After Weight Loss Surgery

Losing a significant amount of weight, whether through bariatric surgery, lifestyle changes, or popular GLP-1 medications, is a wonderful achievement. However, substantial weight loss often leaves challenges that diet and exercise alone can’t fix.

At his practice serving Chicago, Joliet, Naperville, and Lombard, IL, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dino Mendez specializes in after weight loss surgery to help you complete and celebrate your weight loss transformation. From tightening stretched skin to restoring facial and body balance, he provides surgical and nonsurgical solutions to achieve your aesthetic goals and boost your confidence.

Common Concerns After Weight Loss

Each person's weight loss journey is unique, but some of the most frequent concerns include:

  • Sagging or stretched skin on the abdomen, thighs, arms, and back
  • Deflated breasts or chest following weight loss
  • Stubborn, lingering fat pockets 
  • “Ozempic butt” (drooping buttocks) or thighs after rapid slimming
  • “Ozempic face” or facial hollowing after weight loss injections of semaglutide or tirzepatide

Dr. Mendez understands these challenges and offers a range of solutions to address them, personalizing your treatment to help you show off your hard-earned weight loss success. 

Post-Weight Loss Surgery Solutions

When the skin stretches beyond its ability to contract, surgery is often the best option. Dr. Mendez offers customizable after-weight loss procedures. The most common post-weight loss surgery solutions include:
 

Breast Lift

A breast lift (mastopexy) elevates and reshapes sagging breasts for a youthful-looking profile. Dr. Mendez also restores lost volume with implants or fat transfer.

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, removes loose abdominal skin and repairs weakened muscles for a flatter, firmer midsection. Extended tummy tuck options address more significant laxity around the hips and flanks.

Liposuction

Liposuction is frequently combined with skin removal and tightening surgeries for full-body refinement. It targets stubborn fat pockets for smoother, more balanced results.

Mommy Makeover

Customizable mommy makeover surgery combines multiple procedures, such as a tummy tuck, breast lift, and liposuction, into one operation. While often chosen after pregnancy, it is equally effective for comprehensive body contouring after significant weight loss.

Arm Lift

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin on the upper arms (“bat wings”), creating slimmer, more defined arm contours.

Thigh & Buttock Lift

Effective for combating “Ozempic butt,” a thigh and buttock lift eliminates excess skin and restores smoother contours to the lower body.

Body Lift

A body lift after weight loss can target either the lower or upper body. A lower body lift (sometimes called a circumferential body lift) removes loose skin around the abdomen, waist, buttocks, and thighs. An upper body lift addresses sagging skin on the chest, back, and upper arms and is often combined with a breast lift. Both approaches restore smoother contours and improve comfort.

Beyond refining your face and physique, after-weight loss surgery can greatly improve day-to-day comfort. Removing excess skin reduces irritation, chafing, and recurrent rashes, while also restoring mobility for activities like exercise. Without the extra skin, many patients also enjoy more freedom in clothing choices, finally feeling confident in styles that reflect their hard work.

Nonsurgical Post-Weight Loss Options 

For patients with mild laxity after weight loss, or those who want to maintain surgical results, Dr. Mendez’ practice also offers advanced nonsurgical treatments:

HALO® Laser Skin Resurfacing

HALO laser combines non-ablative and ablative laser technologies to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and stimulate collagen to tighten mildly lax skin.

Morpheus8 RF Microneedling

Using an innovative combination of microneedling with radiofrequency energy, Morpheus8 lifts and firms skin while remodeling collagen.

Dermal Fillers

Injectable dermal fillers restore lost volume after weight loss, softening the hollowed look sometimes called ‘Ozempic face’ and rejuvenating areas such as the cheeks, temples, and jawline. They can also restore youthful fullness to the hands.

Why Choose Dr. Dino Mendez for After-Weight Loss Surgery?

As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Mendez is uniquely qualified to guide patients through this next stage of transformation. He trained at the nation’s top programs and brings years of face and body contouring expertise. He’s known for his supportive approach, honest guidance, and ability to deliver balanced, natural-looking results. 

Patients choose Dr. Mendez because he provides:

  • Comprehensive options for every stage of transformation
  • Meticulous planning and attention to detail for natural-looking results
  • Surgical techniques that emphasize discreet incisions and balanced contouring
  • Personalized care with a strong focus on compassion and patient safety

It’s essential to entrust your appearance and care to a surgeon with expertise that goes well beyond what’s offered at a med spa-only practice. Dr.  Mendez provides unparalleled care and ensures you feel supported and empowered during each stage of your transformation.

After Weight Loss Surgery FAQs

Recovery varies depending on your chosen combination of procedures. Most post-weight loss surgery patients should expect to take at least 1 to 2 weeks off work. Wearing compression garments helps minimize swelling and support healing. Dr. Mendez provides detailed aftercare instructions and closely monitors your healing. 

Scarring is inevitable after any surgery. However, Dr. Mendez carefully minimizes incisions, ensuring they’re well-concealed. Over time, scars fade significantly, especially if you maintain a good skincare regimen and avoid sun exposure.

Yes. If you maintain a stable weight and a healthy, active lifestyle after weight loss surgery, your results have the potential to be permanent. 

Complete Your Transformation

Losing a significant amount of weight is a life-changing milestone, but it’s just the beginning. After weight loss surgery and nonsurgical treatments at our Joliet, Naperville, and Lombard offices, we help you reclaim your comfort, confidence, and a body that reflects your hard work.

Request a consultation with Dr. Mendez today, or call us at (815) 860-1893 to explore your surgical and nonsurgical options.