Post Weight Loss

If you have experienced dramatic weight loss and your weight is finally stable, you may be distressed by the sagging and overhanging skin that often results from successful weight loss.

One unfortunate consequence of your success is the stretched and inelastic skin which hangs loose over your slimmer body. It might be unsightly, and cause painful chafing, rashes and infections.

Plastic surgery after dramatic weight loss reduces the extra skin folds and fat pockets left behind after major weight loss. It will complete your transformation by removing sagging skin and recontouring your face, neck, upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks and thighs.

Your final outcome will be a slim, toned, well contoured body.

Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center Post Weight Loss

Post Weight Loss Consultations

During your post weight loss consultation with Dr. M. Zakir Sabry, he will answer questions you may have about the procedure and will discuss any safety concerns related to the surgery.

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Preparation

At your consultation, Dr. Sabry will do a complete medical history and physical exam, to determine whether you are a candidate for a body contouring set of procedures, or for less invasive procedures which would still allow you to meet your appearance goals. He will examine your face and neck, abdomen, lower body, the quality of your skin, the location of any existing scars, the amount and location of any excess skin and fat. He will want to know if you have firmly established a healthy lifestyle, including sensible diet and a steady exercise regimen following your post-bariatric surgery or weight loss process. He will photograph you, take detailed measurements and notate your weight. He will discuss your motivations, the possible risks and complications, as well as realistic expectations. Once you both have a clear understanding of the risks and potential outcome, Dr. Sabry will devise a specific procedure plan that is right for you and that you both agree on. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to quit smoking for 6-8 weeks prior to your procedure.

As you approach the date of your surgery you will have a comprehensive preoperative visit in our office approximately two weeks before your surgery. A complete list of “dos and don’ts” will be reviewed as well as the pre and postoperative instructions and any questions that remain will be answered. You will be directed to avoid anything that has a blood-thinning effect (aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E etc.) for two weeks before surgery. You will be asked to minimize alcohol intake. Basic blood work for preoperative testing will be ordered.

Procedures

Post-bariatric plastic surgery combines reconstructive and cosmetic techniques to tighten, lift and contour sagging areas in the abdomen, back, face and neck, breasts, arms, buttocks, and thighs for a more attractive and youthful appearance. Many of these options can be combined for a total or partial body lift.  Your surgery can address variety of body areas and can be performed in stages.

Procedures may include all or a combination of the following:

• Panniculectomy
• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
• Belt Lipectomy (Lower Body Lift)
• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
• Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
• Buttock Lift
• Thigh Lift
• Liposuction
• Facelift and Necklift

Dr. Sabry will help you determine which of these options are suitable for you. In many cases, the best and safest approach is to stage procedures at intervals. It is very important that you and Dr. Sabry both create and agree to a procedure plan, and decide what should be done first; to address your priorities, and to give you the best and safest surgical advantages.

Recovery

Recovery from post-weight loss surgery will depend on the type and extent of procedures you decide to undergo. Full recovery from lower and upper body lift procedures may take up to two months. Scarring from surgical procedures is inevitable; however, Dr. Sabry will minimize scarring by placing incisions where scars are easily hidden, and the appearance of scars will naturally fade with time. Compression garments and scar reduction products will be recommended. You will receive more detailed recovery information once you and Dr. Sabry have determined the specific procedures you are electing to do. During your recovery process Dr. Sabry will see you for post-operative visits. He and our staff will answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being.

Complications

All surgical procedures carry some risk. The risks and benefits of body contouring surgery vary with each procedure. Possible side effects or complications include: Swelling at the incision site(s), fluid accumulation in the legs, blood clots, changes in the sensation of the skin such as numbness and pain, poor wound healing, abnormal scarring.