From Head to Toe: Weight-Loss Drugs Spark Skin Removal Surgery Boom!

In a remarkable journey that spans a decade, Leah Rae Russell shed over 200 pounds, but it wasn’t until she took the final step—removing about 3 pounds of excess skin—that she truly began to embrace her transformation.

Now, when she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror, the reflection can be almost unrecognizable.

“I look in mirrors more than I ever thought I would,” Russell, 31, admits, living in South Sioux City, Nebraska. “I know it might sound vain, but it’s really about coming to terms with my body. This is me; this isn’t someone else.”

About two months ago, Russell underwent two procedures to tighten up the loose skin around her chest and abdomen. While she’s still on the mend, the improvements are already dramatic.

These surgeries weren’t just about aesthetics; they were crucial for her self-esteem and physical comfort. The redundant skin caused rashes and discomfort that made daily life a struggle.

“There were times my belly button was raw and bleeding,” she shared. “No amount of powder or showers would help—there comes a point where you just have too much skin to treat it without getting rid of it.”

The demand for skin-tightening procedures is skyrocketing, thanks in part to breakthrough medications for weight loss and diabetes. It’s estimated that around 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. have turned to medications like Ozempic or similar GLP-1 drugs, leading to a surge in interest for cosmetic procedures.

“The numbers are staggering,” says Dr. Steven Dayan, a board-certified plastic surgeon and clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois. “We’re on the brink of a wave of patients eager for aesthetic treatments, and we need to ensure we’re ready to meet their needs.”

Cosmetic surgeries on the rise

The statistics tell a compelling story: in 2022, following the introduction of Wegovy, the first GLP-1 medication for weight loss, the demand for procedures such as breast lifts and tummy tucks skyrocketed by 30% and 37%, respectively, since 2019, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgery. Upper arm lifts soared by 23%, while facelifts and body lifts followed suit. This trend only accelerated into 2023.

“We’re literally lifting everything from head to toe,” Dr. Michele Shermak, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Baltimore, highlights.

Interestingly, the demographic is shifting. More patients in their 30s and 40s are seeking these procedures, often recovering more swiftly thanks to their relative youth and health.

However, Dr. Dayan notes that expectations can sometimes clash with reality. Patients who have lost significant weight might find their skin has changed in texture—thinner and less elastic—which can lead to results that don’t align with their hopes.

“Some are left disappointed, feeling like their skin is still loose,” he explains. “It’s vital to align expectations with what these procedures can realistically achieve.”

The aftermath of rapid weight loss

Russell’s struggle with excess skin after her impressive weight loss journey resonates deeply within numerous online support communities. Many express their frustration at putting in the hard work to lose weight, only to be greeted by sagging skin in the mirror.

Standing at 5 feet 9 inches tall, Russell transitioned from a high of 340 pounds to a lean 133. In terms of jeans, she went from a size 30 to a size 0—a testament to her dedication.

Her transformation story combines tenacity, the support of bariatric surgery, and effective medication that helped her combat lifelong struggles with food addiction and binge eating.

“I started Weight Watchers in the fifth grade,” she recalls. “By the time I was 17 and heading to college, I weighed 300 pounds.”

Russell explored various avenues—personal trainers, diet plans—but nothing could tame her food addiction until she opted for bariatric surgery in 2012, which kickstarted her impressive 120-pound weight loss journey.

After welcoming her daughter, Aurora, she regained 50 pounds, but she refused to let this derail her progress. With the help of GLP-1 medication Wegovy and Vyvanse, which helps manage her binge eating, she’s now maintained her focus and commitment.

“It’s been over 16 months since my last binge. That’s a monumental change for me,” she exclaimed.

Russell’s journey is filled with triumphs; the scale reflects her progress, her health has improved, and she has newfound energy—though keeping up with a spirited two-year-old can be a workout in itself!

Yet, even after losing weight, challenges remained. Finding clothes that fit was a constant battle; a shirt that fit her shoulders would often be too snug around her midsection, and jeans that hugged her waist wouldn’t accommodate her skin.

Determined to see her goal weight realized, she made a pact with herself to undergo skin removal surgery once she achieved it.

“I was genuinely curious about what I would look like without the effects of obesity,” she shared.

Post-surgery expectations

Insurance may sometimes cover skin removal surgeries after significant weight loss, but coverage varies widely. Many plans require proof of related health issues stemming from excess skin, while others stipulate a period of maintained weight loss or prior attempts at weight management before considering coverage.

Russell faced hurdles with her insurance, which required the skin to hang to a certain length for coverage. Despite her challenges, she opted to proceed without insurance, ultimately investing $13,000 in both procedures.

She sought virtual support, consulting online communities to gather insights and advice from those who had undergone similar journeys.

While there are inherent risks associated with skin removal surgeries—bleeding, infections, bruising, and swelling—Russell prepared herself by absorbing experiences shared by others.

“I read about complications and recovery tips. It’s a major surgery; they literally cut your entire abdomen open,” she said, emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks involved.

Recovery can be a lengthy process, with full healing taking up to a year. However, after eight weeks, Russell is thriving—free from swelling and soreness, with minimal scarring.

“I’m right on track for the best possible outcome,” she beams.

Dr. Shermak reassures patients that while some scarring is inevitable, they’re usually discreetly placed. “Scars are often camouflaged between body regions,” she explains.

Weight regain remains a concern, particularly if patients develop a tolerance to their medications or discontinue them altogether. “It’s crucial for individuals to stay vigilant about their health and wellness,” Dr. Shermak emphasizes.

As for prevention, Dr. Shermak believes the rate of weight loss plays a critical role. “Rapid weight loss can leave skin struggling to keep up, so a gradual approach may minimize issues,” she advises.

Russell wholeheartedly encourages those considering the surgery to proceed. “Every body is beautiful. My skin represented my journey, and I have no shame in that,” she affirms. “However, I had health concerns and a genuine curiosity about what I would look like without it. I have no regrets about my decision.”