Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery
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Quick Facts about Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery
Medical Names: Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery, Body Lift
Estimated Cost: $12,000 - $50,000
Type of Anesthesia: General
Total Recovery Time: 4-6 Weeks
Procedure Location: Hospital, Plastic Surgery Center
Practitioner: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Post-bariatric plastic surgery, commonly known as a body lift, is a major surgical procedure that contours the body following a gastric bypass or other massive weight loss surgery. Body lift surgery is effective in removing excess folds and tightening stretched, inelastic skin in the abdominal, thigh, buttock, back, breast, neck, arm and facial areas. This procedure helps to alleviate rashes and infections caused by excess hanging skin.
In 2003, more than 52,000 post-bariatric plastic surgery procedures were performed according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Did You Know?
With bariatric surgery, many patients lose large amounts of weight, sometimes 100 pounds or more, within a twelve to eighteen month period. Although the fat deposits diminish after surgery, many patients find themselves with folds of excess of skin, especially in the abdomen, upper arms and thighs. Body lift is an effective reconstructive plastic surgery that helps to reduce these folds and enhance the appearance of post-bariatric patients.
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THE POST-BARIATRIC PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURE
The plastic surgeon will assess the patient’s body and develop a comprehensive contouring plan, based on the patient’s body, expectations and medical history. The post-bariatric surgery must be scheduled after the patient’s weight loss has been stabilized.
Post-bariatric plastic surgery usually combines several procedures, lasting from four to ten hours and may be performed in stages, depending on the complexity of the procedures and the fitness of the patient. Post-bariatric plastic surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or plastic surgery center. In many circumstances, one to three nights in the hospital or an overnight nurse at home is required to monitor the patient’s recovery.
Post-bariatric surgical procedures vary depending on the body lift required: full, upper or lower. In general, the surgeon will make incisions in the treatment areas, separating the skin from the muscles and tissues. Through the skin flap, excess fatty tissue is extracted and muscles are tightened. Excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is tightened and secured with stitches.
Following a body lift, the patient will experience pain and discomfort, which can be managed with medication. Bed rest may be required for one or more days. Support garments are worn for one month to stabilize the body area, ease discomfort and support incisions areas. Light to medium activities may be resumed progressively. The healing process may take four to six weeks, at which time patients may resume normal activities. Many patients may start exercising in six to eight weeks. Swelling may take over three months to fully dissipate.
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POST-BARIATRIC PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURE OPTIONS
Post-bariatric plastic surgery offers many body contouring options, addressing specific body areas.
Full Body Lift: Full (or Total) body lift is the most extensive post-bariatric procedure. This surgical procedure is implemented when there is a substantial amount of circumferential excess skin to be removed in the upper and lower body. The procedure takes seven to ten hours and may be performed in stages, depending on the fitness of the patient.
Lower Body Lift: This lift may include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), lipoplasty (liposuction) and thighplasty (thigh and hip lift), targeting the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. This procedure usually lasts four to six hours. The results from certain circumferential procedures can be dramatic in appearance and to the patient’s lifestyle.
Upper Body Lift: This lift may include augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation), reduction mammaplasty (breast reduction), mastopexy (breast lift), gynecomastia (male breast reduction surgery), brachioplasty (arm lift), rhytidectomy (face lift) and neck surgery, specifically focused on reducing the excess folds in the upper regions of the body, including the chest, back, arms, neck and face.
These lifts may be combined with other procedures and in varying combinations. For more information, visit the specific procedures listed under TOPICS in the left hand column.
IS POST-BARIATRIC PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Ideal Candidate for Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery
The ideal candidate has lost a massive amount of weight, has excess skin folds without significant fat deposits and is in relatively good physical condition. Candidates may schedule their surgery only after their weight loss has stabilized for three to six months. Candidates must have realistic expectations of what can be achieved with post-bariatric plastic surgery.
Other Considerations for Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery
The most important factor to consider is whether a patient is emotionally, mentally and physically able to undergo the procedure and the recovery process. This procedure will not improve the contours for massively obese patients. Patients who are capable of losing more weight should schedule plastic surgery after they have achieved the maximum weight loss.
At your initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss post-bariatric plastic surgery options, risks and limitations and make recommendations based on your choices, expectations and medical history. The surgeon will review your pre-surgery preparation instructions, the procedure process including anesthesia and the expected results and post-surgery instructions for maximum recovery. Make sure you discuss all of your questions and specific health issues with your plastic surgeon.
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POST-BARIATRIC PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURE COST
Fees vary from state to state and from one plastic surgeon to another. The cost is based upon the type of surgery needed and the extensiveness of the procedure. Prices range from $12,000 to $50,000 for post-bariatric plastic surgery and include surgeon, facility and anesthesia fees. Other important factors determining the final cost may include pre-operative lab fees and post-operative expenses such as prescriptions.
Note: A more expensive surgery price does not necessarily ensure a more skilled practitioner. You should ask for referrals and review testimonials before choosing a practitioner.
POST-BARIATRIC PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURE PROS & CONS
Pros
| Results are dramatic; patients experience tighter, firmer skin |
| Re-contoured, proportionate appearance |
| Post-bariatric plastic surgery helps to alleviate rashes and infections |
| Exercise becomes progressively easier
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| Recipients of the procedure report greater self-esteem
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| Overall improvement in quality of life
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Cons
| Pain and discomfort; may be managed with medication |
| Swelling may take over three months to subside |
| Post-bariatric plastic surgery will leave noticeable scarring; incisions are strategically placed and scars will flatten and lighten over time |
| Some patients experience loss of sensation in treatment area; may be permanent
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| Time off from work, generally four to six weeks
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ASK A PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT POST-BARIATRIC PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURE - FAQ
What are the benefits that most people receive from Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery?
Post-bariatric plastic surgery is effective in removing excess folds of skin and tightening overstretched skin after massive weight loss. Most patients will experience improved, and even dramatic, body contour and overall body appearance. It is recommended that the procedure be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.
Is Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery safe?
Post-bariatric plastic surgery is a complex surgery that often requires multiple procedures and stages. It is important that the patient is prepared for this type of extensive surgery and recovery. It is also important to find a surgeon who is skilled in post-bariatric plastic surgery.
What kind of anesthesia is used for Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery?
General anesthesia is required to perform post-bariatric plastic surgery.
How long does it take to recover from Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery?
Total recovery time is dependent on the type of procedure(s) performed and your personal recuperation ability. In general, most patients may resume normal activities within four to six weeks and begin an exercise program within six to eight weeks. Although you will see dramatic results immediately, swelling may take over three months to fully dissipate.
How do I find a plastic surgeon that specializes in Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery and is right for me?
Choosing a plastic surgeon is the most important step in the success of your plastic or reconstructive surgery. You want a board certified plastic surgeon that has the best skills and training to help enhance your appearance and achieve your desired results. For a complete picture of post-bariatric plastic surgery, read the information on this site and make a list of questions. Then find the surgeons in your area and review each surgeon’s qualifications and specialities, practice philosophy, articles, before and after photos and patient testimonials. This information can assist you in making an educated decision in choosing the post-bariatric plastic surgery option and specialist right for you.
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