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Excess Skin Removal Surgery after Massive Weight Loss
Excess skin can sometimes remain after significant weight loss, which cannot be removed through diet and exercise efforts. Within the one procedure, an excess skin removal surgery can remove this skin from multiple areas of the body.
Accessible Consultation Process
Surgery in Accredited Medical Facility
A Patient Care Focused Approach
What is excess skin removal surgery?
A procedure to remove excess skin after weight loss can combine multiple body lift procedures, designed to remove excess skin and sometimes remove excess fat pockets from different areas of the body.
Depending on your needs, your procedure can focus on the abdomen, arms, the upper back, lower back, thighs, and more.
Separately, an abdominoplasty, brachioplasty (or arm lift), back bra lift, or thigh lift can be performed to address excess skin, fat and loose muscles, but an excess skin removal procedure aims to achieve a comprehensive result, focusing on more than one area to target the excess skin that can remain after significant weight loss.
Skin removal surgery will be performed in an accredited hospital facility, under general anaesthesia, by one of the Specialist Plastic Surgeons who operate at VPS.
Who are suitable candidates for excess skin removal after weight loss?
Candidates who have been left with loose, excess skin after a significant weight loss journey can be suitable for the procedure.
Some candidates may have cosmetic or functional concerns caused by excess skin, such as interference with mobility, daily comfort levels and the ability to keep skin underneath skin folds clean and dry.
Suitable candidates will need to be at a stable weight, and in good general health. Candidates should also have realistic expectations as to what the procedure can achieve – it is important to understand that the procedure does not serve as a weight loss procedure, but rather a treatment to address the excess skin that can remain afterwards.
Each candidate will need to have a consultation at Valley Plastic Surgery in Brisbane to discuss their general health, any past health conditions, expectations for the procedure and any other factors that will need to be considered before proceeding with the surgery.
How can I prepare for my procedure?
Before undergoing any surgery, we recommend to stay healthy – eating healthy foods, staying hydrated, sleeping well and keeping up regular exercise can help.
Since you will also need to look after your general health during your recovery, it can be helpful to prepare for your recovery in advance. You can do this by pre-preparing meals, making sure you have comfortable clothing and a comfortable place to recover in your home, and filling any prescriptions for medication you will need.
After your consultation with one of the surgeons who operates at our clinic, you’ll have a clearer idea as to what you need to do before your surgery. You may be instructed to quit smoking before surgery, or to stop taking certain medications or dietary supplements.
You won’t be able to drive straight after your surgery, so you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital. You may also choose to arrange for someone to stay with you at home during your recovery, to help with daily tasks that may initially be more difficult as your body heals.
How excess skin removal surgery is performed
Your procedure will be performed under general anaesthesia by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, at an accredited medical facility.
Excess skin removal after weight loss can focus on more than one area of the body, including the abdomen, arms, back, thighs and more. The procedure may remove excess skin from the undersides of the upper arms, the armpits, elbow, upper back, lower back, sides of the body, hips, and inner or outer thighs.
Loose skin removal can sometimes include the removal of excess fat pockets, that can remain along with excess skin after significant weight loss. However, this does not mean that it is a weight loss procedure in itself. Suitable candidates will need to be at a stable weight after weight loss to undergo the procedure.
The amount of skin removed, incision placement and whether or not excess fat pockets and/or muscle will also need to be addressed, will depend on your personal needs.
Incision placements will depend on your individual anatomy, the amount of skin being removed and other individual factors.
Incisions may be placed:
- In the bra line
- Underneath the arms
- Beneath the belly button
- Close to the bikini line
- In the groin area (which may then wrap around the backs of the thighs)
- From the groin area to around the hip and across the back
Once incisions are placed, your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will remove the specific amount of excess skin, any fat pockets (if needed), and may also address loose muscles (depending on your needs, and usually when focused on the abdomen). The remaining skin is then lifted or tightened, before incisions are closed.
After your incisions are closed, dressings will be applied to protect the incision sites, and you will need to wear a compressing garment in the operated area/s. Drains may then be placed to drain excess fluid, which will be managed by the nursing staff.
You will be able to learn more about how your procedure will be performed when you meet with your surgeon during your consultation.
What can I expect during my recovery?
Recovery after loose skin removal surgery will always require some time and patience.
It is normal for there to be some swelling, bruising and general discomfort around the operated areas, but we will give you instructions on how to minimise this throughout your recovery. Our team will be available to contact you if you have any questions or concerns.
During your recovery, you may need to take prescribed pain medication, change dressings and care for your wounds/incisions, and avoid strenuous exercise until you’re cleared to resume more activities. You can usually slowly increase your activity levels after about two weeks.
You will need to wear a compression garment in each of your operated areas. The compression helps to reduce swelling and encourage the skin to retract in the area. If you have had drains placed, your surgeon will let you know when these will be removed.
You’ll need to follow advice on when you can shower after your surgery, and when bandages can be removed or replaced. Proper wound care will help to prevent infection, help incisions heal and even reduce the level of scarring.
Discomfort, pain and swelling should start to subside in the first few weeks of your recovery, but your body’s reaction will always depend on individual factors, and the extent of your surgery (such as the amount of skin removed and the number of areas that were operated on).
If you have had excess skin removed from the upper back or bra area, you may be instructed to avoid wearing a bra within the first week of recovery.
You will receive your own personalised instructions to follow during recovery. For example, throughout your recovery, you may need to avoid:
- Strenuous exercise
- Heavy lifting
- Swimming
- Smoking
- Raising your arms above your head
- Showering for the first day after surgery
Make sure that you monitor your body’s healing progress and your general health during your recovery. You should contact our clinic or seek medical advice if you have any concerns.
Costs of excess skin removal surgery at Valley Plastic Surgery in Brisbane
The costs of your surgery will need to be calculated once you have met with your surgeon, and an individual clinical plan has been established.
You will receive a personalised quote after your consultation, which can include a fee for your surgeon, an estimate of your anaesthetist and hospital fees, and any other associated costs. Other costs can include the costs of medication, pathology or garments needed during recovery.
If your excess skin removal after weight loss is considered medically necessary, such as to address mobility issues, hygiene concerns or discomfort caused by excess skin, your procedure may attract a Medicare item number. You will need to meed Medicare’s eligibility criteria and follow the application process.
Patients who are eligible for Medicare cover may have a portion of their procedure costs covered.
If you have private health insurance and your procedure is medically necessary, you may also be able to receive partial cover from your insurer, depending on the details of your provider.
To receive more information on your skin removal surgery costs, contact us with any further questions or book your consultation with one of the Specialist Plastic Surgeons who operate at our clinic.
Are there any possible complications or risks linked to the procedure?
All surgeries can be associated with some possible complications or level of risk.
The particular risks linked to your procedure will be discussed during your consultation, in further detail and regarding your own individual case.
To minimise risks, our procedures at Valley Plastic Surgery are performed at accredited hospital facilities, with assistance from FANZCA qualified anaesthetists.
Before your surgery, you will receive preparation and recovery instructions that will help to minimise the procedure’s risks and prevent complications. During your recovery, our clinical team will be available if you have any questions or concerns.
Certain complications, such as infection, may need additional medical care to address. Other complications, such as scarring, can be an inevitable part of any surgery. In particular, scarring may be minimised with preparation and recovery instructions.
Your personal risk level will be thoroughly assessed during your consultation, before proceeding with surgery, to determine if you are a suitable candidate for excess skin removal surgery.
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