With the rampant and almost epidemic manifestation of obesity nowadays, it is not uncommon for the overweight person to have to lose a massive amount of weight. Whether the weight has been lost naturally or through cosmetic surgery, it will almost certainly result in a good amount of unsightly sagging skin.

When the loss is in the neighborhood of 100 pounds, losing the extra weight is only the beginning of the transformation. Patients who have had gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery or lost the weight without surgery, have achieved a significant accomplishment and when they look in the mirror, they deserve to see a pleasant body shape.

However, cosmetic surgery procedures should be considered only after your weight has stabilized. This usually occurs approximately 18 months after surgery, depending on an individual's pre-operative weight. Performing a skin tightening procedure prior to weight stabilization may result in the need for further skin tightening in the future.

Massive weight loss patients should be aware that body contouring may require surgeons to address the entire body circumferentially and not just one or two specific areas, as is the case with body contouring in more normal weight patients.

When someone loses 100 pounds or more in a short period of time, particularly after cosmetic surgery, a certain amount of sagging skin is expected in a number of areas including the face and neck, breasts, arms, abdomen, back and thighs.

With body contouring the shape of the body can be drastically improved, but we cannot improve the quality of the skin. Patients seeking body contouring after massive weight loss must be realistic in their expectations. The tissues will still give over time, but not to the same degree as before.

A variety of surgical procedures is often necessary and performed at different times. Depending on which area bothers you the most, the surgery should always be tailored to fit your needs, starting with the area of greatest concern.

Here are some of the most popular cosmetic surgeries associated with weight loss and a possible sub sequential skin tightening procedure:

Tummy Tuck - The tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from your abdomen and tightens the muscles of your abdominal wall. The results of a tummy tuck are almost immediate and you will notice your tighter, firmer stomach as soon as you leave the operating room.

Upper Arm Lift - The upper arm lift removes extra skin and fat from the arm, dramatically reducing flabbiness. The result of an upper arm lift is a firm, more youthful contour that is more in proportion with the rest of the body.

Thigh Lift - The thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thighs through incisions or liposuction. A thigh lift improves the contour of your legs and helps you have tighter, more attractive thighs and buttocks.

Full Body Lift - Finally we have the full body lift, certainly the most complete and common post-weight loss cosmetic surgery. The extra skin and fat are removed from the belly, hips, buttocks, back and outer thigh, offering dramatic and lifelong results.