Weight loss is a massive undertaking, especially if you have held onto dozens of extra pounds for many years. To reach a healthier weight, many people turn to bariatric surgery, a procedure that restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold at one time.
Whether your path involved bariatric surgery or you lost weight naturally, you may now be dealing with loose, sagging skin.
This loose tissue can make it hard to really see the results of your weight loss. It might even make it uncomfortable to exercise and maintain your healthy lifestyle. The good news is that there are certain procedures that can help.
If you would like to enjoy your very best body after reaching your goal weight, contact our San Antonio office at 210-227-3223 to explore our various body contouring procedures.
What Is Post-Bariatric Cosmetic Surgery?
Post-bariatric cosmetic surgery refers to a series of surgical procedures designed to reshape and contour the body following significant weight loss. It’s common for people who have had bariatric surgery (like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, but the term also applies to people who have lost a lot of weight naturally.
The goal of post-bariatric body contouring surgery is to remove this excess skin and fat, and to restore a more natural, toned appearance.
Common Types of Post-Bariatric Surgeries
The most common procedures people get after losing significant weight include:
Arm Lift
An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is surgery to remove loose or hanging skin that can develop on the underside of the upper arm. This skin can start to hang as a result of aging, extreme changes in weight, chronic sunlight exposure, or any condition resulting in a loss of skin elasticity. Patients can also undergo an arm lift when they have no excess skin but are unhappy because of the overall girth and thickness of the upper arm. Read more about the arm lift procedure. »
Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty is the tummy-tightening procedure commonly referred to as a tummy tuck. This cosmetic surgery removes excess tissue that sags across the midsection and, in some cases, around the sides. This gives a more sculpted silhouette for the man or woman wanting the procedure. Read more about the tummy tuck procedure. »
Breast Lift
A breast lift is a surgical procedure, also known as mastopexy, that lifts and reshapes sagging breasts to re-create or improve their former appearance. There are many reasons that breasts may begin to lose their shape and firmness. Age, gravity, dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are just some. In these cases, patients may look to get a breast lift. Read more about the breast lift procedure. »
Back Lift
A back lift, also known as a back lipectomy, is a cosmetic surgery aimed at removing excess skin and fat from the back. By making strategic incisions typically along the bra line, the back lift creates a more contoured profile. This surgery improves your physical appearance and reduces the discomfort and skin issues associated with excess skin folds. Read more about all of our body contouring procedures. »
Benefits of Post-Bariatric Procedures
Post-bariatric procedures significantly enhance the overall transformation for patients who have undergone major weight loss. Here are some of the primary benefits:
- Improved Body Shape: These surgeries remove excess skin and fat, refining the body’s contour and shape.
- Reduced Discomfort:Â Removing excess skin reduces skin infections, chafing, and irritation, making daily activities more comfortable.
- Easier Movement:Â With less skin to manage, physical activity becomes less cumbersome, encouraging a more active lifestyle.
- Better Fit for Clothing:Â Clothes fit more comfortably and flatteringly, opening up more fashion choices.
- Boosted Mental Well-being:Â Completing the transformation journey with surgery often boosts self-esteem and overall mental health.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Post-Bariatric Cosmetic Surgery?
If you have lost a significant amount of weight, you may be an excellent candidate for one or more body contouring procedures. Plastic surgery procedures, especially for massive weight loss, are complex. You must:
- Have healthy eating and lifestyle habits to maintain your weight loss
- Be in good physical and emotional health
- Not be a smoker
- Understand the doctor’s recommendations and expectations for your surgical outcome
Your healthy eating habits will support your body through its recovery process and support your long-term cosmetic results from surgery!
Why Choose Eric S. Schaffer, M.D., F.A.C.S.?
Dr. Eric S. Schaffer is a distinguished plastic surgeon with over 30 years of expertise in facial, breast, and body contouring procedures. His training includes Harvard Medical School and Yale University, where he was mentored by a Nobel Prize-winning surgeon. Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Schaffer’s credentials are both extensive and impressive.
Dr. Schaffer offers surgical and non-surgical options, accommodating a wide spectrum of cosmetic needs. Recognized as a top plastic surgeon by multiple national and state publications, Dr. Schaffer’s practice in San Antonio stands out for its commitment to achieving exceptional results for each patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is very common to combine body contouring procedures after significant weight loss. During your consultation, you and Dr. Schaffer can discuss your overall goals for your appearance. His examination will identify areas that need treatment, guiding his development of your unique treatment plan. While it isn’t always possible to address all concerns in a single surgery, we do so as often as possible.
Dr. Eric Schaffer has helped a number of patients achieve remarkable improvements in body shape after significant weight loss. Your surgery will be handled with the utmost care to precisely lift and contour the areas of focus. Right down to placing incisions in the most inconspicuous areas possible, Dr. Schaffer attends to the tiniest details to give you results that look completely natural.
Because massive weight loss can result in inches of redundant skin and sagging tissue, you can expect to see the results of your lift procedures right away after surgery. Initially, the surgical areas will be obscured by bandages, compression garments, and swelling. Swelling generally subsides a great deal in the two to twelve weeks after surgery. That said, your tissue may continue to settle for several months, giving you more to look forward to.
The recovery period after post-bariatric surgery varies depending on the procedures performed and individual health factors. Typically, patients experience an initial recovery phase of two to six weeks. During this time, you may encounter discomfort and swelling and may need help with daily activities. Most individuals can return to work within three to six weeks, assuming their job doesn’t involve heavy lifting or strenuous activities. Full recovery, including the stabilization of tissues and healing of scars, can take several months.
Common risks include infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific risks related to the nature of post-bariatric surgery include issues like poor wound healing, scarring, and the possibility of needing revision surgery. It’s important to discuss these risks thoroughly with Dr. Schaffer to understand how they apply to your specific situation and how they can be mitigated.
Schedule A Consultation
To learn more about post-bariatric cosmetic procedures or any of our treatments, please contact our office today at 210-227-3223 to request an appointment. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric S. Schaffer is proud to offer high-quality cosmetic procedures and top-notch aesthetic treatments to patients in San Antonio, Austin, and the surrounding areas in Texas.