What Procedures Does Post-Bariatric Surgery Include?
Many patients are thrilled with their significant weight loss after undergoing bariatric surgery, such as a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. However, a common side effect of this rapid weight reduction is excess skin and fatty tissue. Post-bariatric surgery can come to the rescue, helping patients achieve flattering new body contours.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald, a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, specializes in body contouring after bariatric surgery at Greenwald Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Greenwald is a renowned expert in the field, performing thousands of procedures that remove excess skin and shape the figure for patients after massive weight loss. He has also authored book chapters on the topic.
Although each body contouring procedure is unique to the patient, most patients combine several surgeries into one. A few of the most common methods for post-bariatric surgery patients are:
Tummy Tuck: Tightening the Tummy
One of the most common procedures after bariatric surgery is a tummy tuck. Following massive weight loss, many people experience loose belly skin that hangs down to the pubic area or lower.
In this surgery, Dr. Greenwald tightens the muscles that support your abdomen and removes hanging skin and its attached fat.
He then drapes your skin to fit your new body contours. After a tummy tuck, patients generally enjoy a flatter, firmer tummy.
A tummy tuck provides a more proportionate appearance and often helps improve the fit of clothes. In addition, a tummy tuck can eliminate uncomfortable skin chafing.
Thigh Lift: Transforming the Thighs
As with the belly area, many people have sagging skin, particularly in the inner thighs, after massive weight loss.
Dr. Greenwald removes excess skin and fat from the upper legs in a thigh lift. This leads to firmer thighs and smoother skin, free from large ripples and major sagging.
A thigh lift can improve the fit of your clothes, especially with shorts and pants. You might feel more confident about wearing more revealing clothes. Eliminating all that extra skin can make walking and exercising easier too.
Arm Lift: Alleviating Drooping Skin
Many people experience some upper arm laxity as they age, an issue often called “bat wings.” However, the problem can be severe in post-bariatric surgery patients. Hanging upper arm skin is usually quite heavy and can get in the way of normal movement.
An arm lift or brachioplasty can help. In this surgery, Dr. Greenwald removes sagging skin and fat from the upper arms, which helps improve the shape and tone of the arms.
Not only does this procedure help aesthetically, but it can also reduce the strain and discomfort that comes from carrying extra weight on the arms. After an arm lift, many patients also find relief from back and shoulder pain caused by the extra tissue.
Post-Bariatric Surgery Consultations in NYC
These are only some of the procedures you can include in your post-bariatric surgery, so if you’re ready to eliminate the extra skin hiding your body, schedule your consultation by calling us at 914-421-0113.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.