Post Bariatric Service

Following dramatic weight loss, patients are usually left with a large amount of excess skin in several areas. These areas may include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, back, and arms. More often than not, these areas of excess skin do not respond to exercise and may create functional and cosmetic concerns. Some symptoms associated with excess skin following weight loss are:

1. Rashes
2. Hygiene concerns related to skin folds
3. Chafing
4. Lack of confidence while wearing shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops
5. Lack of mobility causing patients to refrain from optimal physical activity
6. Inability to find clothing that fits properly

While traditional plastic surgery procedures, such as tummy tuck, can help with excess skin in the abdomen, additional procedures, such as a lower body lift and buttock lift, may be required to achieve desired results following weight loss. In post-bariatric weight loss patients, the upper arm lift and thigh lift are somewhat similar in technique and principle. These procedures are usually performed to address sagging skin from the arms and legs. Both procedures may be done in conjunction with other skin tightening procedures and/or liposuction to achieve a "full body" makeover and to optimize recovery time.

Your Post-Bariatric Body Procedure

The Hair and Shape Clinic will make an incision on the inside surface of the upper arm or leg and tighten up the skin and deeper tissues before removing the excess skin and closing the incision. The lower body lift scar typically extends a tummy tuck incision around the body to allow lifting of the buttocks, front and side of the thighs, and maximally defining the waistline. You will have a scar following your lift procedure; however, this scar is placed in such a way that it is not generally obvious during regular activity. Your scars will often fade in time but not completely. Most weight-loss patients are so pleased with the improved skin tightness and contour that the scar is not a significant concern to them.

Recovery Following Your Post-Bariatric Body Surgery

Recovery from most post-bariatric body contouring procedures requires you to take at least two weeks off from work. It is important that you take this time to rest and follow all post-operative instructions, which will be provided to you prior to surgery. You will be asked to refrain from strenuous activity for approximately 6 weeks; this activity includes heavy lifting, running, working out, strenuous housework, and anything else that will increase your heart rate or compromise your recovery.

We congratulate you on the extraordinary achievement of your dramatic weight loss. Your strength and willpower are something to be admired. If you are thrilled with your weight loss, but you are still feeling the need for that final improvement to your body makeover, we encourage you to call our office today to schedule a consultation with The Hair and Shape Clinic. We look forward to guiding you through this exciting process and helping you to complete your body transformation.