Weight loss surgery, also referred to as bariatric surgery, changes thousands of people’s lives every year.
While the surgery is designed to help patients lead healthier lives, both physically and emotionally, the weight loss that occurs after surgery can result in a lot of excess skin, resulting in a whole different issue.
The Effects of Excess Weight on the Body
When someone gains a large amount of weight, the skin stretches in order to accommodate the body’s new proportions. Following weight loss surgery, the skin and its underlying tissues aren’t always able to revert back their original state.
Being able to lose all that extra weight is exciting and is the start of leading a better quality of life but the excess skin that is left over after the surgery can be a source of constant embarrassment. Along with the skin causing low self-esteem, patients also experience rashes due to the loose skin rubbing together every time they move.
Fortunately, advancements in body contouring make it possible to remove any excess skin and fat after bariatric surgery.
Exploring Body Contouring Options
Following weight loss surgery, the stomach, breasts, arms, thighs and buttocks are affected the most in terms of excess skin but their options available that will help match your skin to your new body shape. Here are your options:
Breast lift. When the body loses excess fat, the breasts tend to droop but a breast lift can remove the excess skin and reshape your breasts at the same time, resulting in fuller, perkier breasts. A breast lift won’t change the size of your breasts though, only an implant can do that. You can find out more about the breast lift procedure here: https://www.drpeterlaniewski.com.au/procedures/breast/breast-lift/
Abdominoplasty. The stomach is always a particularly troubling area after weight loss surgery and the excess skin can make it difficult to do the things you want to do, such as try a new exercise routine. A tummy tuck will remove the overhanging skin and tighten the abdominal area too.
Arm lift. Since the arms are such a visible part of the body, excess skin is highly noticeable. An arm lift can remove all that excess skin on the underside of your arm so that you can wear your favourite tops and shirts without feeling embarrassed.
Thigh lift. A thigh lift works in the same way that an arm lift does, except that the excess skin is removed from the inner thigh and groin area, which should eliminate any chaffing.
Lower body lift. If you have multiple areas that you would like to treat, a lower body lift will address everything from your abdomen to your buttocks and thighs.
When to Schedule Your Body Contouring Surgery
Patients will need to wait until their weight has stabilised before they consider any body contouring options. On average, patients are only ready for a body contouring procedure 12 – 18 months after their weight loss surgery.
Patients should also be in a space where they are making healthy lifestyle choices such as adopting a healthy eating plan and regular exercise routine. It’s also recommended that patients do not smoke if they’re considering body contouring surgery because it increases the risk of complications.
