Skin Removal Surgery (After Weight Loss)
Loose skin can be a natural consequence of substantial weight loss. You’ve worked hard to improve your health, but excess skin can detract from your desired body contour. Skin removal surgery helps get rid of that frustrating skin to empower and embrace a healthier you.
Skin Removal Surgery After Weight Loss in Reno, NV
Skin removal surgery—also referred to as body contouring—is a cosmetic procedure performed to remove excess skin after significant weight loss. While there isn’t a set number of lost pounds that qualifies you for skin removal surgery, around 100 pounds or more is the accepted number. This surgery can also address loose skin post-pregnancy.
The goal is to improve your body contour, increase your self-confidence, and allow you to move better. There are a number of different types of procedures involved and common areas targeted include your arms, thighs, and face.
Procedures for skin removal After Weight Loss surgery include:
It’s important to note that this procedure is not a weight loss surgery, but rather a surgery after significant weight loss to remove excess skin.
Ideal After Weight Loss Surgery Candidates
Ideal candidates for skin removal surgery have significant loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy that you would like removed. Some guidelines for ideal candidates are that you’ve completed bariatric surgery at least 18 months prior to this procedure, have lost 100 or more pounds, and have been at a stable weight for at least six months.
If you think you may be a good candidate for skin removal surgery, you can book a consultation with our team today.
What to Expect During Your Skin Removal Surgery
You will be placed under general anesthesia for this procedure. The surgical approach will differ depending on the type of surgery (like arm lift or breast lift) that Dr. Virden is performing.
As a general idea of this surgery, Dr. Virden will make incisions to remove excess skin and reshape the underlying tissues and stitch the incisions closed. The length of time for this surgery does vary depending on the procedure.
You can read more specifics about the different types of procedures on our individual arm lift, tummy tuck, facelift, thigh lift, and breast lift pages.
Skin Removal Surgery Post-Surgical Care and Recovery
Recovery from skin removal surgery varies depending on the specific procedure. You’ll receive instructions on caring for your incisions, which may involve dressings and ointments, and you’ll have regular check-ins with Dr. Virden to assess your recovery.
If you’re interested in the specific recovery process for each procedure, you can find them on our individual arm lift, tummy tuck, facelift, thigh lift, and breast lift pages.
Skin Removal Surgery FAQs
What Is Skin Removal Surgery?
Skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring, is a procedure performed to remove excess skin after significant weight loss. It is cosmetic and targets areas of your body like your breasts, arms, and face.
How Painful Is Skin Removal Surgery?
During the procedure, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia. You may experience some initial pain, but that can be managed with medication. The first week is often the most painful, although your individual pain tolerance does make this subjective. Pain levels should decrease as the weeks progress.
Does Insurance Cover Loose Skin Removal?
Skin removal surgery is considered elective and is not covered by insurance.
What Qualifies You for a Panniculectomy?
One of the more important factors is having a significant amount of loose, hanging skin in your abdominal area. You should be in good overall health and have a stable weight for at least six months. Additional factors to discuss with your doctor include your body mass index (BMI) and if you’ve undergone prior weight loss surgery.
Is It Worth Getting Loose Skin Removed?
Getting loose skin removed depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. Skin removal surgery drastically improves your appearance and comfort, and provides functional benefits like better mobility. One important factor to consider is if you want to undergo a major surgery, which comes with recovery time and medical costs.
Will I Need Skin Removal Surgery if I Lose 100 Pounds?
Not necessarily. Factors that contribute to your need for skin removal surgery include the rate of your weight loss, genetics, age, and the amount of skin involved.
Complete Your Transformation
With all of the time and investment you have put into your overall weight loss, body contouring is a decision to consider. We encourage you to call today and schedule a consultation to receive your customized treatment plan to reveal your new look.