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The Goal of Surgery After Weight Loss

Patients who lose excess weight often develop skin and soft tissue laxity. This can result in an unwanted appearance. Excess skin may also interfere with the normal activities of daily living, become a hygiene problem, and produce secondary issues. Plastic surgery to correct these problems can achieve among the most dramatic results in the field. Dr. Shuster has spent over 25 years striving to achieve world class results for his weight loss patients.

But First, Health

Bariatric surgery is not performed for cosmetic purposes. For patients who are significantly overweight, losing that weight is the single most important step they can take to improve their quality of life and health. The tremendous results obtained through bariatric surgery can have a more pronounced and positive effect on a patient’s life than almost any other area of medicine. The same is true for patients who lose weight with diet and exercise.

Plastic Surgery Considerations for Weight Loss Patients

  • Find a surgeon who has worked with post-bariatric patients or with people who have lost a lot of weight before undergoing your procedure. Dr. Shuster and his staff routinely work with weight loss patients and understand the circumstances. Many of South Florida’s most prominent bariatric surgeons refer their patients to Dr. Shuster.
  • Smoking greatly increases the risks and complications of plastic surgery after weight loss.
  • Patients should have completed their weight loss, and their weight should be relatively stable unless hanging skin (such as an abdominal apron) interferes with exercise or becomes a hygiene problem.
  • A stable metabolism is key. Patients will be monitored prior to surgery to assure adequate nutrition. This is necessary to promote post-operative healing.

Dr. Shuster is a true artist! I have had two surgeries with Dr. Shuster and would never consider using another surgeon. From your consultation to surgery and recovery he guides through each step. His staff is fantastic and available to you should you need anything at all! I couldn’t be more happy with my results!

Lisa M.

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Common Areas Addressed with Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

Abdomen

The skin and soft tissues of the abdomen are often the areas that most dramatically develop laxity. As described, this can present a significant cosmetic deformity, interfere with normal activities, and become a hygiene problem. These areas are best addressed with a tummy tuck.

Torso

For some patients, the laxity of the soft tissue that develops is not limited to a single area; rather, it can affect them circumferentially and can involve the abdomen, back, flanks, and buttocks. When this is the case, a lower body lift can address all these areas in a single operation.

Thighs

The skin of the thighs is an area particularly susceptible to developing laxity that manifests as cellulite and irregularities in contour. This can affect both the inner and outer parts of the thighs. An inner thigh liftis performed to tighten the tissues along the inner aspect of the thighs.

Arms

The upper arms can develop extensive laxity following weight loss at almost any age. Once such laxity develops, the only means of correcting it is by removing the excess skin. This is accomplished with a brachioplasty, or arm lift. 

Breasts

Breasts frequently lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. This can occur with the passage of time and pregnancies. It can also be particularly exacerbated by fluctuations in weight. A mastopexy, or breast lift, reshapes the breasts and restores their position.

Face

For some patients who have lost significant weight, there can be thinning of the facial soft tissue and loose skin along the neck. This may result in premature signs of facial aging. For these areas, Dr. Shuster may perform a facelift and/or neck lift.

Abdomen

The skin and soft tissues of the abdomen are often the areas that most dramatically develop laxity. As described, this can present a significant cosmetic deformity, interfere with normal activities, and become a hygiene problem. These areas are best addressed with a tummy tuck.

Torso

For some patients, the laxity of the soft tissue that develops is not limited to a single area; rather, it can affect them circumferentially and can involve the abdomen, back, flanks, and buttocks. When this is the case, a lower body lift can address all these areas in a single operation.

Thighs

The skin of the thighs is an area particularly susceptible to developing laxity that manifests as cellulite and irregularities in contour. This can affect both the inner and outer parts of the thighs. An inner thigh liftis performed to tighten the tissues along the inner aspect of the thighs.

Arms

The upper arms can develop extensive laxity following weight loss at almost any age. Once such laxity develops, the only means of correcting it is by removing the excess skin. This is accomplished with a brachioplasty, or arm lift. 

Breasts

Breasts frequently lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. This can occur with the passage of time and pregnancies. It can also be particularly exacerbated by fluctuations in weight. A mastopexy, or breast lift, reshapes the breasts and restores their position.

Face

For some patients who have lost significant weight, there can be thinning of the facial soft tissue and loose skin along the neck. This may result in premature signs of facial aging. For these areas, Dr. Shuster may perform a facelift and/or neck lift.

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Candidates for Surgery After Weight Loss

Dr. Shuster performs surgery after weight loss for those in the Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, FL areas and beyond. If you are considering these procedures, you may be an excellent candidate, provided you are a healthy, non-smoker with realistic expectations. Those who make ideal candidates…

  • Have skin and soft tissue laxity after weight loss, pregnancy, or due to age
  • Are at a healthy, stabilized weight and aren’t planning to lose more weight
  • Are willing and able to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise
  • Do not have any chronic medical conditions
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Why Choose Dr. Shuster?

Respected for his exceptional patient care and results, Dr. Bernard A. Shuster, MD, PA, and his staff take care of you from your initial consultation through post-op. Surgery after weight loss is one of Dr. Shuster’s primary specialties. He will provide warm, inviting service and expert professionalism throughout your entire journey with him. Discerning patients from the Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami areas and beyond visit Dr. Shuster because they know he will deliver the best results possible. With a fantastic location between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, our boutique practice has everything you need to complete your weight loss transformation and look absolutely incredible. We encourage you to research more about Dr. Shuster and his techniques. If you feel he is the right surgeon for you, we welcome you for a consultation.

Surgery After Weight Loss FAQs:

What are the common areas targeted by post-weight loss surgery?

How will my exercise routine change after surgery?

Will post-weight loss surgery leave visible scars?

Will insurance cover the cost of post-weight loss surgery?

What are the risks associated with post-weight loss surgery?

What are the common areas targeted by post-weight loss surgery?

Common areas targeted by post-weight loss surgery include the abdomen, arms, breasts, buttocks, thighs, and face. The specific procedures needed depend on the individual's areas of excess skin and personal goals.

How will my exercise routine change after surgery?

Initially, your activity will be limited to walking and gentle movements. As you recover, you can gradually introduce more intense exercises, focusing on both cardio and strength training for optimal results.

Will post-weight loss surgery leave visible scars?

Yes, post-weight loss surgery will leave scars, but their visibility can fade over time with proper care and healing. Surgeons strive to place incisions in discreet locations whenever possible to minimize visible scarring. Scar management techniques such as silicone gel, massage, and laser therapy may also help improve the appearance of scars.

Will insurance cover the cost of post-weight loss surgery?

Insurance coverage for post-weight loss surgery varies depending on the individual's insurance plan and the specific procedures needed. Some procedures may be considered medically necessary if excess skin causes physical discomfort or health issues, while others may be considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance.

What are the risks associated with post-weight loss surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, post-weight loss surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, asymmetry, changes in sensation, and unfavorable scarring. It's essential to discuss potential risks and complications with your surgeon and follow pre- and post-operative guidelines to minimize risks.

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