results, then a lift alone will likely get you to your desired results. If you still feel that a volume change is needed, this will help to direct this conversation once you finally meet with your plastic surgeon. 

THE CONSULTATION

During our time together, I will evaluate your breast tissue, skin quality, and the degree of sagging (ptosis). We’ll discuss the different incision patterns—such as the "lollipop" or "anchor" lift—and which one will give you the best result with the least amount of visible scarring. I believe in being very direct about what we can achieve so that you feel confident in your decision.

THE PROCEDURE

A Breast Lift is an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. I carefully mark the new position for your nipples while you are awake to ensure perfect placement. During the surgery, I remove the redundant skin and reshape the internal breast tissue to create a firmer, more lifted contour. Before final nipple positioning and closure, patients are placed in a sitting position to check for symmetry, contour, and shape. Once final determinations are made, all incisions are closed with fine, dissolvable sutures.

AFTER SURGERY

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the recovery is. You’ll wear a supportive surgical bra for several weeks and should avoid heavy lifting for about a month. You can typically return to work within one to two weeks. As the swelling subsides, you’ll see your breasts settle into their new, more elevated position, giving you the refreshed look you deserve. Your baseline for your new size and shape will typically be around three months from your surgical procedure. Scars, however, will continue in their remodeling process for upwards of a year. 

FULL BODY LIFT

FULL BODY LIFT AFTER WEIGHT LOSS

WHAT IS A FULL BODY LIFT?

A Full Body Lift, also known as a Belt Lipectomy, is a comprehensive surgical procedure designed for patients who have achieved significant weight loss and are left with loose, sagging skin that extends 360 degrees around the midsection. This includes the abdomen, hips, and lower back. By removing this circumferential "belt" of skin and fat, I can simultaneously address multiple areas, creating a smoother, more contoured silhouette. This is truly a life-changing procedure that can help you finally feel comfortable in your own skin.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?

If you have massive weight loss and find that you have loose skin folds around your entire torso, you may be an excellent candidate for a Full Body Lift. It is essential that you are at a stable weight and in good overall health. As this is a more extensive surgery, being a non-smoker is crucial for successful healing and minimizing complications.

BEFORE YOUR CONSULTATION

Consider the areas of your body that cause you the most discomfort or self-consciousness. Is it the front, the sides, or the back? Understanding your priorities helps me customize the procedure to your specific needs. Also, think about your recovery support system, as you will need help with daily activities for the first couple of weeks.

THE CONSULTATION

During our consultation, we will have a real conversation about your goals and the extent of the procedure. I will perform a physical exam to assess your skin laxity and the underlying tissue. We’ll talk about the incision, which is carefully placed low around the waistline so it can be hidden by most undergarments and swimwear. My goal is to ensure you feel fully informed and confident in our plan.

THE PROCEDURE

A Full Body Lift is a more extensive outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. I begin by meticulously marking the areas for skin removal while you are awake to ensure precision and symmetry. Once you are asleep, I will remove the circumferential belt of skin and fat, tighten the underlying muscles, and reposition the buttock tissue to create a more lifted and toned appearance. All incisions are closed with deep, dissolvable sutures for a secure and aesthetic result.

AFTER SURGERY

Recovery is a vital part of your journey. You will likely wear a compression garment for several weeks to minimize swelling and support your new body contours. Most patients take about three to four weeks off work, depending on the nature of their job. While swelling usually peaks around day three or four, you’ll start to see your new shape emerge shortly after. I’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure your healing is on track.

thigh lift

THIGH LIFT AFTER WEIGHT LOSS

WHAT IS A THIGH LIFT?

Significant weight loss can leave the skin on the inner and outer thighs looking loose and sagging, which can cause discomfort, chafing, and difficulty with clothing. A Thigh Lift, or Thighplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove this excess skin and fat, reshaping the thighs to create a more toned and youthful appearance. My goal with a Thigh Lift is to restore a sense of harmony and balance to your lower body so that you can feel confident and comfortable in your favorite shorts or swimwear.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?

If you have loose skin on your inner or outer thighs that doesn't respond to exercise, you may be a great candidate for a Thigh Lift. It is important that you are at a stable weight and in good overall health. As with all surgical procedures, being a non-smoker is essential for proper healing. During our time together, we will discuss your goals and ensure this procedure is the right step for your body.

BEFORE YOUR CONSULTATION

Before we meet, I encourage you to think about what bothers you most about your thighs and what you hope to achieve. Is it the inner thigh, the outer thigh, or both? Being able to describe your concerns helps me tailor the procedure to your specific needs. Also, consider your recovery timeline and when you might have the necessary support at home.

THE CONSULTATION

In our consultation, I’ll listen to your story and perform a thorough exam. We will discuss the different types of thigh lifts—from a "crescent" lift to a "longitudinal" lift—depending on how much skin needs to be addressed. We’ll also talk about the incision, which I carefully place in the groin crease or along the inner thigh to minimize visible scarring. My priority is ensuring you understand every step of the process.

THE PROCEDURE

A Thigh Lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. I begin by meticulously marking the areas for skin removal while you are awake to ensure precision and symmetry. Once you are asleep, I will remove the excess skin and fat, and carefully close the incisions with deep, dissolvable sutures to provide the best possible scar. The entire process is focused on creating a natural, balanced look that complements your new physique. Liposuction is typically a part of a thigh lift and surgical drains are not used for this procedure. Tape will be used to cover your incisions, and you'll be placed in a compressive lower extremity garment. 

AFTER SURGERY

Recovery is a vital part of your journey. You will likely wear a compression garment for several weeks to minimize swelling and support your new thigh contours. Most patients take about two to three weeks off work, depending on the nature of their job. While swelling usually peaks around day three or four, you’ll start to see your new shape emerge shortly after. I’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure your healing is on track.

BACK LIFT

UPPER BACK LIFT AFTER WEIGHT LOSS

WHAT IS AN UPPER BACK LIFT?

After significant weight loss, many of my patients find that they are left with loose, sagging skin and stubborn fat on the upper and middle back, often referred to as "bra fat" or back rolls. An Upper Back Lift, or Bra-line Back Lift, is a surgical procedure designed to remove this excess skin and fat, creating a smoother and more contoured appearance. This procedure is fantastic for patients who want to feel more comfortable and confident in form-fitting clothing or swimwear.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?

If you have loose skin rolls on your upper or middle back that don't respond to exercise, you may be an excellent candidate for an Upper Back Lift. It is important that you are at a stable weight and in good overall health. As with all surgical procedures, being a non-smoker is essential for proper healing. During our time together, we will discuss your goals and ensure this procedure is the right step for your body.

BEFORE YOUR CONSULTATION

Take a moment to evaluate your back area. Where are the skin rolls most prominent? Being able to describe your concerns helps me tailor the procedure to your specific needs. Also, consider your recovery timeline and when you might have the necessary support at home.

THE CONSULTATION

During our consultation, we will have a real conversation about your goals and the extent of the procedure. I will perform a physical exam to assess your skin laxity and the underlying tissue. We’ll talk about the incision, which I carefully place along the bra line so it can be hidden by most undergarments and swimwear. My goal is to ensure you feel fully informed and confident in our plan.

THE PROCEDURE

An Upper Back Lift is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. I begin by meticulously marking the areas for skin removal while you are awake to ensure precision and symmetry. Once you are asleep, I will remove the horizontal rolls of skin and fat, and carefully close the incisions with deep, dissolvable sutures to provide the best possible scar. The entire process is focused on creating a natural, balanced look that complements your new physique.

AFTER SURGERY

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the recovery is. You’ll wear a supportive compression vest for several weeks and should avoid reaching or stretching for about a month. You can typically return to work within one to two weeks. As the swelling subsides, you’ll see your back settle into its new, smoother position, giving you the refreshed look you deserve.

Your journey to the confidence you deserve starts here. 

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1229 Madison St, Ste 1600
Seattle, WA, 98104

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