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04.14.08
All About Post-Bariatric Surgery
Patients who have lost massive amounts of weight often turn to post-bariatric surgery to be able to fully enjoy the benefits of their new body. Many patients feel discouraged by the discomfort of loose, excess skin that bariatric surgery leaves behind. Post-bariatric surgery (or post-weight loss cosmetic surgery) can help patients contour their bodies to achieve their desired figures.
The most common post-bariatric body contouring procedures include tummy tuck, liposuction and body lift. However, it is important for an individual to choose a procedure that is best for them, depending on the amount of weight loss and the area of the excess skin.
Liposuction is used to remove small amounts of fatty tissue or fat deposits from specific areas of the body. Liposuction surgically removes these fat cells in areas such as the neck, arms, breasts, abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs, knees and calves. It also shapes and sculpts these areas into a more youthful and pleasing shape. Wearing a compression garment such as a girdle is essential for recovery. Patients typically return to physical activity by the fourth week and return to their exercise routines by the sixth week.
Tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) is another post-bariatric surgery procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles at the same time. Tummy tuck patients report a more defined, slender waistline and flattened stomach. Recovery from a tummy tuck procedure will depend on the amount of skin and fat removed, the type of incision and the length of time a patient was sedated. Patients in a good physical condition usually return to work after two weeks, but some patients need four weeks to completely recover before returning to work.
Arm Lifts (also known as brachioplasty) are common procedures for removing excess skin and fat from the upper arm area to create firmer more youthfully contoured arms. After major weight loss, unsightly "bat wings" or baggy skin pockets could hang down a patient’s arms. Patients are required to wear special compression garments such as girdles and full physical recovery may take up to four weeks.
Thigh lifts are similar to an arm lift, except that thigh lifts contour and lifts the thighs. A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thigh and buttock area while lifting and re-draping the skin for a more contoured appearance. Thigh lift patients typically experience discomfort for a couple days post-surgery. They need to wear a special compression garment to support the lift for about three weeks.
Buttock lifts reshape the buttocks to give patients a smoother, tighter look. Buttock lifts remove excess skin and lift the buttocks, giving them a youthful look. Buttock lift patients are advised by their cosmetic surgeon not to sit for at least a week so that they won’t stress the area. Most patients are able to return to work after two weeks of the operation.
Breast lifts are another cosmetic surgery procedure that post-bariatric patients undergo to get shape back in their breasts. Breasts contain a significant amount of fatty tissue. Therefore, after bariatric surgery, they could lose serious shape. Patients are required to wear a surgical bra for a few weeks after breast lift surgery. If a patient’s job is not strenuous (no reaching or heavy lifting), they should be able to return to work after one week.
Body lift after bariatric surgery is a combination of various plastic surgeries and can include liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, breast lift and facelift procedures. After major weight loss from bariatric surgery, many patients experience pockets of excess skin that are unsightly and can impair normal physical activities. In some cases, muscle tissue can also become lax and lose their shape and will need to be surgically tightened.
The most common post-bariatric body contouring procedures include tummy tuck, liposuction and body lift. However, it is important for an individual to choose a procedure that is best for them, depending on the amount of weight loss and the area of the excess skin.
Liposuction is used to remove small amounts of fatty tissue or fat deposits from specific areas of the body. Liposuction surgically removes these fat cells in areas such as the neck, arms, breasts, abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs, knees and calves. It also shapes and sculpts these areas into a more youthful and pleasing shape. Wearing a compression garment such as a girdle is essential for recovery. Patients typically return to physical activity by the fourth week and return to their exercise routines by the sixth week.
Tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) is another post-bariatric surgery procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles at the same time. Tummy tuck patients report a more defined, slender waistline and flattened stomach. Recovery from a tummy tuck procedure will depend on the amount of skin and fat removed, the type of incision and the length of time a patient was sedated. Patients in a good physical condition usually return to work after two weeks, but some patients need four weeks to completely recover before returning to work.
Arm Lifts (also known as brachioplasty) are common procedures for removing excess skin and fat from the upper arm area to create firmer more youthfully contoured arms. After major weight loss, unsightly "bat wings" or baggy skin pockets could hang down a patient’s arms. Patients are required to wear special compression garments such as girdles and full physical recovery may take up to four weeks.
Thigh lifts are similar to an arm lift, except that thigh lifts contour and lifts the thighs. A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thigh and buttock area while lifting and re-draping the skin for a more contoured appearance. Thigh lift patients typically experience discomfort for a couple days post-surgery. They need to wear a special compression garment to support the lift for about three weeks.
Buttock lifts reshape the buttocks to give patients a smoother, tighter look. Buttock lifts remove excess skin and lift the buttocks, giving them a youthful look. Buttock lift patients are advised by their cosmetic surgeon not to sit for at least a week so that they won’t stress the area. Most patients are able to return to work after two weeks of the operation.
Breast lifts are another cosmetic surgery procedure that post-bariatric patients undergo to get shape back in their breasts. Breasts contain a significant amount of fatty tissue. Therefore, after bariatric surgery, they could lose serious shape. Patients are required to wear a surgical bra for a few weeks after breast lift surgery. If a patient’s job is not strenuous (no reaching or heavy lifting), they should be able to return to work after one week.
Body lift after bariatric surgery is a combination of various plastic surgeries and can include liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, breast lift and facelift procedures. After major weight loss from bariatric surgery, many patients experience pockets of excess skin that are unsightly and can impair normal physical activities. In some cases, muscle tissue can also become lax and lose their shape and will need to be surgically tightened.
Post-bariatric body contouring may come with risks, which is why all post-bariatric surgery procedures should be carefully considered and require the attention of Board-Certified Surgeons. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons "recommends patients carefully choose a plastic surgeon who has the training and experience in working with post-bariatric patients to ensure a successful outcome."
After major weight loss from bariatric surgery, there are significant precautions that need to be taken into consideration before having surgery, including the additional stress the surgery will place on the heart, risks associated with excessive fluid loss, and increased risks from complications due to anesthesia. Patients should look for Board-Certified Surgeons with considerable, successful experience with post-bariatric procedures.
After major weight loss from bariatric surgery, there are significant precautions that need to be taken into consideration before having surgery, including the additional stress the surgery will place on the heart, risks associated with excessive fluid loss, and increased risks from complications due to anesthesia. Patients should look for Board-Certified Surgeons with considerable, successful experience with post-bariatric procedures.
