Body Contouring after Massive Weight Loss

Overview

The problem of obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. This has greatly increased the number of patients who have lost large amounts of weight either with diet and exercise or with the assistance of bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Obesity tends to stretch out skin; therefore, regardless of how the weight is lost, excess skin can become a worrisome issue. After major weight loss, patients often find that their skin has lost a substantial amount of elasticity. Many patients are troubled by the fact that although weight loss had improved their overall health, their skin remains loose and ptotic. The most troublesome areas tend to be the arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, and back. Before one can proceed with surgery, it is important to verify that the weight has stabilized. Patients must also be in good health and must refrain from smoking for at least four weeks prior to surgery. Often medical clearance is obtained from the patient’s primary care physician.

Body Contouring Procedures

Commonly performed procedures after major weight loss include mastopexy (breast lift), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), brachioplasty (arm lift), thigh-buttock lift, and body lifts (belt lipectomy). These procedures entail the removal of excess skin and fat. During most procedures, deeper tissues are also tightened to improve the final contour. Long scars are often required and are hidden in less conspicuous areas when possible. Procedures are typically staged for safety reasons. Large plastic suction drains are utilized in most cases. Drains are typically left in for 7 to 10 days and are removed in the office. Compression garments are routinely used for up to six weeks.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is utilized for the vast majority of body contouring procedures after massive weight loss.

Length of surgery

Times vary depending on the specific procedure performed and the experience of the surgeon. Also, combining procedures requires longer operative times. Longer procedures generally necessitate the services of an aftercare nurse or require an inpatient stay in a hospital.

Risks of Body Contouring Procedures

Bleeding
Infection
Poor wound healing
Unfavorable scars
Skin loss
Risks of anesthesia
Cardiac and pulmonary complications
Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
Skin discoloration
Fat necrosis
Major wound separation
Asymmetry
Recurrent looseness of skin
Deep vein thrombosis/Pulmonary embolus
Nerve damage

Recovery from Body Contouring Procedures
After surgery, patients generally return to work and are able to start driving by 2 to 3 weeks. Heavy lifting greater than 20lbs or any strenuous activity is prohibited for the first four weeks following surgery. You may start to resume normal activity in 4 weeks, and most patients report feeling back to normal in 6-8 weeks. A compression garment is worn for the first 6-8 weeks.

Duration of effect:

As long as patients refrain from any further large fluctuations in weight, the results tend to be durable lasting for many years.

Useful Information on Body Contouring after Massive Weight Loss

• ASPS Information regarding body contouring after major weight loss

About Gallego Plastic Surgery

Gallego Plastic Surgery has two offices conveniently located to serve you. Our Irvine Office is located in the city of Irvine and the serves the surrounding Orange County region. Our Corona Office is located in the city of Corona and the serves the surrounding Inland Empire and Riverside regions.

For more information, or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Gallego, please contact us.