Common Questions about Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Surgery

It’s not uncommon for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight following weight loss surgery to consider reconstructive surgery. The most common reason people decide to have plastic surgery following a large weight loss is due to excess skin. Plastic surgery is a personal choice and should not be considered lightly, but if you have decided to have reconstruction, understanding your options and can help you make more informed decisions.

What Areas Can be Treated By Plastic Surgery?

• Groin, Buttocks, or Thighs- Some patients may notice sagging skin around the groin, buttocks, or thighs that cannot be eliminated through diet and exercise. Plastic surgery can help tighten those areas and remove excess skin and fat.
• Abdominal- Sagging skin around the abdominal can extend to the back to create a hanging pouch of skin, often called an apron. Surgery can eliminate sagging skin.
• Upper Arms- After weight loss, excess skin can make the arms sag or appear heavy. Reconstruction can help contour the arms for a slimmer look.
• Breasts- After rapid weight loss the breasts may appear flattened and hang downward. Augmentation or a breast lift can help restore breast appearance.

Why Choose Plastic Surgery After Bariatric Surgery?
For patients who have reached their goal weight, plastic surgery may be the final step in completing their weight loss journey. Depending on your age, how much weight you’ve lost, and how long you were overweight, your skin may not have shrunk at the same rate as the rest of your figure. It’s not uncommon that gastric bypass or gastric sleeve patients who lose large amounts of weight may remove excess skin and fat after they’ve attained a healthy weight. Plastic surgeons can help contour your body by removing excess skin and fat in areas that have stretched or that are sagging.

Before deciding to have plastic surgery make sure that your weight has stabilized and that you are not losing or gaining weight. A change in weight can affect the outcome of reconstructive surgery. Additionally, it is important that both you and your surgeon are clear on expectations about your appearance after surgery. For plastic surgeon references contact our Louisiana or Mississippi weight loss surgery centers. To learn how to achieve a healthy weight, attend a free weight loss surgery seminar, call us at 877-691-3001, or contact us online.