Post Weight Loss Plastic Surgery
People who lose excessive amounts of weight are often faced with a new challenge as they meet their health goals: excess skin. Because the skin may have been stretched out for years due to excess weight, surgery may be necessary to remove skin from many areas of the body and face: abdomen, thighs, arms, breasts, etc.
Dr. David Allison is here to help weight loss patients sculpt the body they deserve.
Reasons for Plastic Surgery after Weight Loss
Aside from aesthetic reasons, living with drooping skin can lead to chaffing and infections. In addition, you may not be able to fit into the clothing sizes you should due to excess skin overhangs. Removal of this excess skin can improve your self-esteem and allow you to truly enjoy your new body.
What to Expect with Plastic Surgery after Weight Loss
To be considered for plastic surgery after weight loss, you must have good overall health and have maintained a stable body weight for at least 6 months or more. Although many patients are anxious to have the excess skin removed as soon as possible, it is important to wait at least 2 years to allow your skin to shrink back to size as much as possible naturally.
It may require several procedures to meet your goals:
• Panniculectomy: removal of drooping skin below the belly button
• Lower body lift: removal of excess skin in the buttocks, thighs, hips and abdomen
• Upper arm lift: removal of excess skin in the triceps, biceps and elbow
• Thigh lift: removal of excess skin in the thighs
• Tummy tuck: removal of drooping skin in the abdominal area
• Liposuction: removal of stubborn fat in various areas of the body
• Breast lift: removal of droopy breast skin
• Facelift: tighten sagging facial skin
In most procedures an incision is made in the most inconspicuous location possible so skin can be pulled tighter, the excess skin removed and the incisions closed. Scarring is inevitable with these procedures, but most patients feel the benefits of a tighter body are worth it.
Recovery from Plastic Surgery after Weight Loss
Your recovery time will depend on the number of procedures performed and the severity of your condition. On average, you may need 2-3 weeks to recover from surgery. You will be instructed to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and promote healing. A surgical drain may be placed under the skin to drain any excess fluids from the treated areas. Full results may take several months to achieve.
Having a strong support system at home will go a long way in promoting your physical and mental recovery. It is absolutely imperative that you live a healthy lifestyle after surgery to keep the excess weight at bay.
Potential Risks with Plastic Surgery after Weight Loss
• Scarring
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Damage to nerves or tissues
• Sensation changes
• Blood or fluid collection under the skin
• Anesthesia risks
If you have experienced dramatic weight loss in Gainesville, VA, and are plagued with excess skin, contact us today to schedule a free Cosmetic Consultation to find out if your body and overall health is right for plastic surgery.