Plastic Surgery After Massive Weight Loss

Massive weight loss patients experience an extreme loss in skin elasticity. This loss of skin elasticity causes excess skin which can hinder the person's ability to exercise and may still make them appear overweight. This excess skin can be removed with body-contouring plastic surgery procedures. If you have any questions about body contouring after massive weight loss in Southern California, call us at (310) 784-0644 in Torrance today or receive a certificate for consultation to meet with a physician to answer all your body lift questions.

Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss (greater than 100 lbs)

American Society of Plastic Surgeons data reveals more than 52,000 body-contouring procedures following massive weight loss were done in 2003. This number will continue to increase as more bariatric surgery is performed.

Massive weight loss patients must realize body-contouring procedures require surgeons to address the entire body as a whole and not just one or two specific areas. Patients who lose more than 100 pounds can have sagging skin in a number of areas including the face and neck, breasts, arms, abdomen, back and thighs.

In a patient who has undergone a massive weight loss, the skin is different because it has been permanently damaged from being stretched to such an extreme degree. After body-contouring, massive weight loss patients' skin will still loosen and sag much faster with age. With body-contouring plastic surgery, we can remove the excess skin however we cannot improve the quality of the skin.

Patients seeking body-contouring after massive weight loss must be realistic in their expectations. The tissues may stretch and sag with time, but less so after body contouring procedures. Click to view Los Angeles body lift before and after photos.

What kinds of procedures are involved in body contouring?

Body contouring consists of a variety of plastic surgical procedures. The procedures necessary may have to be performed in stages to obtain the best results and for the safety of the patient. Depending on which areas are most bothersome, the surgery is designed to fit specific needs, starting with the area of greatest concern.

Usually body contouring begins with the abdomen and flanks and back. An abdominoplasty may be the only procedure required however usually an extended belt lipectomy is often require first with or without liposuction to remove excess skin and subcutaneous tissue from the hips and back.

Breast lifting surgery, arm lifts, face lifts and neck lifts are all additional procedures done at separate times.

How much loose skin will I have after massive weight loss?

Age is the most important factor in determining how much loose skin an individual will have following weight loss. Younger patients tend to have less loose skin.
The second most important factor is the amount of weight loss. An individual who loses 250 lbs. is likely to have more excess skin than somebody losing 80 lbs.
The amount of sun exposure received by the patient's skin over their lifetime is another factor. Fair skinned people in general tend to develop more loose skin than darker individuals.
Smokers develop more loose skin than non-smokers because smoking breaks down collagen, a major component of skin. In addition, smokers have more complications following plastic surgery procedures.

How do I know if I am a candidate for plastic surgery after massive weight loss?

You may be a good candidate for plastic surgery after massive weight loss if you are a patient who:

desires a more youthful appearance by correcting stretched out sagging skin.
has excess folds of skin after weight loss and still considers themselves overweight.
is looking for improvement, not perfection in the way they look.
is physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations.

How will I feel after body-contouring; what will I be able to do?

You may be able to go home the day of your surgery or you may need to stay in the hospital for few days.
Showering is permitted on the second or third day after surgery.
Pain is mild to moderate. The pain is controlled by oral pain medications and the "On-Q-Pain Pump System" which delivers local anesthetic to the area of surgery for 5 days.
Swelling is mild to moderate and peaks during the first week and disappears over the next 3 to 9 months.
There is minimal bruising.
Activities of daily living can be resumed the day after surgery.
Your can resume your normal exercise programs usually within 2 weeks after your surgery.
You can expect to be out of work for 1-3 weeks depending on the surgical procedure.

When should I consider Plastic Surgery after massive weight loss?

Plastic Surgery procedures should be considered only after your weight has stabilized for several months. This is usually 18 months or more, after a bariatric surgery. Performing body-contouring plastic surgery procedures prior to weight stabilization may result in the need for further skin tightening in the future. It is preferred to wait at least three months between the stages of body-contouring plastic surgery procedures. Plastic Surgery procedures following massive weight loss are usually extremely gratifying for both the patient and surgeon. The results are usually dramatic and provide a significant functional and aesthetic benefit to the patient.

What should I expect after the procedure?

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 9 months.

Contact The Association of South Bay Plastic Surgeons for more information.

For confidential, personalized information and advice, please request a free body contouring consultation or call us at 310-784-0644.