Body-Contouring Surgery after Weight Loss SurgeryAs weight loss surgery becomes a more popular treatment for obesity, body-contouring surgery is becoming a more common option for coping with the excess skin left by dramatic weight loss. More than 68,000 people opted for body-contouring surgery following weight loss in 2005. Body-contouring surgery was developed to deal with the cosmetic issues that result from losing large amounts of weight. People who lose 100 pounds or more, either through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise, find that they feel better, are generally more healthy, and are able to do many activities they were incapable of doing before they lost weight. Unfortunately, they may not always feel like they look better after losing weight. The problem is that lost fat is often replaced by large folds of sagging skin, which can be just as damaging to a person's self image as the excess weight was. Unlike weight loss surgery, body-contouring surgery is a purely cosmetic procedure that is rarely covered by insurance. A full body lift can cost as much as $30,000, although many surgical centers offer payment plans or financing options to help patients with the financial burden. Body-contouring surgery is usually more extensive than most weight loss surgeries and other cosmetic procedures. Some body-contouring procedures will require a team of surgeons working together for several hours hours. This often makes for a lengthy recovery time and a higher risk for complications after surgery. Although body-contouring surgery can be complicated and expensive, many people view it as the final step toward achieving the body they want. Types of Body Contouring ProceduresOne of the things that makes body-contouring surgery different from other cosmetic procedures is that multiple parts of the body are usually addressed at one time. Popular body-contouring procedures include the lower body lift, which includes the tummy, outer thighs, and the area around the midsection, and the upper body lift, which focuses on the breasts and back. You may also choose lifts for the arms, inner thighs, face, and neck. As with any surgical procedure, body-contouring surgery has inherent risks. Common complications include wound infection, reopening of wounds that need surgical drainage, excess bleeding requiring a second surgery, the need for blood transfusions, and, in rare cases, fatal blood clots. Research has shown that best way to reduce your risk for complications is to allow more time between a weight loss procedure and body-contouring surgery. Keep in mind that losing a large amount of weight doesn't necessarily lead to excess or sagging skin. Age, sun exposure, and genetics all play a role in how your body will react to dramatic weight loss. It's important to know that body-contouring surgery is available as an option if you find that weight loss alone does not create the body image you want. Before considering body-contouring surgery, you should be aware that your insurance company is unlikely to cover this considerable financial investment. In addition to preparing your bank account, you need to prepare your body for an extensive, lengthy surgery that may involve several areas of your body at once. How to Prepare for Body-Contouring Surgery
In addition to preparing your body, you'll also want to do your research about who will be doing your surgery. Find a surgeon who is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The surgical center that performed your weight loss procedure may be able to recommend a qualified surgeon for your body-contouring procedure. |
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