Cosmetic Surgery

While the rapid weight lost most patients experience after bariatric surgery is very welcomed, the issue of excess skin after surgery must be taken into consideration. Excess skin is one of the more common side effects of extreme weight loss and is caused by the skin reaching its elastic limit. This means that it was stretched too far and cannot recover as a result. Genetics and age are the main determinants of how much excess skin a person will experience.

Another determinant of the amount of excess skin is the type of procedure being performed. Here at Real Results we offer the gastric banding procedure that yields more gradual weight loss than other surgeries, such as gastric bypass. This means that the potential for excess skin is reduced significantly. In fact, a large percentage of our patients do not need removal of excess skin and are very happy with their appearance at their goal weight.

Sagging or excess skin can be corrected through relatively straightforward cosmetic procedures. Patients who wish to undergo cosmetic surgery after weight loss have several options available to them including:

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck):

Most commonly patients will opt for a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty. This procedure removes excess skin, making the abdomen look visibly tighter and more toned. It also can be used to help eliminate the signs of stretch marks.

Body Lift:

Some post-surgical patients may also opt for a more wide-ranging procedure called a body lift. This procedure is very effective in fighting excess skin and patients can choose between an upper, middle or lower body lift depending on the location of excess skin. For those who have a great deal of excess skin throughout the body, they may opt for a full body lift which combines all three of the procedures mentioned above.

Breast Lift and Augmentation:

The breast area can also suffer from extreme weight loss and can therefore benefit from cosmetic surgery. If the breast has begun to sag after weight loss, for example, a breast lift or mastoplexy allows for the elevation of the breast and helps bring the breasts back into proportion. Patients may also take advantage of a breast augmentation during the same procedure which includes implants to make the breast fuller and restore the breasts’ former volume.

No matter what procedure a patient chooses, it is important that they consult with their weight loss surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon to ensure that this surgery is ideal in their particular situation. Most patients will be expected to wait approximately 18 months before undergoing surgery to allow for their weight loss to stabilize. If the patient begins to gain and lose weight rapidly after the cosmetic procedure, the effectiveness of the surgery may be reduced because of additional strain on the skin.

Of course cosmetic surgery is major surgery and should not be taken lightly. Patients should contact their surgeon for a complete overview of benefits and risks. It is also important to note that cosmetic surgery after weight loss surgery may not be covered by insurance plans because it is an elective procedure and not a medical necessity.