Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Surgery

By Jerome Edelstein, MD

Weight loss surgery is usually recommended to individuals who classify as morbidly obese (a Body Mass Index or BMI of over 40) or to those who are classified as obese (a BMI of over 35) and suffer from serious health conditions.

Patients who fall within these categories often lose 100 to 200 pounds as a result of weight loss surgery, but may experience further health concerns afterward. Even after the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery have been achieved, a large amount of excess skin and fatty tissue may remain, particularly around a patient’s waist. Most patients consider this excess skin and/or fat to be unsightly and embarrassing. Finding clothes that fit properly and maintaining proper hygiene can be difficult. The excess skin can also be uncomfortable and even painful, causing difficulty in performing regular daily activities and maintaining general posture, as well as recurrent skin infections.Excess Skin Is Typical Following Bariatric SurgeryOur bodies typically store excess fat on and around our abdomen. When this fat has been removed through weight loss procedures (like gastric bypass) loose, excess skin and residual fat may remain around the abdomen. When a significant amount of weight has been lost over a short period of time (usually a period of 12 to 18 months), the remaining skin loses the elastic properties it needs to “shrink back” to a patient’s reformed, underlying shape.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is often recommended to post-bariatric patients who suffer from excess fatty tissue and skin in the abdominal area.

In most cases, obesity works to stretch and loosen the muscles of the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck can help to tighten and reposition these lax muscles, better reflecting the new size and shape that the body has taken on following bariatric surgery. Abdominoplasty leaves patients with a flatter stomach and snugger, smoother abdominal skin. This type of body contouring has become a common goal in treating patients who have received bariatric or gastric bypass surgery as a treatment for obesity.

For some massive weight loss patients, the excess skin and fat extends all the way around the abdomen and back. For these bariatric patients, a Circumferential Body Lift may be indicated.

Your board certified plastic surgeon at Edelstein Cosmetic has developed a comprehensive treatment plan that helps bariatric patients to resolve any unpleasant side effects and gain the full benefits of their weight loss. By considering the special circumstances of post-bariatric patients and treating them differently than other tummy tuck candidates, your surgeon is able to provide the kind of results his patients require.