A Follow-up Procedure to Bariatric Surgery
Obesity is a major problem in America, but fortunately, there are procedures available to help such individuals make a difference in their lives. Patients who have undergone surgery to make weight loss possible, such as gastric bypass or lap banding, often find their rapid shedding of pounds has led to an excess of loose skin. Extremely obese individuals often experience a loss in skin elasticity due to prolonged stretching periods from the increased volume of weight. While most common in the belly area, excess skin can also exist in the breasts, back, thighs, hips, knees, and even the face. The only way to tighten the skin is through surgery, which unfortunately leads to scarring.
The full extent of scarring will depend on how much skin is removed, with long scars remaining along the hips, stomach, on the inside of the legs, and underneath the arms. Patients with only a small amount of loose skin will probably want to forgo this procedure, as the scarring would probably not be worth the surgery results.
Full body lift surgery involves all of the following contouring procedures:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
|
Loose abdominal skin |
|
|
Loose arm skin |
|
|
Loose breast skin |
4 – 6 weeks |
|
Loose inner thigh skin |
Inner thigh lift |
|
Loose thigh and buttock skin |
Outer thigh and buttock lift |
Full Body Lift Procedure
Before surgery, the entire body is evaluated to determine the exact amount of skin to be removed and gauge the required procedure’s length. Then, general anesthesia is used for the operation, which can last anywhere from 2 – 8 hours depending on the amount of excess skin removed. The procedure typically begins with a full tummy tuck before extending out to the breasts, arms, and thigh area.
Recovery Time
Patients should expect modest pain, swelling, and bruising in the affected areas immediately following the procedure. Recovery times depend on the amount of skin to be removed and the overall difficulty of the procedure. Some patients may stay in the hospital for up to a week for monitoring afterward. Below is a table of expected time frames for a full recovery.
| Post-Surgery Schedule | Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
Pain controlled with medication |
5 – 10 days |
|
Tubes and drains left in the skin |
1 – 2 weeks |
|
Swelling subsides |
2 – 6 weeks |
|
Return to work |
As early as 2 weeks, 4 – 6 weeks recommended |
|
Resume exercise |
6 – 8 weeks |
|
Fully healed scars |
6 months – 1 year |
Full Body Lift Results
While no procedure can be considered truly permanent, patients most often report lifetime success after going through a full-body lift. Of course, the body remains susceptible to the ravages of poor diet, lack of exercise, and aging, so an overall improvement in lifestyle is highly recommended. It is important to note that patients who have undergone the procedure are more likely to experience loose and sagging skin as they age than their peers may expect.
Your Life after Body Lift Surgery
A renewal in self-confidence and greater self-esteem is most often reported by patients who have undergone this life-changing procedure. Free of the constant reminder of the excess weight they used to carry, patients report a much higher level of satisfaction with their lives in general. By removing this extra weight, you will feel more comfortable with your body image and shape, fit into clothes that make you feel attractive, and boost your new self-confidence even more.
*The content and images on this page are provided with the sole intention of educating potential patients on the procedure discussed above. Results vary per individual and are dependent on our doctor’s consultation prior to the procedure. We strongly recommend undergoing a formal consultation with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon prior to scheduling and undergoing any surgical or non-surgical treatment.
