Post Weight Loss Surgery

For many people, weight loss is not the end-all to their transformation. The aftermath of losing a massive amount of weight – the excess skin that is left behind – can be just as frustrating for them as compared to when they were heavy.

This is especially true for those who required surgical assistance to reach a healthier weight. There are cases where a person who lost 50 to 100 pounds naturally can still suffer from poor elasticity and heavy amounts of skin folds; but typically, when an individual loses weight over time through natural methods, including diet and exercise, the skin will gradually tighten as pounds are lost. Patients who have undergone weight loss surgery, such as bariatric surgery or gastric banding (“lap band”), are typically left with larger skin flaps, or “skin envelopes,” because the weight loss was so sudden and the skin was unable to retract, ultimately losing its elasticity. Exercise has no affect on sagging skin – surgery is the only solution.

Sagging skin can cause the body to appear misshapen and irregular. It most commonly develops around the face, neck, upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. According to Dr. Chin, in order to qualify for a post-weight loss procedure, such as tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, a thigh lift, or lower body lift surgery, a patient must have been at a steady weight for at least six months following their his or her weight loss procedure. Not only is it important for the individual’s body to recuperate from the initial bariatric or lap band surgery, but he or she must be at a plateau (when they’ve reached a state of little or no more weight loss) so that the new cosmetic surgery results are not altered.

Many people visit Dr. Chin prior to losing a massive amount of weight, because they would like to know what to expect after the excess fat is gone from their body. During a consultation at his Fresno plastic surgery practice, Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery, you can learn about the most requested body reshaping procedures, scarring, recovery period, and potential risks and complications. Dr. Chin will also give you the opportunity view before and after cosmetic surgery photos.

Insurance usually covers weight loss procedures, due to the goal of the surgeries being based on health issues versus aesthetic; however, a cosmetic procedure like a tummy tuck or liposuction is an out-of-pocket expense. The visit with Dr. Chin is also important in that you can get an idea about the cost of plastic surgery, and plan accordingly. If you are unable to afford cosmetic surgery, you may want to look into financing options.

Post-weight loss surgery is life-changing for patients. According to Dr. Chin, they are now not only healthier; they feel more confident and their self-esteem increases. His patients’ skin is tighter, their clothes fit better, wearing a bathing suit is not feared anymore, and they can be more active. (Dramatic skin folds are not getting in the way of movement.) In addition, Dr. Chin says that patients who undergo post-weight loss surgery have improved sex lives, because they can feel sexier.

Post-weight loss surgery is not the finale to the patient’s lifestyle change; he or she must be committed to maintaining and enhancing life-long results through regular dieting and exercise. Dr. Chin is available to meet with you for a consultation to discuss your options.