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 request a 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 body lift before and after photos.

Types of procedures involved in body contouring

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

Abdominoplasty – Reduction and removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening of the front abdominal muscles.

*Panniculectomy – Reduction and removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen (pannus). View before and after photos for this procedure.

Vertical Excision of Abdominal Wall Skin--Removal of excess skin via a midline excision on the abdomen. View before and after photos for this procedure.

*Belt Lipectomy (also known as Circumferential Body Lift or Lower Body Lift) – Reduction and removal of excess skin and fat from my abdomen (belly), hip rolls (flanks), lower back and upper buttocks, coupled with tightening of my front abdominal muscles. View before and after photos for this procedure.

Upper Body Lift – Removal of excess skin and subcutaneous tissue from the upper body, to include the back and axilla (not including the breasts or arms). View before and after photos for this procedure.

Thigh/Buttock Lift – Removal, tightening, and lifting of excess skin of the anterior (front), medial (inner) thighs and buttocks.

Medial Thigh Lift – Removal, tightening, and lifting of excess skin of the medial (inner) thighs.

Lateral Thigh Lift – Removal, tightening, and lifting of excess skin of the posterior (back) and lateral (outer) hips, thighs and buttocks.

Brachioplasty (Upper Arm Lift) – Excision of excess skin and attached fat from the upper arms.

*Breast Reduction (Female) – Reducing the size of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue and skin.

*Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) – Removing excess tissue from my breasts by excision and/or liposuction. View before and after photos for this procedure.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift) with Breast Augmentation – Enlargement of breasts by insertion of implants under the pectoral muscles and lifting by removal of excess skin.

Face/Neck Lift – Removal of excess skin from my face, jowl, and neck coupled with tightening the underlying fascia and muscle.

*Insurance may cover a portion of surgical procedure.

Questions and Answers

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

There are many factors that determine how much loose skin an individual will have after massive weight loss. The most common factors are age, amount of weight loss, sun exposure and smoking.

Am I a candidate for plastic surgery after massive weight loss?

You are a good candidate for plastic surgery if you are a patient who:

• Desires a more youthful appearance by correcting stretched, sagging skin
• Has excess folds of skin after weight loss
• Is looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way you 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 one to two days.
• Showering is permitted immediately after your 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 12 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.

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. 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.

Will insurance cover my procedure?

Insurance companies may cover Panniculectomy, Belt Lipectomy, Breast Reduction and Gynecomastia. However, you must be evaluated by your physician and your examination may be subject to medical review by your insurance carrier.

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

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

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