Cosmetic Surgery After Weight Loss
Bariatric or gastric bypass surgery can be highly successful in helping morbidly obese patients lose weight. After the procedure, patients are often able to enjoy not only significant weight loss but also greater mobility, relief of symptoms and a lower risk of weight-related disease – not to mention a boost in self-confidence. One unfortunate result is that the stretched and inelastic skin hangs loose over the slimmer body.
What are my options?
Post-bariatric plastic surgery combines reconstructive and cosmetic techniques to tighten, lift and contour sagging areas for a more attractive appearance. The patient may choose to treat the arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, neck, face or other areas.
Procedures include:
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
- Breast Lift
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
- Buttock Lift
- Thigh Lift
- Lower Body Lift
- Liposuction
Considerations
These procedures are ideal for patients who are close to their ideal weight but suffering from loose, hanging skin that has not conformed to their body’s new contour. Body contouring procedures cannot help patients lose significant amounts of weight, and therefore should be postponed until the patient reaches their desired weight, as further weight loss can affect the results of these procedures. Dr. Trussler will evaluate each patient’s weight loss progress and discuss their desired results in order to develop a customized treatment plan.
Expectations
Gaining or losing weight after body contouring procedures can affect the results of treatment, so patients should undergo these procedures when they are comfortable with their weight. Patients must remain committed to maintaining their weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise. With a positive outlook and realistic goals, most patients are able to achieve successful results from these body contouring procedures.
Surgery
The type of treatment performed after significant weight loss varies depending on each patient’s individual body type and desired results. Dr. Trussler may perform one or more of the following procedures for patients after weight loss:
- Lower body lift – targets the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and thighs to lift the skin, tighten muscle and remove any pockets of excess fat before suturing the skin closed. The incision from this procedure may stretch across the entire torso of the body like a belt.
- Breast lift – rejuvenate sagging breasts by trimming excess skin and tightening supporting tissue to achieve an uplifted, youthful contour. Incisions may be made around the areola or under the breast, and the nipple and areola may be adjusted as well. Breasts will be higher on the chest and firmer to the touch after this procedure.
- Abdominoplasty – also known as a tummy tuck, this procedure involves an incision along the bikini line to strengthen and reposition the abdominal walls, before the skin is stretched over the treated area and the navel is reattached in a new position. A flatter abdominal contour is achieved.
- Arm lift – through an incision on the underside of the arm that may stretch from the elbow to the armpit, excess skin and tissue are removed to achieve a smoother and tighter contour.
These procedures may be performed separately or at the same time depending on the location and extent of correction required. General anesthesia is required for most patients, and a short hospital stay may be recommended as well.
After Care & Recovery
After body contouring treatment, dressings or bandages will be applied to the treated area for the first few days to help protect the incisions as they heal. A drainage tube may be required for some patients to temporarily collect any excess blood or fluid. During the recovery process, patients will likely experience swelling, bruising and pain, which can be managed through medication prescribed by Dr. Trussler.
Dr. Trussler will provide patients with specific post-operative instructions for their individual treatment. The results of these procedures are usually visible right away, and will continue to improve as swelling and bruising subside. It may take up to one or two years before the results are fully developed. Results can be long-lasting provided that patients continue to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle after treatment.
Whether you have a question or would like to setup a consultation, Dr. Trussler and his staff are here to help. Please fill out our contact form, call our office at 214-645-3118, or schedule in directly at 214-645-2353. Start your journey to not only looking, but feeling better today!
