What Is Post-Bariatric Surgery?
A post-bariatric procedure is a form of body contouring that addresses excess fat and skin following the massive weight loss after bariatric surgery. During the procedure, Dr. Schuster improves the shape of your underlying tissue by removing extra fat and sagging skin. This results in a proportionate appearance and a more defined body shape.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for a Post-Bariatric Procedure?
You may be a good candidate for a post-bariatric body contouring procedure if:
- Your weight has stabilized after your weight loss
- You are in good overall health
- You don’t smoke or can stop smoking
- You have realistic expectations for your results
At your initial consultation, Dr. Schuster will discuss your candidacy for the procedure and help create a custom post-bariatric body contouring plan that will give you a healthy-looking figure.
Creating a Post-bariatric Body Contouring Plan
The needs of people who have lost massive amounts of weight are unique among cosmetic surgery patients. For many of these people, the skin is unable to fully conform to the body’s radically new shape; this excess skin simply hangs from the body, making it difficult for these people to find clothing that fits comfortably, among other issues. Dr. Schuster has extensive experience in creating post-bariatric body contouring plans that address the special needs of those who have undergone massive weight loss, combining and personalizing such procedures as:
- Abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” surgery
- Liposuction
- Breast reduction
- Body lift
- Skin care treatments to reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- Breast lift
- Male breast reduction
Dr. Schuster can analyze your specific case and explain which options would be best suited to your needs during a confidential consultation to discuss post-bariatric procedures at his Baltimore area cosmetic surgery practice.
Patient Testimonial
I am very thrilled with my results. It is very important to choose a highly skilled and experienced doctor. Dr. S is all of the above plus caring, honest and amazing.
How Should I Prepare For Post-Bariatric Surgery?
- Be near or at your goal weight. To ensure optimal results, you should be near or at your ideal weight. Any significant weight loss after your procedure can alter your results.
- Do not follow a diet prior to your procedure. Make sure you eat full, nutritious meals before and after your post-bariatric procedure. This will help with healing during the recovery process.
- Ask someone to be your post-operative caretaker. Since post-bariatric procedures require anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home and take care of you for the first 24-48 hours after the surgery.
- Take some time off of work. Depending on which treatments are a part of your post-bariatric body contouring plan, you may need a few weeks off from work to recover from your surgery.
- Prepare your recovery area. Since your mobility will most likely be limited during the first couple weeks of recovery, you may want to prep meals in advance, take important items off of high shelves, etc.
- Avoid smoking. Nicotine can interfere with the body’s natural healing processes. If you smoke regularly, you will need to quit smoking for several weeks before and after your procedure.
If you are unsure about what you need to do to prepare for your post-bariatric procedure, Dr. Schuster will give you detailed pre-operative instructions.
How Long Does a Post-Bariatric Procedure Typically Take?
The more treatments you include in your post-bariatric procedure, the longer it will take. For example, if you are combining more than two treatments, you may need to have more than one surgery. Dr. Schuster will be able to estimate how long your post-bariatric procedure will take based on your unique goals.
What Are the Risks Associated With Post-Bariatric Surgery?
Like any surgery, a post-bariatric procedure comes with some risks, including bleeding, scarring, and changes in skin sensation. Dr. Schuster will thoroughly evaluate your medical history to help minimize the risk of complications.
How Soon After a Post-Bariatric Procedure Can I Drive?
This will depend on your specific treatment plan. However, many patients can start driving about 2-3 weeks after their surgery or whenever their sutures have dissolved or been removed.
Learn More about Post-bariatric Procedures
To learn more about post-bariatric procedures at our Baltimore, Maryland area plastic surgery practice, please contact Dr. Ronald H. Schuster today. Dr. Schuster and his team would be honored to be part of your successful weight loss experience.
*Individual results may vary
