Bariatric patients are those that have, or are in the process of, massive weight loss. For some patients, this is achieved through diet and exercise programs, lifestyle changes, or quite possibly weight loss surgery.
Once patients have lost the weight and reached their goal, they are often left with large amounts of hanging skin from the upper arms, breasts, abdomen and thighs. Unfortunately, further dieting and exercise will not help the skin retract back because the skin and underlying tissues have been permanently stretched from weight fluctuations. Many patients find this very distressing after they have worked so hard to lose the weight. Plus, it can be difficult to find clothes that fit properly, since the excess folds of skin can be challenging to disguise. Some patients even experience rashes within the folds that can be a nuisance as well.
At Burgess Plastic Surgery, Dr. Burgess is happy to meet with you to review the options for the new, slimmer you! Even if you haven’t quite reached your target weight, she can assess your health status and explain possible procedures that can help your exterior match how you feel on the inside. After your consultation, you'll leave with a plan!
What procedures can i have done?
Frequently, patients in this group consider an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck that removes the unwanted apron of hanging skin, resulting in a smooth, flat abdomen. Many women notice that following the weight loss, their breasts have lost a substantial amount of fullness and can droop significantly. A breast lift, or mastopexy, may be an option to reposition the breasts and nipples to a more desired position on the chest wall. Sometimes a breast augmentation is required to add fullness to the breast as well. Other patients find that their upper arms can show the negative effects of massive weight loss. Droopy, excess arm skin can make it extremely difficult to wear form-fitting shirts, and many patients report that they feel too self conscience to wear sleeveless shirts or bathing suits. A brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that removes the excess upper arm skin. A thigh lift can also be performed to improve leg appearance.
why burgess plastic surgery?
At your consultation, Dr. Burgess will answer your questions and concerns as well as provide options to help you reach the final chapter of your weight loss story. Whether it’s one trouble spot or several, she is available to guide you through the surgical options that best suit your unique situation. Sometimes patients may require multiple surgeries to accomplish their body transformation, and fortunately, the time frame is flexible. At Burgess Plastic Surgery, we are dedicated to help you every step of the way to the new, slimmer you!
Read more about body contouring after weight loss here.
Women and men interested in learning more about massive weight loss surgery in the Portland area are encouraged to contact Dr. Burgess at her Lake Oswego plastic surgery practice.
