If you are obese and are considering bariatric surgery, chances are you have heard the tales of people who have done the procedure, and have had to do plastic surgery afterwards. A good question to ask your surgeon is therefore – ‘Do all post-bariatric patients need plastic surgery? It all depends.
Bariatric surgery is an operation that is performed for weight loss purposes. It typically results in massive weight loss, and while that’s good for your health, it’s not so good for your body shape. You lose the fat, but you’re left with the skin, and it’s often a lot. Body contouring surgery is therefore recommended to sculpt your body, and realize that beautiful shape that is hidden beneath the excess skin.
You will most likely need plastic surgery after bariatric surgery if:
- You have a lot of sagging skin. Most people who lose a lot of weight are generally left with loose hanging skin in areas such as the arms, abdomen, and thighs. Unfortunately, because of the massive amount of weight lost in most cases, the skin cannot ‘bounce back’ into shape. Surgery is the only way to remove it.
- You are unhappy with your body shape: Weight loss often leaves skin in specific areas such as the inner and outer thighs, and it is virtually impossible to spot reduce these places with exercise. If you are unhappy with your shape, you may have to consider plastic surgery to contour and tone your body.
If you are a post-bariatric patient, and would like to find out if plastic surgery would be right for you, it’s best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Contact Dr. Mark Craig, of Accent Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tupelo, MS, for a consultation. Call (662) 377-6290 today and schedule an appointment