Surgery After Weight Loss in High Point, NC
There is nothing more rewarding than achieving your weight loss goal. Whether you have undergone weight loss (bariatric) surgery or trimmed off those extra pounds through methods like diet and exercise, it can leave you feeling healthy and confident. However, losing a significant amount of weight can also result in excess skin and fat that diet and exercise may not be able to address. At Piedmont Plastic Surgery, our post-bariatric surgery procedures can shape and tone your body for a smoother, more contoured figure.
Am I a Candidate for Surgery After Weight Loss?
Losing weight can cause your skin and tissue to lose elasticity and begin to sag in multiple areas of the body. This is extremely common, and genetics and the extent of your weight loss play a significant role in how your resulting skin will look. Post-bariatric surgery procedures can tighten, trim, and sculpt the following areas to help you reach the final step of your transformation:
- Face
- Neck
- Upper arms
- Breasts
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Thighs
What Procedures Are Surgery After Weight Loss Procedures?
Body contouring procedures after weight loss can provide you with high-quality results and help you achieve the body of your dreams. During your consultation, Dr. Willard will examine your figure to determine the amount of correction needed and which surgical procedures will best suit your needs. Although post-bariatric surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, you can request an overnight stay at the Comfort Cottage with a nurse available to help you.
Facelift
- Addresses sagging tissue in the middle and lower face as well as the neck
- Improves fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, chin, and jaw
- Can provide patients with a youthful appearance
Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation
- Addresses sagging breasts by lifting and tightening the tissues
- Restores breasts and nipple-areola complexes to a more youthful position
- Can be combined with breast augmentation to enhance volume in the breasts
Tummy Tuck
- Removes sagging skin and excess fat from the abdomen
- Can repair loose or separated abdominal muscles
- Can be combined with liposuction
Thigh Lift
- Removes excess skin from the thighs
- Can tighten the thighs for smoother and more slender legs
- Incisions are hidden on the inner thighs
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
- Addresses sagging skin and fatty tissue along the upper arms
- Can produce youthful and more slender arms
How Long Is My Recovery With Surgery After Weight Loss?
Your recovery will depend on the combination of procedures performed. Following your surgery, you will be asked to wear a compression garment around the treated area(s). Swelling and bruising may occur but should resolve after a few weeks. Avoid strenuous activities for at least six weeks to allow your body to heal properly. You should be able to return to work two weeks after surgery. It is important that you consult with Dr. Willard regarding the procedures you are undergoing to determine the length of your recovery.
When Will I See My Results With Post-Bariatric Procedures?
Body contouring patients can expect permanent results that will enhance their appearance and boost their self-confidence. While results are long lasting, patients should maintain a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, as results can be reversed with additional weight gain.
What Are Side Effects and Risks Associated With Surgery After Weight Loss?
As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks involved with post-bariatric surgery. These include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Anesthesia risks
- Scarring
- Irregular healing
- Pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgery After Weight Loss
Does insurance cover post-weight-loss body contouring?
Most plastic surgery procedures are considered to be elective, and insurance does not cover elective treatments. We offer financing options at Piedmont Plastic Surgery to help make your desired plastic surgery procedure a reality.
How do I know if post-bariatric surgical body contouring is right for me?
If you have excess hanging skin after losing a great deal of weight, you may benefit from a body lift, tummy tuck, and possibly breast augmentation.
To minimize surgical risks, you must be a non-smoker in good health with no medical issues that would make healing difficult. Suitable candidates have been at a stable weight for no less than a year and demonstrate a commitment to healthy activity and diet. A realistic outlook for your surgical results is recommended.
A one-on-one consultation is the most accurate way to determine if you are a good candidate and what procedures are best for you.
Will I have scars from my body contouring surgery?
There will be scarring due to the nature of these procedures and how much of your body area is lifted and contoured. However, Dr. Willard is very conscientious about placement, taking care to make incisions where they are most easily hidden by your clothing. Plus, much of the scarring fades over the 12 months following surgery.
Is body contouring after extreme weight loss painful?
You are likely to have discomfort and some pain following your surgical procedures. The severity and duration will depend on a few factors:
- How much surgery you have
- The type of procedures you undergo
- Your activity level
- How well you follow Dr. Willard’s pre- and post-surgical instructions and recommendations.
Our team is committed to optimal surgical recovery. Dr. Willard will prescribe pain medication to minimize your discomfort and discuss other pain management techniques to enhance your comfort.
What limitations will I have following my surgery?
Our surgical team provides detailed instructions for you to follow post-surgery and over your long-term recovery. Some examples may include:
- Leave your drains in until Dr. Willard removes them in about seven to 10 days.
- Continue wearing your compression garments as instructed—usually one to three weeks or four to six weeks, depending on the extent of your surgery.
- Avoid lifting or straining for six weeks after your procedures.
- No showering or soaking in the tub until Dr. Willard clears you.
- When you are cleared to shower—likely two or three days—have someone help you get in and out.
- Don’t return to a physically active job for at least six weeks.
- Don’t resume your sedentary job for three to four weeks.
- No driving while you are on pain medication. That could last one to two weeks.