Health Matters | fall 2009

Plastic Surgery Helps Patient Enjoy Her New Look After Weight Loss

Stephanie Fisher lost almost 140 pounds. Halifax Health – Center for Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery helped her enjoy her new look.

At age 55, in early 2007, office administrator Stephanie Fisher simply refused to lug 260 pounds around on her 5-foot-3-inch frame for even one more day. She gave up junk food, started grilling her meats and began eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Then, she got moving. “I walked a little every day, and every day it got easier,” she said.

Fisher was thrilled when she reached her goal weight in December 2008 — a healthy 138 pounds. But, because of the sagging skin left behind, she said, “I couldn’t even look at my thighs!” She decided to find a plastic surgeon to tighten up the loose skin through two procedures: abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” and a medical thigh lift.

Fisher heard about Scott Loessin, MD, FACS, from a friend. When she visited the new Halifax Health – Center for Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery and talked to one of Dr. Loessin’s former patients, she knew she’d found her physician. “The staff was terrific. It almost felt like being at a spa, but with the confidence of having my procedure at a medical center,” Fisher said.

A New Life

Dr. Loessin says many people dread the appearance of the excess skin that significant weight loss leaves behind. However, a qualified plastic surgeon can remove loose skin on the thighs, tummy, midsection, breasts, arms and neck — really, wherever each patient needs it. “Don’t let fear become self-defeating,” said Dr. Loessin. “Look forward to reaching your goals and having your skin tightened up.”

Fisher agreed, adding that Dr. Loessin’s knowledge and skill made it easier for her to commit to surgery. Within six weeks of her procedures, she had healed completely and embarked on a new life, which now includes formerly unthinkable things like wearing skinny jeans and parasailing for the first time.

In addition to her strength and Dr. Loessin’s surgical skill, Fisher credits her admirable success to her husband’s support. “In fact, eating right and walking with me, he lost 45 pounds, too!”

For more about life-changing procedures or to schedule a complimentary consultation at Halifax Health – Center for Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, visit halifaxhealth.org/cosmetic.