Surgery after Weight Loss/Post-Bariatric Surgery

Whether it is through diet and exercise or weight loss surgery, many individuals feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment after losing a great deal of weight. However, massive weight loss can leave behind sagging skin and fat on various parts of their bodies. This can leave people feeling self-conscious about the overall appearance of their bodies and may also cause a sense of embarrassment.

During your consultation with Dr. Mancoll, he will review your medical history and evaluate your body. He will also discuss the procedures that are offered for post-bariatric surgery and determine which procedures are right for you.

Ideal Candidates

The best candidates for post-bariatric surgery are individuals who are at a stable body weight and have loose or excess skin and fat that does not improve with regular diet and exercise. Patients cannot smoke and should have a positive outlook about the results of the procedure. Generally, candidates wish to undergo post-bariatric surgery to correct one or more of the following:

  • Hanging skin in the upper arms
  • Flat breasts with nipples that droop
  • Midsection that sags around the waist
  • Sagging in the buttocks, groin, or thighs

Procedures

Dr. Mancoll performs post-bariatric surgery on an outpatient basis with the patients under general anesthesia. The time it takes to complete the post-bariatric surgery depends on which procedures are performed during treatment. Dr. Mancoll will discuss which procedures will be most beneficial for you during your consultation

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift is intended to firm and tone the upper arms to provide better proportion with the rest of the body. An incision is made between the underarm and the elbow, and excess skin and fat are removed (see Arm Lift/Brachioplasty).

Breast Lift

A breast lift combines a series of incisions to remove excess skin and fat tissue from the breasts, while repositioning the nipple to a higher location. If needed, breast implants may also be used for better results (see Breast Lift/Mastopexy).

Lower Body Lift (Buttocks, Hips, Thighs)

Lower body lifts typically consist of contouring the buttocks, hips, and outer thighs. The location of the incisions depends on the specific needs of each patient. Extra skin and fat are removed from areas of the lower body to give the patient a slimmer, more pleasing appearance (see Body Lift).

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck tones and adds firmness to the abdomen by tightening weakened muscles and removing fat and excess skin from the midsection. This leaves the patient with a flatter, more defined stomach (see Tummy Tuck).

Costs

The total cost of post-bariatric surgery depends on several factors, including the following:

  • Surgeon’s fee
  • Facility fees
  • Anesthesia fees
  • Prescriptions for medication
  • Post-surgery garments
  • Number of procedures performed

In some cases, post-bariatric surgery can be covered by insurance. Be sure to talk to your provider to find out if your surgery will be covered.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with post-bariatric surgery. Unfavorable scarring, infection, recurrent loose skin, and bleeding, as well as skin loss, asymmetry, and blood clots, can be some of the risks involved.

Dr. Mancoll prides himself on his ability to communicate with his patients and tailors each discussion to the patient’s individual needs. Dr. Mancoll and his staff will spend time helping you understand your procedure. You should feel free to ask questions at any time, and if you don’t understand the information, we will be more than happy to go over it again.

Recovery

Once the entire surgery is complete, a compression garment will be worn to minimize swelling and bruising.

Small, thin tubes may also be placed at the surgical sites to drain any excess fluid that is present. Dr. Mancoll will prescribe pain medication to alleviate discomfort while you recover. In most cases, patients can expect to return to work after about 1 to 2 weeks but should refrain from strenuous activity for about a month.

Results

Post-bariatric surgery produces noticeable results that will improve over the coming weeks and months. Typically, patients feel more confident about themselves, knowing that their bodies appear more contoured and attractive. Scarring will fade over time, and patients can expect their new look to be long lasting as long as a stable weight is maintained.

 

We welcome you to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John S. Mancoll by calling Mancoll Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at (757) 305-9185 or filling out our online contact formDr. Mancoll has been voted by his peers as one of Coastal Virginia’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He is devoted to helping each individual patient achieve the best results possible.