The whole aim of bariatric surgery is weight loss and usually the more the better.
Inevitably in some people this will lead to a surplus of stretched skin that may lead to further problems and a desire for reduction. In many cases losing this extra skin contributes to the final psychological lift to the patients self esteem or is needed to resolve skin infection problems.
Plastic Surgery for Skin Reduction
How likely this occurs after bariatric surgery depends on:
- The amount of weight loss.
- The distribution of the lost weight.
- The age of the patient.
- Sex of patient.
- Patients perception.
Just like after pregnancy, some women can regain their skin tone better than others without much residual stretched skin.
Usually plastic surgery is delayed until 6-12 months has elapsed and until the weight loss has plateaued.
Types of skin reduction surgery performed includes:
- Radical abdominoplasty performed by Dr Cohen
- Total body lift*
- Breast lift and reduction*
- Thigh or arm Brachioplasty*
More info about these procedures can be found here.
In Australia Radical Abdominoplasty and some forms of breast reduction surgery is recognised and funded by your Health Funds but there is usually a significant gap payment.
Mercy Bariatrics Perth
At Mercy Bariatrics we are happy to offer Radical Abdominoplasty for our clients and there will be a gap payment of between $3000-$4000.
*For other forms of skin reduction plastic surgery referral can be made to a Plastic Surgeon.
