Bariatric

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

Probably the most important determinant of how much loose skin an individual will have following weight loss is age. Younger patients tend to have less loose skin. The next most important factor is the amount of weight loss. An individual who loses 300 lbs. is likely to have more excess skin than somebody losing 100 lbs. Other less important variables include complexion, amount of sun exposure received over a lifetime, heredity and whether somebody is a smoker. Fair skinned people in general tend to develop more loose skin than darker individuals. Sun worshippers tend to sustain more tissue damage over the years and consequently more loose skin following weight loss. Some people tend to have " better" skin than others of similar complexion and lifestyle. This may be the result of hereditary factors that are not readily apparent. Finally, smoking breaks down collagen, a major component of skin and other structural components of the body. Smokers develop more loose skin than their non-smoking counterparts.

The following patient lost a large amount of weight following a gastric bypass. Her complaints included droopy / deflated breasts, and excess loose skin on the abdomen. She underwent a breast lift ( Mastopexy) and volume replacement with a shaped silicone implant. Excess abdominal skin was removed and abdominal muscles were tightened during a tummy tuck ( Abdominoplasty ).

The above pictures show the patient on the day of surgery and exactly two months after surgery. It is almost like the surgery took off 40 years

The above patient lost a large amount of weight leading to deflate and droopy breasts. She underwent a breast lift mastopexy where her own tissues were used. She did not have an implant put in (although most people do not believe it). It's all her own natural tissue, just rearranged. The "after" photos are 3 months after her surgery.

The above 60+ y old patient lost a large amount of weight and was left with a large amount of excess skin in her legs. She underwent an inner thigh lift and reshaping. The 'after' pictures are 3 months after surgery.

Body Contouring Timing

Plastic Surgery procedures should be considered only after one’s weight has been stable for over 3 months and more weight loss is not desired. This is usually 18 months or more after bariatric surgery, depending on an individual's preoperative weight. Performing a skin tightening procedure prior to weight stabilization may result in the need for further skin tightening in the future. It is preferred to wait to at least three months between operations.

Often an abdominoplasty is done first, though a circumferential lower body lift may be needed instead (because the skin excess is not only on the abdomen but around the entire waist). Breast lifting surgery, arm lifts, face lifts and neck lifts are all additional procedures that can be done at separate times.

Body Contouring Recovery

Depending on the type of surgery that was performed, you may be able to go home after a few hours or you may need to stay in the hospital 2 or 3 days. Showering is permitted on the second or third day after surgery. Pain is mild to moderate and is mostly gone within 7 days and is controlled by medications. Swelling, which is mild to moderate and peaks at 2 to 3 days, disappears over the next 6 weeks. There is minimal or no bruising. You can usually resume light activities within the first week, and most activities within 4-6 weeks. You can expect to be out of work for 1-2 weeks, but you will be able to be up and about.

Ideal Candidates for Plastic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss

You will have a tightened, lifted and improved contour to your abdomen, thighs, buttocks, breasts, arms, and any other areas treated. Touch ups and revisions are often necessary. You will be more confident and comfortable in clothing, especially sportswear and jeans. You will have a more natural and presentable appearance in the first week that will improve over the next 3 to 6 months.

Body Contouring Results

Those patients who desire a more youthful appearance by correcting stretched out sagging skin. Patients with excess folds of skin after weight loss. Candidates for body contouring are people who are looking for improvement, not perfection in the way they look. If you're physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.