Body Lift Specialist in Miami

Dr. Rian Maercks is a board-certified body lift specialist in Miami who performs many “after weight loss” surgeries. Dr. Maercks is a double-fellowship trained plastic surgeon with specialized expertise in cosmetic body procedures.

Post weight loss surgery

Many individuals have chosen to take control of their bodies and their lives by undergoing bariatric surgery or a weight loss plan in order to become healthier. This is always an excellent decision; however, in many cases, once the weight is gone, the patient is left with loose, unattractive-looking skin that distracts from the transformed body underneath. This is when post weight loss surgery can make a big difference and improve both confidence and quality of life.

Post weight loss procedures offered at The Maercks Institute

Body lift

A body lift addresses loose skin on the entire body: the buttocks, chest, back, thighs, arms, hips, waist, and breasts. This helps with the appearance of cellulite as well. This surgical procedure is performed with the patient under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and takes 4 to 7 hours. With a body lift, there are considerable incisions that need to be made.

The placement, pattern, method, and length of the incisions used will be determined by how much skin is being removed and what areas of the body are being treated. A body lift typically requires about two weeks of recovery time and one month of avoiding high intensity workouts. Early results are immediately apparent, with final results taking up to two years. A body lift includes improving the flabby or dimpled skin on the thighs; “bat wings” under the arms, and sagging skin of the buttocks.

Four types of tummy tucks

One of the most common surgical procedures after weight loss is a tummy tuck; however, a tummy tuck is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Different techniques address different body types and needs.

Conventional tummy tuck

A wedge of loose skin underneath the belly button is removed in order to smooth and flatten the area. the abdominal muscles (which may have become overly stretched) can also be tightened — much like an internal corset — to enhance the cosmetic result.

Mini tummy tuck

The incision can be shorter and lower, resulting in a scar that can be more easily hidden — even under lingerie or a string bikini. However, a mini tummy tuck does not usually address muscle weakness, especially higher up on the abdominal wall.

Hybrid tummy tuck

The most commonly performed tummy tuck technique at The Maercks Institute. In this method, Dr. Maercks combines the advantages of a conventional and mini tummy tuck to achieve optimal results and give patients the best of both worlds: a low, short incision line with full muscle tightening.

Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck

Particularly appropriate for many patients who have experienced significant weight loss, as it addresses horizontal excess skin that reaches around the abdomen to the back, flanks, and buttocks. This technique allows Dr. Maercks to tighten the sides and back, creating an hourglass shape.

Liposuction

Liposuction remains one of the most popular and successful body contouring procedures for both men and women. As a minimally invasive procedure that delivers a big difference, liposuction is a highly effective way to get rid of stubborn, hard-to-lose excess fat. During the procedure, a thin, hollow tube called a cannula is used to loosen targeted fat cells, break them up, and vacuum them out of the body. Liposuction is often used in combination with other procedures and provides immediate results.

Abdominal etching

Abdominal etching is ideal for those who want six-pack abs but just can’t seem to achieve them on their own. Very similar to liposuction, abdominal etching involves fat removal by cannula, but also involves carving away the fat that rests on top of the abdominal muscles so that the natural abdominal muscles below can be revealed. This procedure is only recommended for those who are close to their goal body weight, and who lead an active, healthy lifestyle.

Breast lift

Often after weight loss, the breasts can appear saggy and low. This can be discouraging for women who have lost weight and want to feel confident with their new body. A breast lift has the ability to make the breasts appear more perky and youthful by lifting the breast tissue and skin so that the breasts sit higher on the chest wall. This procedure can be done on its own, or breast implants can be added for an even more enhanced look.

Laser skin tightening

Dr. Rian Maercks has developed a skin tightening treatment that combines SkinTyte™, the Profractional erbium laser, and BroadBand Light™ to erase cellulite, reduce fat, and improve loose skin. This blend of best practice body contouring is called The Maercks Multimodal Therapy (MMT). This technique comes from Dr. Maercks’s disappointment with “of the moment” skin tightening treatments and is a result of his own tests and research.

Good candidates for post weight loss surgery

Body contouring surgeries are designed to address loose skin of the midsection, arms, breasts, thighs, buttocks, and face. If you’re getting close to your goal weight or you’re planning a bariatric surgery, you may be considering undergoing post weight loss surgery in Miami soon.

The best candidates for these procedures are those who:

Are motivated individuals who will maintain their surgical results
Are generally healthy non-smokers
Understand what the procedures can accomplish

The Maercks Institue for post weight loss surgery in Miami

At The Maercks Institute, patients are considered in a manner that is anything but cookie-cutter. Each individual’s unique body and aesthetic concerns are assessed, and then Dr. Maercks’s experienced judgement and artistic vision are utilized to select from cosmetic techniques to get optimal results in the safest and most effective manner. We provide aesthetics that are dedicated to the beautiful, natural human form. Since founding The Maercks Institute in 2009, Dr. Maercks has changed the lives of thousands of patients over the years, boosting their confidence and elevating their quality of life. His undergraduate training in fine arts and philosophy created the framework through which he explores the world of medicine and plastic surgery, and he is well known for his approach to both surgical and non-surgical procedures. He is an expert who will formulate the ideal treatment to achieve your specific aesthetic goals. If you’re in the Miami area and are interested in learning what post weight loss surgery can do for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Maercks.