Post-Bariatric plastic surgery to remove excess skin

When someone loses a substantial amount of weight, they are often surprised that their body does not look the way they hoped. Although losing a dramatic amount of weight is an incredible success in many cases, there are a few drawbacks. Most importantly, rapid and massive weight loss can result is excess, loose, sagging skin. This is because the skin does not have the elasticity to shrink as quickly as your body does.

The problem with excess skin

Hanging skin is not only a cosmetic issue. It can interfere with your ability to exercise, and can lead to rashes or irritated skin. Excess skin after weight loss is especially prevalent in bariatric surgery patients, because their weight loss tends to be quite fast. That is why Dr. Golshani offers post-bariatric surgeries to give people who lost a lot of weight the ability to have a firmer, leaner body. Areas of the body that often have loose skin are the face, neck, upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs https://www.drgolshani.com/thigh-lift/.

If someone has a single area of excess skin - for example in the tummy or thigh area - this can be managed in a single operation. Often, however, post-bariatric patients can benefit from several surgeries to reduce the excess skin and fat that is left behind from the expansion of skin with weight gain, followed by the loss of fat and lack of tissue elasticity that often occurs after a major weight loss. Because the surgery is extensive, it may leave visible scars and recovery could take longer. However, most patients feel the benefits of having a more proportionate body, better body image, ability to exercise, and greater self-confidence, far outweigh any negative aspects.

Procedures Available for Post-Bariatric Surgery

Many Post-Bariatric surgeries include a total body lift, which could include the following procedures:

  • Lower Body Lift
  • Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck
  • Leg, Thigh & Buttock Lifts
  • Breast Lift
  • Upper Arm Lift
  • Face Lift
  • Neck Lift

Timing of Post-Bariatric Surgery

It may be tempting to schedule post-bariatric skin removal and contouring surgery as you near your goal weight, but this is a time when patience will pay off. Dr. Golshani recommends that you reach and maintain a stable weight before you decide to have this operation. If you have the surgery and then your weight fluctuates - you risk losing some of the tightness you’ve attained. Dr. Golshani will want to get the best assessment of your current body size, skin condition, elasticity, and problem areas. When you are at a stable weight, this will allow for the most comprehensive and helpful assessment.

Dr. Daniel Golshani has a special interest and extensive experience in Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills. These operations can be technically difficult because loose skin that we see with bariatric patients can be quite different from a non-bariatric patient’s skin, and often requires a different surgical approach. After being stretched so much, the skin can be permanently damaged and may have lost its capacity to keep itself 'tight' resulting in skin that will loosen faster than a normal-weight patient's. Because of this, it is important to schedule a consultation with Dr. Golshani in order to determine the appropriate techniques for your specific case including an assessment of your skin tone and elasticity.

Have Questions?

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