when is the right time to consider post-bariatric skin removal?
So, bariatric surgery launched you on an amazing weight loss journey – Congratulations are in order! Scheduling bariatric surgery and following through with weight loss required a major commitment. All your efforts prove you’re serious about your long-term health and wellness!
But now that you’ve reached your weight and health goals, you might struggle with an unexpected challenge: Extra skin. At Bulan Plastic Surgery, leading board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erwin Bulan believes you deserve to enjoy both the physical and aesthetic benefits of weight loss.
Post-bariatric skin removal can help you do that. With decades of experience in body contouring procedures, he helps patients achieve a smoother, more contoured figure. Dr. Bulan’s superior eye for aesthetic detail and laser-focused approach to surgical precision allow him to create natural-looking results.
But how do you know when it’s the right time to schedule this surgery? Keep reading to learn what you need to consider.
Signs You’re Ready for Post-Bariatric Skin Removal
Not everyone who loses weight will require skin removal surgery. But most people who lose a lot of weight (50-100 pounds or more) experience at least some degree of skin laxity and sagging.
You might be ready for post-bariatric skin removal if you’ve reached your target weight (or very close to it) and have loose, hanging skin that causes issues such as:
- Chafing
- Rashes
- Difficulty fitting into clothing
- Excessive skin movement and discomfort during exercise
- Embarrassment about your appearance
The most important thing of all is weight stability. Dr. Bulan recommends being at your current weight for some time before you schedule skin removal.
If you’re still losing weight, your skin may continue to change. Similarly, gaining weight could potentially undo your results.
Waiting until you’ve maintained a steady weight for months or longer ensures the best surgical results.
Procedures to Address Excess Skin
The type of post-bariatric skin removal procedure you need depends on the areas affected. Some of the most common surgeries include:
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) to remove loose skin from the lower abdomen and tighten it for a smoother, flatter appearance.
- Thigh Lift to remove extra sagging skin in the inner and outer thighs and reshape them into a sleeker appearance.
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) to remove excess skin from the upper arms (“bat wings”) and create a tighter contour.
- Breast Reduction to eliminate excess skin in the breasts and reduce their overall size. If sagging is present, some patients combine breast reduction with a breast lift.
- Lower Body Lift to comprehensively remove sagging skin and tighten the abdomen, lower back, and thighs.
Many patients have multiple procedures simultaneously to minimize recovery time and achieve the best results. Alongside skin removal, many patients have liposuction to target fat deposits.
What to Expect from Recovery
Recovery from post-bariatric skin removal varies depending on the procedure. Most patients need at least two to three weeks before returning to light activities.
Full recovery can take several months as swelling subsides and scars mature. It’s essential to follow all Dr. Bulan’s post-operative care instructions, including wearing compression garments and avoiding strenuous activity.
Post-Bariatric Skin Removal in Milburn, NJ
If you have too much skin after bariatric surgery and it keeps you from feeling confident and comfortable, post-bariatric skin removal may be the perfect approach. Call Bulan Plastic Surgery at 973-467-9744 to book a consultation now.
