What Does Massive Weight Loss Surgery Entail?

Hitting your goal weight after undergoing bariatric surgery is nothing short of exhilarating, and it can feel like a wonderful milestone at the end of your weight loss journey. In reality, though, your weight loss journey isn’t over. It’s time to embrace your new lease on life, continue to stick with the healthy habits you’ve adopted, and celebrate each and every milestone.

For individuals who have undergone massive weight loss (defined as a weight loss of 50% of your excess weight), there's an additional chapter to consider: post-bariatric body contouring. That’s because massive weight loss surgery 一 also known as bariatric surgery  一 can lead to massive (and rapid) weight loss. If your skin has lost its elasticity, you may notice that you’re left with loose, flabby skin even after you’ve lost weight. The skin may feel thin, crepey, and lined with stretch marks. Post-bariatric body contouring aims to further refine your silhouette by surgically contouring your body to remove unwanted excess skin.

Continue reading to learn more about post-bariatric surgery after massive weight loss, courtesy of Tarik Madni, MD and the team here in Southlake, Texas.

The mental and physical impact of excess skin

Excess skin can impact your body image and zap your self-esteem, but it’s also a potential source of physical discomfort. Loose skin is more likely to chafe and rub.  In extreme cases, excess loose skin can become problematic for physical hygiene. If you have a hard time cleaning between the folds of skin, you’re at risk of pain, infections, and even ulcers. 

Types of body contouring

Just as your weight loss surgery was unique, so is your post-bariatric contouring plan. Depending on your trouble areas, Dr. Madni can help sculpt the areas that need the most attention. 

For many people who undergo massive weight loss surgery, stretched out skin can accumulate on the upper arms, thighs, chest/breast area, and belly area. You might consider any combination of the following: 

Lower body lift

 A body lift typically involves addressing the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. It includes removing excess skin and tightening the remaining skin for a more toned look.

Arm lift

Also known as brachioplasty, an arm lift targets your upper arms and removes excess skin and fat to create a more sculpted arm contour.

Thigh lift

If you’re unhappy with loose skin on your thighs, you’re not alone. The inner thighs are particularly problematic after weight loss surgery. Thigh lifts can address loose skin on your inner and outer thighs.

Breast lift

For both men and women, a breast lift (mastopexy) can be part of body contouring and address any sagging skin. By removing excess skin, a mastopexy can restore a more youthful breast position.

Tummy tuck 

The trunk is the most requested area of the body to be treated, and a tummy tuck is just the procedure to do that. Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck targets your abdominal area. 

During a tummy tuck, Dr. Madni removes excess skin and tightens the underlying muscles. The combination of muscle tightening and skin removal results in a flatter and firmer abdomen.

Facelift

Facelifts aren’t just to combat the signs of aging. You might consider a facelift if you have sagging submental skin or jowls. 

What does post-bariatric body contouring surgery entail?

There isn’t just one type of weight loss surgery. Neither is there just one type of post-bariatric body contouring. Each surgery varies in procedural steps and exact recovery timeline, but in general,  post-bariatric body contouring surgery entails the following:

• Initial consultation to discuss all of your aesthetic needs with Dr. Madni
• Treatment planning, which includes the specific procedures as well as the techniques used for each procedure 
• Pre-surgery work-up, which may include getting cleared for surgery, lab work, adjusting medications,  and receiving your specific surgery preparation instructions
• The procedure itself, which includes anesthesia, incisions, skin removal, and sutures 
• Immediate recovery, which may include pain medication, compression garments, and modified activities until your incisions heal
• Post-operative care and follow-up appointments

It's important to note that the specifics of each contouring surgery can vary based on the procedures chosen and your specific needs. Open communication between you and Dr. Madni is crucial at every stage to ensure a clear understanding of the process and realistic expectations.

Get started with your consultation

If you’ve had massive weight loss surgery and are ready to say goodbye to sagging skin, schedule your consultation with Dr. Madni today. You can reach our Southlake, Texas, office at 817-518-7983. Don’t forget: you can also use our online booking tool to get started.