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 Gaining a well-defined body and high energy levels are among the most anticipated results of weight loss. Unfortunately, after losing significant amounts of weight, some people are left with extra skin around their abdomen area. This happens because the speed of the weight loss didn’t give the skin enough time to contract and be firm against the body.  Excess skin can cause irritation and rashes that bring about a lot of discomfort. Having loose skin can be frustrating, especially after a successful weight loss campaign. Loose skin is widely known for the negative impact it can have on your self-esteem. The unwanted change can leave you uncomfortable and even more confused about what to do next. Dr. Algie LaBrasca, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery, is an expert when it comes to removing extra skin after weight loss. In his more than 15 years of experience in the plastic surgery field, LaBrasca has dealt with various cases of extra skin growths and knows the available medical therapies available. He identifies panniculectomy as the best and most viable medical remedy to eliminate the extra skin. Panniculectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the extra skin and anybody tissue from the lower abdomen. The procedure is quite different from the other surgical procedures such as the tummy tuck as it does not tighten the abdominal muscles to create a cosmetic appearance. A panniculectomy is not advised for heavy smokers, people with other underlying medical conditions, or those who have experienced unstable weight in the last six months. According to LaBrasca, the panniculectomy procedure is an intense, invasive surgery, and only the experienced and most qualified surgeons perform it. The procedure can last at least five hours. The patient is administered general anesthesia to put them to sleep to allow for a smooth operation. The surgeon has to make two incisions: a horizontal cut across the two hip bones and another vertical cut extending to the hipbone. The length of the incisions is determined by the amount of skin to be removed. After the extra skin has been eliminated, the surgeon makes stitches to close the remaining skin. Tubes are used to suck out any excess fluid. After the surgery, the patient has to be monitored, especially after recovering from anesthesia. The surgeon or nurses will give you instructions to follow to allow for a faster and speedy recovery process. The incision may take up to eight weeks to heal completely. The puckering around the incision takes several months to smoothen. During this recovery period, LaBrasca stresses the need to avoid strenuous activities, just like with any other surgical procedure. He also encourages patients to take enough rest as they need and try as much as possible to reduce the pressure on their abdomen by bending their legs and hips. Some of the most notable side effects include swelling, pain, bruising, and in some cases, extra fluids. Through his website, [www.drlabrasca.com](http://www.drlabrasca.com/), LaBrasca shares more insights on panniculectomy and other available medical remedies for getting rid of the extra skin.