How to Remove Excess Skin After Bariatric Surgery

The rapid weight loss that results from bariatric surgery frequently leads to excess loose skin hanging off the body. Excess skin is not only unattractive, it can hinder movement and cause discomfort. Having that skin removed is a common final step to a bariatric surgery journey. Read on to learn how to remove excess skin after bariatric surgery.

Instructions

• 1

  Save up the funds. Your insurance probably will not pay for the plastic surgery required to remove excess skin after bariatric surgery because it isn't typically medically necessary. You will need to save a lot because even the most conservative surgeries are very expensive.

• 2

  Choose a plastic surgeon the specializes in body lifts. A body lift is the term for removing the excess skin after bariatric surgery. These can be very long and complicated surgeries particularly when several are done at the same time, so it is important to choose one with special expertise and experience in this area.

• 3

  Schedule a consultation appointment with a plastic surgeon. Expect to pay a consultation fee up front, but most surgeons will apply that fee to the cost of the surgery if you decide to go ahead with it.

• 4

  Discuss your options with the plastic surgeon. Typically, bariatric surgery patients get tummy tucks, butt lifts, thigh lifts, arm lifts and women get breast lifts and implants. Everyone is different, however, so only get surgery to remove skin where you need it.

• 5

  Schedule your surgery for a time when you can take several weeks to a month off work. Body lift procedures often require a lengthy recuperation because they are so extensive.

• 6

  Line up a friend or family member to take care of you after the surgery. You won't be able to do a lot of things at first, so you'll need a "nurse" to help you out.