Loose Skin Removal Surgery Costs, Scars and Risks

Even after working so hard to lose weight, you may still not be able to showcase those abs because they are covered by thick layers of ugly flabby and loose skin. I do understand how frustrating that can be. It is extremely discouraging.

I am sure you have heard about the excess skin removal surgery. Excess skin removal surgery or loose skin surgery refers to several plastic surgery procedures to get rid of loose flabby skin after weight loss. The procedures are known as body contouring and are increasing in popularity as the modern culture becomes more obsessed with dieting and weight loss.

But before undergoing body contouring, here are seven things you should know.

Gather enough information

There exists a lot of myths and misconceptions about excess skin removal surgery. You need to visit your surgeon and find out as much information as possible. Remember it is not just one procedure and the more information you have the more likely you are to make an informed decision.

Find out about the healing time and anything else you need to know. Remember the skin removal surgery is about you and not the person performing it.

There are several types of skin reduction surgery

There are several types of skin removal and body contouring surgeries. You may need an upper arm lift or a breast lift or a tummy tuck. All these require different types of surgeries. The following are the most popular types of loose skin surgery.

1. Liposuction

Liposuction, also referred to as ‘lipo’ is the most popular type of skin tightening surgery. It involves removing excess fat deposits from specific parts of the body like thighs, hips and buttocks, abdomen, inner knee and chest area.

The procedure improves your body contours and proportion. It is very popular because one procedure may treat larger areas of the body. It is also a more consistent procedure and the results are predictable than non-invasive treatments.

2. Tummy tuck surgery

A tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal region. The procedure also restores weakened or separated abdominal muscles thus creating a smoother and firmer abdominal profile.

You should not have a tummy tuck performed on you if you are planning to get pregnant in future because fluctuations in weight will greatly diminish the positive outcome of the whole procedure.

Tummy tucks before and after - Courtesy of Premier Plastic Surgery Arts
Tummy tucks before and after – Courtesy of Premier Plastic Surgery Arts

The procedure may involve multiple surgeries

A popular misconception about this procedure is that one surgery is all you need, and things will look quite perfect. That is not true. You may need to go under the knife several times to have all the parts of your body repaired.

Multiple surgeries are also needed to lower the risks involved during the whole procedure and to decrease the pain during recovery. So, you should have the surgery at a time that will be convenient for you to recover. Some experts suggest that taking iron supplements before the procedure may reduce the healing time.

Cost for excess skin surgery

Most medical insurance companies view skin removal surgery as a cosmetic surgery and not a reconstructive one. They, therefore, don’t cover them. Some companies may only cover a tummy tuck surgery, but you will have to pay for all the other procedures from your pocket. This is the main reason why such a surgery is very costly.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, body contouring cost will depend on the experience of the surgeon, the type of the procedure and the geographical location of the office. You should also ask whether the surgeons offer financing plans.

Everyday Health puts the average cost of a breast lift at $4,236. A lower body lift which combines a tummy tuck with removal of skin in the buttocks, groin, and thighs is done at an average cost of $8,073. The same site says that an upper arm lift is done at $3,057 while the cost of doing a thigh lift is pecked at an average cost of $4,464. But this research was done in 2007 and it might be very different now. All you need to know is that each surgeon has their own cost.

Know the risks involved

Your recovery will depend on the type of the body contouring procedure you have undergone as well as the extent of the skin removal. An upper arm lift may take only one week for recovery for example. But the healing process may be complicated by many other factors. Smoking and pre-existing vascular conditions can slow the healing process. There is also a chance that the site of incision may get infected thus delaying the healing process. Occasionally, the patient may require a blood transfusion.

You will have scars

Yes, even the most experienced surgeon will not guarantee you a scarless surgery because that is hard to achieve. Though an experienced surgeon can try and hide the scars. But even people who have never been overweight have scars. There is no one out there with a smooth flawless skin. And the pros of the surgery outweigh this minor side effect.

You may need therapy sessions after the surgery

Most people have high expectations about a body contouring surgery but there is a chance that not all of them will be fulfilled by the cosmetic procedure. You should remember that even the most experienced of surgeons cannot guarantee you perfection. Therefore, it is important to manage your expectations and accept whatever comes.

In case you are dissatisfied you will need psychological counseling sessions to help you manage the anger and depression. Even when things go well, which happens often, you need to have emotional support from friends and family.

References

  • http://abc13.com/health/7-things-you-should-know-about-excess-skin-surgery/2016267/
  • https://www.livestrong.com/article/18299-positive-negative-benefits-plastic/
  • https://www.muscleforlife.com/how-to-get-rid-of-loose-skin-after-weight-loss

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