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What is Surgery after Weight Loss?
After losing a significant amount of weight, both men and women can experience loose skin and areas of stubborn fat that will not go away, despite a healthy lifestyle. Body contouring procedures following weight loss can help to address these concerns for a slimmer, more proportionate body silhouette.
Who is a Candidate?
Those who have lost a large amount of weight and are struggling with excess fat and loose skin can often benefit from surgery after weight loss. Patients should be at a stable body weight for at least 4-6 months and not be planning on losing any more weight, as further weight loss could affect final results. For most patients, this point is about 2-3 years after the beginning of a program. In addition, your nutrition should be optimized to ensure proper wound healing. An individualized treatment plan can be discussed with Dr. Fichadia during an in-office consultation.
Surgery after Weight Loss Benefits
Some of the many benefits you can expect from surgery after weight loss include:
- Improved body shape
- Less excess skin
- Boost in confidence and self-esteem
- Reduced skin irritation from excess skin and folds
- Able to better see the results of diet and exercise
Preparing for Surgery After Weight Loss
To prepare for surgery after weight loss, you’ll want to follow Dr. Fichadia’s pre-op instructions. This will include maintaining a stable weight for at least six months, arranging for someone to drive you to and from surgery, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption. You’ll want to take a few weeks off work to heal properly and prepare a recovery space in your home where you can relax. You may also need to stop taking certain medications like blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Starting the night before surgery, you’ll want to avoid eating and drinking after midnight or earlier to ensure there are no complications with anesthesia.
What to Expect From a Surgery After Weight Loss Consultation
During your consultation, Dr Fichadia will review your medical history and current medications list, perform a thorough physical exam, discuss your concerns, and answer any questions you have. This is the perfect time to ask questions and discuss any worries you have. She’ll also discuss benefits and risks, different surgical and treatment options, what to expect during and after surgery, and a recovery plan. From there, she’ll build a customized surgery after weight loss treatment plan for you.
The Procedure
Surgery after weight loss consists of body contouring procedures, including tummy tuck (standard, extended, or fleur-de-lis) circumferential body lift, arm lift, thigh lift, or breast lift. The aim of these body contouring procedures is to remove excess skin that hangs from the body. Liposuction is often combined along with these procedures to remove fatty deposits for optimal results. Your body contouring procedure that is right for you will depend on the location of your excess skin and fatty tissue, and the amount that needs to be removed.
Results and Recovery
Patients should maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan after their body contouring procedure to enjoy long-lasting benefits. However, the effects of gravity and aging will continue to play a role in your results over time. Those who maintain their weight and understand what to expect are often very happy with their results for years to come. Recovery will differ depending on the body contouring procedure that was performed. Following Dr. Fichadia’s post-op instructions can help to ensure a quick and safe recovery.
Risks of Surgery After Weight Loss
As with any surgery, there are risks that come with surgery after weight loss, including the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Poor wound healing
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Swelling and bruising
If you are interested in learning more about body contouring options after weight loss, contact our Portland office today. Dr. Fichadia will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan to meet your individual aesthetic goals.
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
