Excessive Skin after Weight Loss Surgery

WHAT DO TO WITH EXCESS SKIN AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?
Anytime a person loses a considerable amount of weight, they can find themselves with loose, excess skin. However, there is a major difference between the normal amount of loose skin present after traditional weight-loss methods, and the massive amount of remnant sagging skin after gastric bypass surgery or related weight-loss procedures. When extreme weight loss occurs, there can be enough excess skin remaining to create a number of issues, such as excess skin preventing people from dressing a certain way or participating in specific events.

According to experts, there are two different primary types of surgery meant to deal with excess skin after weightloss. While each is a distinct procedure, they are often either confused for one-another or lumped together as similar cosmetic surgery procedures. From time to time, even doctors and insurance companies will fail to differentiate between the two, and they may tell patients that they are one and the same. As you will find, however, there are notable differences between the two operations.

The first operation is known as a Panniculectomy, which involves the actual removal of excess skin that hangs from the abdominal area (known as a "pannus"). It is performed in instances where the pannus actually creates some type of medical problem, such as an abdominal infection. A Panniculectomy does not require the abdominal wall to be rebuilt, nor does it require any tightening of the muscles in the stomach area. Panniculectomies usually take less than two hours to perform, can be completed on an outpatient basis, and will most likely be covered by medical insurance.

The other procedure dealing with excess skin after weight loss is called an abdominoplasty, or more commonly, a "tummy tuck." Excess skin from the abdomen is also removed during an abdominoplasty, but in this operation, the muscular structure of the abdominal area is tightened in order to help flatten the stomach. The major difference? Improved appearance, since an abdominoplasty tends to be considered an elective cosmetic procedure and not a medically essential one. Because of that, it is not covered by most insurance providers. The time required to complete a tummy tuck varies depending upon the amount of work required -- it can be completed in as little as two hours or it could take upwards or six or more.

There are some other things to consider about possible surgery to remove excess skin following weight loss surgery. First, the abdominal area may not be the only place where loose skin is present. It could also appear around the biceps, the thighs, and possibly even the chest. Surgery is possible, but is rarely covered under most insurance plans. Most skin-removal procedures will not take place until at least a year following the weight loss surgery, and even then it will involve a sizable recovery time and the possibility of permanent scarring. Speak with a doctor before committing to cosmetic surgery, and be aware of what it is you're getting into.