Post Weight Loss Surgery
For patients who have lost a significant amount of weight either on their own or with assistance of bariatric surgery – first of all, congratulations!
There are some patients who are fortunate enough to have their skin shrink back down on their own without any intervention. The majority, however, would benefit from surgical intervention in one or more areas performed by our board-certified plastic surgeon, John M. Sarbak, MD. The goal of these procedures is to tailor the skin to match the underlying “new you.”
- What Is Post Bariatric Body Contouring?
- Post Weight Loss Surgery Candidates
- Post Weight Loss Surgery Procedures
- Post Weight Loss Surgery Before & After
- Post Weight Loss Surgery Results
What Is Post Bariatric Body Contouring?
Post bariatric body contouring procedures usually address cosmetic concerns that appear after major weight loss from diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery. These contouring surgeries are designed to tighten sagging skin, smooth skin folds caused by excess skin, and enhance a patient’s overall appearance.
Am I a Candidate for Post Weight Loss Body Contouring?
Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are experiencing hanging skin or excess fatty tissue are typically ideal candidates for body contouring procedures. The redundant skin can appear in a variety of areas, including the abdomen, arms, and back, and can greatly affect a patient’s confidence and comfortability. Sometimes, patients may experience discomfort, rashes between skin folds, and irritation with basic activities like walking.
What Are Common Plastic Surgery Procedures After Weight Loss?
Extended or Circumferential Abdominoplasty
Some patients have extra skin and possibly fatty tissue that continues from the abdomen laterally and essentially wraps all of the way around to the back. In these situations, we have the option of continuing the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) around the sides onto the back and all of the way around if necessary. Dr. Sarbak can even utilize some of the lower back tissue that would normally be thrown away to augment the buttock area. A procedure such as this also usually brings about some degree of tightening in the medial and lateral thigh areas.
Arm Lift
This procedure is designed to target the skin and occasionally fatty tissue hanging down from the arms between the shoulder and the elbow. Some people refer to this as the “bat wing.” We try to position the surgical scar somewhat lower than the traditional position at the mid arm, close to the medial undersurface of the arm. In Dr. Sarbak’s opinion, this scar is less noticeable. This procedure can be extended as needed beyond the elbow onto the forearm, and as necessary across the armpit to the lateral upper back to improve the extra tissue that hangs over the outside of the bra. These techniques can also be combined with liposuction.
Thigh Lift
Excess hanging skin between the groin area and the knees can be a troubling side effect of weight loss. This excess can be addressed by direct surgical excision with or without liposuction. It most often involves a surgical scar that extends along the medial aspect of the thigh towards the knee, though in some cases the scar can be limited to the groin crease area.
Post Bariatric Surgery Before & After Photos
Browse before and after photos of post weight loss surgeries for an idea of what kind of results you may expect from your procedure.
What Can I Expect After My Post Weight Loss Body Contouring Surgery?
The recovery process following body contouring surgeries may vary depending on a patient’s individual healing time and the specific procedure(s) they underwent. It’s common for patients to experience bruising and swelling after many different surgeries, and post-operative garments may be beneficial following procedures like liposuction and a thigh lift. Pain medication can also be prescribed to help manage discomfort. The time when patients can return to work and their daily routines typically differs based on the procedure(s) performed, but regardless, strenuous activities and workouts should be avoided for several weeks to promote a safe and successful recovery.
For more information about body contouring procedures following weight loss, contact our office to schedule a consultation.