What is Post Bariatric Surgery Body Contouring?
Post-Bariatric Surgery Body Contouring improves the shape and elasticity of skin following bariatric surgery. Excess skin results from the associated weight loss, and patients often lack the skin elasticity to maintain taught and contoured skin. Post-Bariatric Surgery Body Contouring eradicates the problem of extra skin and it greatly improves the shape of the body.
Who are candidates for the procedure?
Ideal candidates are patients who have lost eighty pounds or more, are at their goal weight or a stable weight and have not had surgery within a year.
How does Post-Bariatric Surgery Body Contouring work?
There are four popular Post-Bariatric Surgery Body Contouring procedures: body lift, breast lift, arm lift and thigh lift. All of these post-surgical procedures involve incisions followed by the removal of excess skin and fat. The surgeon then inserts drains beneath the incisions to drain fluid that accumulates, repositions the skin and stitches the incisions closed.
Is the surgery safe?
Yes, but with any surgical procedure, infection, bleeding and blood clots are possible. The incision may not heal properly, and there is the possibility of excessive fluid collection.
Is there downtime?
Yes. Downtime associated with each procedure varies. Breast lifts usually require only a few days of downtime, but body lifts and thigh lifts require two to three weeks of downtime.
What are the results?
Patients can expect firmer and more toned skin after the procedure. Sagging skin is removed, and a firmer body shape is achieved.
How soon will results appear?
Results are immediate, and swelling and bruising should subside within weeks.
How long does the procedure last?
Each procedure varies. Body lifts generally require around five hours. Breast, arm and thigh lifts take from two to three hours. Some procedures may be combined.
Who should avoid the procedure?
Patients cannot have the procedure(s) done until their weight loss slows to approximately one to two pounds per month.
How does the procedure feel?
The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so the patient does not feel any discomfort. Afterwards, the surgeon will prescribe pain medication.
How long do the results last?
The results are permanent unless weight is gained back.
Is additional treatment necessary?
If more than one area is undergoing treatment, surgeries may be performed separately.
What are the limitations?
There may be potential problems with appearance and post-operative wound problems. Occasionally, patients will require revision to obtain the best results. Each procedure is associated with a significant scar. Discuss your expectations with your doctor.
Instructions before surgery:
Avoid ibuprophen and aspirin for two weeks before surgery, as they are blood thinners and may increase bleeding. You should avoid smoking for the duration as well. If possible, get someone to stay with you after surgery. Take items you will need off of high shelves and set out clothes that are easy to put on.
Instructions after procedure:
Patients are advised against strenuous activity for a couple of weeks following surgery. The drainage tubes are removed when leaking sufficiently slows down. Avoid sun exposure to incisions. Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions.