Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Zeynep Sevim, on Apr 21, 2024

What is Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss? 

Plastic surgery after weight loss is a body contouring or body sculpting procedure that removes the loose skin left after weight loss. The procedure improves the shape and tone of your body tissue by removing the sagging skin, fat, and skin. 

You might consider excess skin removal procedures if you lost a large amount of weight following bariatric surgery, diet or exercise. 

Cosmetic Surgeries After Weight Loss Recovery Time

The recovery time will depend on your procedures and the extent of surgery to remove excess skin. 

For instance, if you have surgery on multiple sites, the recovery time is longer than surgery done in a single location. Besides, more extensive procedures such as a lower body lift require more prolonged recovery, which might involve a short inpatient stay. 

The doctor may place temporary drains for the first 1 to 2 weeks to ease the pain and ensure a faster recovery. 

For a faster recovery period, the patient must be willing to adhere to the doctor's recommendations. 

Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Complication

Possible side effects and risks of weight loss cosmetic surgery include:

• Blood clots 
• Fluid imbalances 
• Infections 
• Wavy, dimpled, or bumpy skin after the surgery
• Scars on surgery sites 
• Skin sensitivity and color changes 
• Delayed healing

Following the doctor's advice before, during, and after the treatment will help minimize these side effects.

Types of Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

Here are the common types of plastic surgery after weight loss. 

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): The tummy tuck involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen. The procedure lightens the underlying abdominal muscles and improves abdominal contours, giving you a flatter and tighter stomach. 

Thigh Lift: As the name suggests, a thigh lift targets the correction of sagging skin on the thighs. Thigh lift produces a more toned appearance to your legs. 

Lower body lift: Patients find that most weight loss occurs in areas like the buttocks, the hips, and thighs. A body lift, also known as the belt lipectomy, removes the excess skin from the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. 

Breast surgery: Women who lose weight may face sagging and flattened breasts. Skin removal surgery will remove the excess skin while tightening and improving the overall breast shape. 

How is Cosmetic Procedure After Weight Loss Performed?

When you come for an excess skin removal procedure, the anesthesiologist administers anesthesia to put the patient to sleep. 

The surgeon makes an incision on the area where the procedure is required. For instance, for the tummy tuck, the incision may be on the lower abdomen above the pubic area. 

The length of the incisions depends on how much skin needs to be removed. Through the incisions, the surgeon removes excess fat and skin. The remaining skin and the tissues are pulled together and closed with stitches, and the doctor taps the area. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does insurance cover plastic surgery after weight loss?

In most cases, insurance companies cover the costs of body contouring surgery for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Talk to your insurer to find out if they cover the body contouring procedure for plastic surgery patients. 

How much does plastic surgery after weight loss cost?

The cost of plastic surgery after weight loss depends on the type of procedure. Consult your doctor for clear guidance on how much you may be expected to pay for the procedure. 

What is the best cosmetic procedure for weight loss?

Excess skin removal is the best cosmetic treatment after massive weight loss. Talk to your consultant to determine if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure.