Posted by Dr. Hardesty
SURGICAL OPTIONS AFTER MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR SURGERY AFTER MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS?
Plastic surgery procedures after massive weight loss can be life changing. Unfortunately while staying a more normal body weight many are left with diet resistant fat areas, loose and hanging skin that precludes wearing certain clothes and even effectively exercising. In addition the psychological stigma often remains and is often a unpleasant reminder of pre weight loss appearance.
Prospective patients after massive weigh loss may have additional medical issues that need to be investigated prior to surgery especially if the weight loss is from a surgical bariatric procedure. After bariatric surgery the patient has been surgically purposely placed in a “malasorbation state” that may result in a malnourished state that will require correction before surgery.
It is recommended to have through evaluation that includes but limited to:
- Having a stable and desired weight for 6 months
- Normal hemoglobin/hematocrit (oxygen carting blood component)
- Normal albumin, protein, and transferritin (required for normal wound healing )
- Normal electrolytes (basic blood serum chemicals)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- A evaluation and clearance by the primary care or equivalent physician
PREPARATION FOR PLASTIC SURGERY AFTER MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS
- A diet to include at least 100 grams of protein per day before and after surgery to provide the needed healing components.
- Multi vitamin to start daily 1 month prior to surgery and for at least a month after surgery that are required as cofactors for normal healing.
- Iron tablets daily I month before and after surgery. With any surgery there is always some blood loss However, with larger amounts of tissue being excised
The greater the blood loss and thus the need to have the vital component/ingredient present to natural produce and replace blood loss. With combined surgical procedures it is recommended in advance to plan for a “autodonation” of ones own blood
WHAT SURGICAL OPTIONS EXIST AFTER MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS?
All options found within the Plastic Surgery armamentarium can be performed based on the patients individual desires. However the most common body procedures will be presented. Please refer to the specific section by clicking on that procedure.
BODY SURGERY
- Abdominoplasty
- Extended abdominaloplasty
- Lateral thigh lift
- Buttock lift
- Inner thigh lift
- Outer thigh lift
- Knee lift
- Liposuction
- Body lift (abdominoplasty, lateral thigh and buttock lift done at one time)
- Bra line lift
BREAST SURGERY
- Mastopexy (breast lift)
- Breast augmentation
- Breast augmentation with mastopexy (breast lift)
- Breast Reduction
FACIAL REJUVENATION
- Face lift (rhydidectomy)
- Neck lift
- Eyelid Lift (blephroplasty)
- Brow lift
EXTREMITY
- Brachioplasty (arm lift)
Before & After
HOW ARE THESE PROCEDURES PERFORMED?
Please click on the individual procedures listed above for a description of each.
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS LAST AFTER MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS?
As in all surgical procedures the results are permanent. Surgery however will not slowdown or stop the normal aging process.
In addition, because of the skin has become stretched the skin while at first will be tight but after healing will loosen. The skin has unfortunately has often or has diminished or lost its normal “viscoelastic properties” (the ability to normally stay taught) and will premature loosen.
"I chose Dr. Hardesty after searching for a plastic surgeon for a year. I felt his expertise and experience was top notch. During my consultation with Dr. Hardesty he was super patient, calm, and informative. I am 6 weeks post-op and very happy with my new body. Dr. Hardesty does a great job of telling you what to expect, reassuring everything is going as expected. I highly recommend Dr. Hardesty as you plastic surgeon - you will not be disappointed." -Verified Google Review
HOW LONG DOES TAKE TO RECOVER?
Depending on the procedure chosen, the amount of tissue excised and if multiple procedures are performed together will determine the the overall recovery time.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS AFTER MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
Unfortunately because of stretched skin, loss of viscoelastic skin properties and persistent diet resistant skin the non surgical options are very limited for the body and breast.
WHAT WILL NOT BE HELPED?
The normal skin recoil and tightness will rarely improved but the overall appearance and contour restoration can be significant.
CAN I COMBINE WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?
Yes, multiple procedures are often completed on one setting. The quantity of various procedures will depend on the underlining health, the predicated length of combined surgeries, the amount of tissue to be removed and the anticipated blood loss. A mommy makeover is very popular for women that have recently given birth and want to restore their pre-pregnancy appearance.
RISKS/COMPLICATIONS
As long as the body mass index (BMI), blood values EKG and preoperative assessment are normal there are no significant risks besides the generally very low risks of any surgical procedure such as bleeding, infection and anesthesia. It is important to maintain at least a 100 grams of protein ingestion per day, a multivitamin and a iron tablet to ensure all the ingredients are present for normal healing.
COST/FEES
The mommy makeover price is based on the anesthesia used (local vs sedation or general anesthesia), the facility (minor surgical suite, outpatient operating room or hospital setting) and if combined with other procedures. All pre and post operative care is included. Some preoperative laboratory analysis may be required (usually covered by your medical insurance).
SUMMARY
The most important factor to consider is seeking the opinion and services of a skilled, experienced and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in San Bernardino who are experts and offer options and techniques after massive weight loss. The Imagine Plastic Surgery staff uniquely provides the full array of both non surgical and surgical alternatives for the patient after massive weight loss, thus filling our motto of “One Goal, Many Options”. For more information, call and schedule a consultation.
What is the cost?
At Imagine Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety a different procedures that all vary in prices. We strive in being transparent to all potential patients and being up front with how much our services may cost. For more information regarding the costs and prices, visit our plastic surgery prices page!
COST OF PLASTIC SURGERYCan we answer a question?
All information is confidential and HIPPA compliant.