After significant weight loss, it’s common to have excess skin in certain areas of the body. Excess skin removal surgery can carefully address this, and may be the final step in your weight loss journey.
Since excess skin removal can be quite an extensive procedure, your recovery time will be an important part of the process. Knowing what to expect, including how you may feel, and understanding what steps you may need to take can prepare you for the healing period.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation, you’ll be able to discuss recovery in more detail. You are welcome to contact our team at Valley Plastic Surgery to arrange a consultation with an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon in Brisbane.
What is excess skin removal surgery after massive weight loss?
Skin that once stretched to accommodate a larger body shape doesn’t always retract after weight loss, which can cause excess skin to be left behind.
Excess skin removal surgery is designed to extensively and carefully remove this excess skin, which may be in just one area of the body or multiple areas.
The process can also be referred to by the specific area of the body lift procedure, such as an arm lift (brachioplasty), lower body lift, or abdominoplasty. It may be performed as a single surgery or in stages, focusing on one area of the body at a time.
What does recovery after excess skin removal surgery involve?
Excess skin removal is generally quite an extensive surgical procedure, or series of procedures, depending on the amount of skin being addressed. Therefore, you’ll need to allow your body the time it needs to heal fully, including adapting to the changes, healing the incision sites, and more.
Your surgeon will need to create a personalised surgery plan, which will determine the details of your recovery. However, some general principles apply to most patients, which we can outline here.
Firstly, recovery after excess skin removal surgery will require you to take some time off work. You’ll need to temporarily reduce your physical activity levels to light walking for a length of time specified by your surgeon, which will depend on the extensiveness of your procedure.
You can also expect some level of discomfort during your recovery, such as pain and swelling, which can be managed by following post operative instructions such as wearing a compression garment and taking medication to help manage pain. Swelling and bruising is normal after the procedure. Wound care will be another part of your recovery, keeping your incision sites clean and protected is the key to a smooth healing process.
Overall, your recovery will involve taking some time to heal, taking a break from your normal activities and focusing on following recovery instructions. It can also involve follow-ups with your surgeon and their nursing team, allowing them to see if you are recovering as planned.
How you may feel during your recovery
The first few days after excess skin removal surgery are typically the most intense in terms of discomfort. Your body has begun to heal slowly, and it can take some time to feel back to normal.
You may feel some pain or tenderness and feel a little tired, which is normal. Your body is using extra energy to heal after an extensive procedure. When you can, lightly walking around the house can help to promote circulation, but be careful not to overexert yourself too soon after the surgery.
You’ll typically need to wear a compression garment during your recovery, which may feel slightly tight or uncomfortable at first. However, patients typically find that they adjust to the garment, and wearing the garment can actually reduce overall discomfort by encouraging swelling to subside.
You should gradually begin to feel better as the healing progress continues naturally, but following your surgeon’s recovery tips will help significantly.
Recovery instructions to follow after excess skin removal
To help you understand what to expect in terms of the recovery instructions that your surgeon will provide, we’ll now go over some common recovery instructions that patients need to follow after excess skin removal surgery or body lift procedures (such as a belt lipectomy or back bra lift).
When it comes to instructions on reducing physical activity, you’ll likely need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least a few weeks, depending on the extent of your surgery. It’s important to listen to your surgeon’s advice and not rush back into activities too quickly, even if you feel like you’re ready. Overexerting yourself can lead to complications or slow down your healing process.
To manage pain, discomfort and swelling, taking pain medication and wearing your compression garment can help.
Caring for your incisions will be another step. Your surgeon’s nursing team will give you specific instructions on how to clean and care for the surgical sites to minimise the risk of infection. You’ll also need to avoid excessive heat exposure and avoid submerging the area in water until the incisions heal.
It’s also important to stay mindful of your diet and hydration during this time. Eating nutritious foods that will help your body heal and stay hydrated throughout your recovery. To make following a healthy diet easier during your recovery, you may like to prepare healthy meals ahead of time or have someone stay with you to help.
Last, but not least, you’ll need to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking certain medications. Smoking and drinking alcohol can slow down healing, and some medications can have a similar effect – particularly blood-thinning medications. When you let your surgeon know which medications you’re currently taking, you will be able to find out if you’ll need to avoid any during recovery.
Book your consultation for excess skin removal surgery at Valley Plastic Surgery in Brisbane
Valley Plastic Surgery is led by experienced, qualified and respected surgeons in the field.
When you have a consultation at our Brisbane location for excess skin removal surgery, you’ll learn all about the recovery process, and how you can help your body heal.
To arrange your consultation at Valley Plastic Surgery, or ask our team any questions about the procedure, please get in touch with us today.
