Cosmetic Surgery after Bariatric Surgery

Many patients ask us about cosmetic surgery after a weight loss surgery procedure. It is a common question since most patients will experience some sort of excess or sagging skin after they have lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. The degree of excess skin largely rests on a combination of genetics, the specific procedure performed and the rate at which the patient loses weight. Yes, sex and location of the weight gain make a difference. Men, often have weight gain centrally, around their middle. This weight is often successfully lost with little development of excess skin. This is because the majority of weight is in the viscera and not the subcutaneous tissue. Unfortunately, women often develop excess skin in the upper arms, lower abdomen, and upper thighs. All of these areas can develop problematic excess skin.

Cosmetic surgery is a major surgical procedure that should not be taken lightly. As a result, patients considering cosmetic surgery should work closely with us to ensure that they are ready for the procedure and that their general health lends itself to a safe and effective surgery. Below is a general guideline to candidacy for cosmetic surgery.

First and foremost patients should wait no less than 18 months after their primary weight loss procedure to undergo cosmetic surgery. At 18 patients most patients have reached their maximum capacity of weight loss.
Secondly, any cosmetic procedure should only be performed once a patient has demonstrated that they can maintain a consistent weight over a long period of time. We do not want to see significant fluctuations in weight because it will nullify the benefits of cosmetic surgery
Finally, it is important for patients to understand that unlike bariatric surgery, in many cases cosmetic surgery is considered a-purely elective procedure and will not be covered by insurance. Patients should ensure that they are able to pay for their surgical procedure or, if they choose financing, they understand all of the terms and conditions of the program. No patient will be considered for a skin reduction surgery while they are actively smoking. Smoking patients simply do not heal. We are General Surgeons and capable of removing excess skin. Removal of skin is to achieve better functionality, remove skin that creates medical concerns such as recurrent infections, and results may solely depend on the amount of skin present and the amount of skin removed.

While some patients opt not to remove the skin or simply cannot afford the cost, others will want to remove the excess skin and turn a new page in their lives. We want to ensure that the choice to undergo cosmetic surgery is made for the right reasons and at the right time to ensure that procedure will be safe, effective and long-lasting. We will do everything we can to get your surgery approved by your insurance and if preferred, refer to a capable plastic surgeon to perform your operation.