Post-Bariatric Surgery

When a large amount of weight is lost, one of the unavoidable problems is excessive skin laxity. This skin does not respond to exercise. While some areas seem to firm up better than others, excessive quantities of patulous skin always remain on the abdomen, arms, back, breasts, buttocks, face, thighs, and trunk of the body. Surgically, this excess skin can be removed and the underlying contours reshaped using post-bariatric procedures, such as tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), panniculectomy, liposuction, thigh lifts, body lifts, arm lifts (brachioplasty), breast lifts (mastopexy) with or without implants, and facelifts.

Most post-bariatric procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Each specific surgery is performed differently, depending on which treatment(s) you elect. All of these surgeries have been previously used on patients in the past, but they are specifically modified for post-bariatric patients by adjusting surgical incision lines to compensate for the severe laxity of the skin. Your doctor will discuss the specific procedure with you in detail during your initial consultation.

Preparing for Your Post-Bariatric Procedure

You may have to go without certain medications or lifestyle choices prior to the procedure, depending on your doctor’s guide. Smoking is typically stopped at least two weeks before the procedures are done so that you may heal better and lower your risk factors for complications.

Post-Bariatric Procedures Recovery

No matter which post-bariatric procedure you choose, you will most likely feel soreness following the surgery. Your doctor will provide you with a local anesthetic pump as well as a compression garment, which will minimize any discomfort. The compression garment should be worn for at least a month to minimize the risk of developing any contour abnormalities. Also, you’ll be advised to refrain from any strenuous activity, such as exercise, for at least a month.

Although permanent scars remain, patients love the new-found mobility and better body shape following surgery. Your body will be free of the excess skin that was causing you embarrassment, so you’ll be able to show off your sleeker, tighter contours with confidence. Because there are so many different options when it comes to post-bariatric procedures, we suggest looking at before and after pictures to get an idea of which ones are right for you.

Depending on the combination of treatments you may be interested in, post-bariatric procedure costs will vary. It’s best to make an appointment for your consultation, during which your surgeon will discuss your specific goals, as well as the post-bariatric procedure financing options for you.

If you are one of the thousands of patients who have undergone bariatric surgery to lose weight and you’re unhappy with the loose, flabby skin that is left, you may be a good candidate. If you have lost a significant amount of weight on your own, you may also be a suitable candidate. It’s important to make sure you are at a stable weight at the time of surgery.

Ideal treatment goals:

• Achieve durable long-term weight loss
• Reduce co-morbidities
• Improve general quality of life

Improve general quality of life

Our physicians understand that all patients are unique, and no single procedure fits all patients. With the combination of aesthetic and surgical skills, we have the ability to meet the unique needs of our patients.

During the consultation, we will go over all the questions you may have about the procedure, what your goals are, the pricing of the procedure, your medical history, and questions about financing. We will make sure you have no worries or concerns going into the procedure.