Excess Skin Removal

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Conveniently located in Southwestern PA, south of Pittsburgh, and easily accessible from central PA, West Virginia, and eastern Ohio

Excess skin can develop due to weight loss, aging, genetics, or pregnancy. This can leave you with sagging areas and uneven contour, affecting your appearance. In some cases, loose skin may cause discomfort or limit your ability to engage in physical activities. Fortunately, excess skin removal surgery can help eliminate unwanted skin and tighten the body to achieve a more defined figure.

Excess Skin Removal Procedures

Depending on your goals, Dr. Pautler may recommend one or a combination of procedures to achieve the best results. However, it is important to note that certain areas respond better to surgical tightening than others. Common procedures include:

Facelift

A facelift targets sagging skin and deep wrinkles in the face. Dr. Pautler will remove excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles, lifting the jawline and reducing jowls.

Breast Lift

Dr. Pautler will remove excess skin around the breasts and tighten the tissue to restore shape and firmness. The procedure reduces sagging and can be combined with breast augmentation to enhance the volume.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck targets excess skin and fat around the abdomen, resulting in a flatter and firmer stomach. Since this area is less affected by movement, it usually responds well to tightening procedures.

Arm Lift

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, addresses loose skin and fat in the upper arms. Dr. Pautler will remove excess skin and tighten the underlying tissue to achieve a toned and sculpted appearance.

Back Lift

Dr. Pautler will remove excess skin and fat to improve the contour of the back. Like the arms, the back generally provides consistent results with this procedure.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift addresses loose skin and excess fat on the inner or outer thighs. However, this area is more challenging due to the need for mobility. Dr. Pautler will carefully balance removing excess skin while ensuring the remaining tissue stays firm during movements like sitting, walking, or bending.

Butt Lift

This procedure corrects sagging skin and excess fat in the buttocks to enhance the contours of the lower body.

Male Chest Tightening

While Dr. Pautler can tighten the chest area, it can be difficult to restore the squared-off shape of the lateral pectoral area. This is because the male chest naturally tends to sag.

Am I a Good Candidate for Excess Skin Removal?

The procedure is ideal for individuals who have lost significant weight and now struggle with loose, sagging skin on areas such as the face, arms, torso, thighs, and buttocks. Candidates can range from teens to those in their 70s, but must be in good health to ensure a safe surgery and smooth recovery.

If you are a smoker, you should stop since smoking can slow healing. If you are on blood thinners, they should be discontinued under medical supervision to reduce bleeding risks. Those who want to lose more weight should reach their target before surgery to achieve the best results. Additionally, heavy alcohol consumption should be avoided for at least eight weeks to support liver health and minimize bleeding.

It is also important to have realistic expectations. Excess skin removal often results in long scars, which may be visible in certain clothing. Being prepared for this and understanding the benefits can help you make an informed decision. Finally, you must be willing to prioritize recovery, allowing your body time to heal properly by taking time off work and avoiding strenuous activities like going to the gym.

Why Choose Dr. Pautler for Excess Skin Removal Surgery?

Dr. Pautler is a skilled plastic surgeon in Pittsburgh with over 24 years of experience offering surgery for loose skin. She earned her medical degree from Columbia University, completed general surgery training at Yale New Haven Hospital, and advanced her skills with a fellowship in plastic surgery at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

She has performed hundreds of procedures, including tummy tucks, facelifts, neck lifts, arm lifts, thigh lifts, back lifts, and buttock lifts. Her expertise allows her to combine procedures to achieve exceptional results. She plans each surgery in advance and groups procedures to reduce time in the operating room, minimize blood loss, and limit the need for multiple surgical sessions.

Patients also love her for her genuine and approachable personality. She is known for being smart, witty, and compassionate, making it easy for patients to open up about their concerns. Moreover, she is honest and never sugarcoats her opinions, so you can understand what to expect after the procedure.

How Much Does Excess Skin Removal Cost in Pittsburgh?

The cost mostly depends on the areas being treated, the extent of the procedure, anesthesia fees, the doctor's experience level, the location of the clinic, and consultation fees. On average, patients can expect to pay between $3,000 and $20,000 per procedure.

Since excess skin removal is an elective cosmetic procedure, most insurance providers don’t cover it unless the excess skin causes medical issues. The good news is that Dr. Pautler offers financing options for those without insurance coverage to help make the procedure more affordable. This may include payment plans or third-party financing options like Cherry Financing.

What to Expect During a Consultation for Skin Removal After Weight Loss

During a consultation, Dr. Pautler will discuss your medical history, including any past surgeries, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol use.

She will also assess the areas of concern, develop a customized treatment plan, and explain benefits, potential risks, expected results, and the type of scarring you may have. She will then show you before and after photos of previous clients so you can understand the results.

Moreover, Dr. Pautler will explain the estimated cost, pre-surgery preparation, and what to expect during recovery. If you decide to proceed, we will help you schedule your surgery and guide you through the next steps. We charge $250 for the consultation.

Recovery

You can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas, which will be managed with pain medication. We may also recommend compression garments to minimize swelling and support healing, and place temporary drains to prevent fluid buildup.

Most patients can resume light activities within a week or two. However, more strenuous activities, including exercise, should be avoided for at least four weeks. It is essential to attend all follow-up appointments, as it allows Dr. Pautler to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

While initial improvements will be visible within a few weeks, final results may take 6–12 months, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Featured Testimonials

Here’s what our clients have to say

"Dr. Pautler is an amazing person. I wanted to have a breast augmentation but was nervous. She took the time to fully explain everything to me. I never felt as if a question was stupid or not worth her time. I quickly realized that I had found the right doctor. My surgery went very well, thanks to the expert hands of Dr. Pautler. The first few days of my recovery were as expected. Then I noticed that my incisions were becoming increasingly itchy. On a Saturday morning, I called the number Dr. Pautler had given me. A little while later, she met me in her office. I was having a rare allergic reaction to the adhesive. She was able to treat me and told me to come into the office on Monday. I was very grateful for this weekend visit with her. Much to my surprise, I got a phone call the next day, from Dr. Pautler. It was a Sunday! She was calling to see how I was feeling. I would definitely recommend her to anyone. I wish more doctors were as caring and as compassionate as her.”

"I recently went to Dr. Pautler to have my first breast augmentation back in May 2017. Dr. Pautler is such an amazing women and surgeon. From the moment I walked into her office for my consultation to my last follow up appointment, every one in her office was so welcoming, professional, and made my experience so much better. She took a lot of time with me during our initial consultation to discuss all of my options. She was so honest with me from the get go and I instantly felt comfortable putting my personal appearance into her hands. I never once felt that she tried to pressure me into doing anything that I was not comfortable with. Her bedside manner is absolutely amazing...and I am a nurse who works on a post surgical unit and frequently see how surgeons do not always have the best bedside manner. The staff in her office are so friendly and remember you when you come in for all of your appointments...and that meant a lot to me that I was not just another patient. During my pre-op and post op stages at the hospital, all of the staff had great things to say about her. They often refer to her as "amazing", which made me feel so good! I am now completely healed from the surgery, and I could not be happier with my results. She made me feel so much better about my physical appearance and I have so much more confidence now thanks to her!”

"Worth the long drive. The local surgeons close to me have 2 hour long office waits, incompetent staff, change pricing and hospital locations at zero hour, and don't explain everything well. Dr. Pautler came recommended to me and I'm glad she was.”

"Wonderful doctor who is so caring! Having her perform my mommy makeover was the best decision of my life!! My body looks amazing thanks to her!”

"I was on the fence with going through a Breast Augmentation for a few years. There were obvious reasons on why I wanted one, but I knew that going through with this surgery would need to be done at the best time with the best doctor. After visiting a few doctors that I was uncomfortable with, someone I knew personally suggested trying her doctor, Dr. Pautler. I immediately called the office...”

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re tired of dealing with sagging skin, contact us to schedule a consultation. We will discuss your goals, explore your options, and provide guidance on achieving a more sculpted appearance. Our team is ready to help!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Have a specific question? Contact us!

How long does it take to heal from loose skin removal?

Dr. Pautler’s techniques focus on minimizing recovery time and ensuring safe results. Within 6 weeks, most swelling and bruising will drastically improve. However, complete healing can take several months. Dr. Pautler will provide personalized aftercare instructions to support your recovery and ensure the best possible outcome.

How do you qualify for excess skin removal?

To qualify for the procedure, you must be in good health, whether you are a teenager or in your 70s. Ideal candidates are those who have lost significant weight and now struggle with loose, sagging skin on areas such as the face, arms, torso, thighs, or buttocks. However, achieving a stable weight before surgery is essential since losing more weight afterward can affect your results.

Moreover, smokers must quit, as smoking impairs healing. Patients on blood thinners may need to stop them under medical supervision. And if you consume alcohol regularly, you should refrain from it for at least eight weeks before surgery to reduce bleeding risks and support liver function.

It is also important to have a positive mindset and realistic expectations, and give the body enough time to heal by avoiding strenuous activities.

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