Getting Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

Monday, 05 October 2009 11:22

Many bariatric patients who lose a significant amount of weight (usually 75 pounds or more) may experience excessive skin sagging or large folds of skin that makes it uncomfortable to dress, bathe, or move comfortably. In addition, excess skin can cause chafing, rashes, and infection because it is difficult to clean.

When a person becomes obese, their skin loses its elasticity. Therefore, once weight is lost, skin cannot properly regain its shape. Once they have reached a healthy weight, it may become a necessity to get body contouring and/or plastic surgery in order to have excess skin removed. Plastic surgeons claim that body contouring and plastic surgery procedures may increase self-esteem and promote positive body image.

Body Contouring

Health News reports that over 52,000 body contouring procedures were performed in the United States in 2007, a 36% increase from 2006. Body contouring procedures are ones that include liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and the removal of excess skin in certain areas of the body, also sometimes called a body lift.

Popular Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery Procedures

Usually most bariatric patients will get some type of body contouring procedure, but they may need plastic surgery in order to get their body back to a normal, healthy shape. Some common post-bariatric plastic surgery procedures include breast augmentation and face or neck lifts. Additionally, some plastic surgeons also offer body implants in other areas of the body besides the breasts to give it a more natural shape. These include buttocks and calf implants.

Cost

The average body contouring procedure is about $6000, depending on geographical location, insurance, and other factors. Common plastic surgery procedures, such as a breast augmentation, range from $4000-$10000. When a patient is deciding to get bariatric surgery, it's important to take into consideration the costs of these procedures, as they may be a necessity after the majority of excess weight is lost.

Recovery Time

Recovery time depends on the procedure, patient age and health, and other factors. For most body contouring operations, patients can usually shower and move slowly 48 hours after surgery. After 2-3 weeks, a patient's stitches are removed (if applicable) and they are able to do more daily activities, such as go to work, run light errands, or drive. After about 8 weeks post-surgery, a patient is usually back to normal, doing most of their usual activities and daily routines.

Other Options

If body contouring or plastic surgery is not an option for whatever reason, there are some other options which may help tone the body and increase self-confidence and body image. Cellulite treatments, weight training, and laser therapy are just some of the options when it comes to get a patient's body the best it can be after bariatric surgery.