How long after weight loss surgery can I undergo skin tightening procedures?

While specific guidance varies from person to person, it’s generally recommended to wait at least 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery before considering skin tightening or body contouring surgery. This window gives your body time to reach a stable weight, as fluctuating weight loss after a tightening procedure can cause recurrent skin laxity and undo the results. Dr. Contogiannis typically advises waiting until you have a stable weight for three to six months before scheduling.

Does insurance cover post-weight loss skin tightening?

Most insurers treat skin tightening after weight loss as cosmetic in nature and may not provide coverage. That said, skin removal can be covered when the excess skin folds cause documented health problems such as recurring rashes, skin infections, or hygiene issues that haven’t improved with ongoing medical treatment. Insurance companies usually require evidence such as photographs, physician’s notes showing months of treatment for skin problems, and proof of a stable weight.

Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Greensboro NC

Bariatric procedures can offer life-changing results for individuals that struggle with obesity, often leading to a healthier lifestyle and renewed self-confidence. However, with significant weight loss, certain areas of the body can be affected by stretched or loose skin, excess fat deposits, and extra skin folds. Our experienced, board-certified Greensboro plastic surgeon, Mary Ann Contogiannis, MD, offers a wide range of post-weight loss body contouring procedures to tighten and reshape one or more areas of aesthetic concern.

Dr. Contogiannis is dedicated to helping each patient achieve their body contouring goals so they may move forward in their health journey with a tauter, firmer physique.

Post-Weight Loss Skin Tightening At a Glance
What Is Post-Weight Loss Plastic Surgery?
Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Procedures
Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Candidates
Post-Weight Loss FAQs

Post-Weight Loss Skin Tightening: Key Takeaways

Overview: Skin tightening after major weight loss can restore a sleek, defined contour in areas affected by excess, hanging skin. This multi-procedure treatment plan is personalized according to each person’s individual needs.
Benefits: Resculpts areas of skin accumulation for a smoother, firmer look while alleviating rashes, inflammation, hygiene issues, and other concerns caused by hanging skin.
Candidates: Ideal for men and women with lax, hanging skin in more than one region of the body caused by significant weight loss.
Procedure: Generally performed under general anesthesia, skin tightening after weight loss may involve any combination of a tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, or breast lift, among other options. Depending on the details of each patient, your surgical plan may be completed in one operation or in stages.
Recovery: Typically requires one to two weeks of downtime before returning to non-strenuous work or school. Exercise is prohibited for 4 – 6 weeks or until Dr. Contogiannis advises otherwise.
Cost in Greensboro, NC: Personalized quote is dependent on number of procedures, types of surgery, and other individual factors. CareCredit^{^®} and ALPHAEON^{^™} Credit can provide financing options for qualified patients.

What Is Post-Weight Loss Plastic Surgery?

Post-weight loss plastic surgery is designed to remove the excess skin and fat that remain after a significant amount of weight is lost. Also referred to as post-bariatric body contouring, the procedures are intended to lift sagging skin, eliminate skin folds, and reduce fatty tissue that may linger in areas such as the mid-section, thighs, buttocks, breasts, arms, face, and neck. In addition to the cosmetic benefits, post-bariatric body contouring can help to relieve skin irritations and infections that have developed in skin folds and improve mobility during exercise and other physical activities.

What Procedures Are Commonly Included in a Body Contouring Treatment?

Plastic surgery options after significant weight loss can help to further define an individual’s new physique with smoother, slimmer face and body contours. Some of the most common procedures performed by Dr. Contogiannis typically include:

Depending on the body contouring goals of the patient, certain procedures may be performed at the same time or scheduled over a series of visits to ensure a safe, effective outcome.

Who Is a Candidate for Post-Bariatric Body Contouring?

Ideal candidates for post-bariatric body contouring are men and women that have achieved major weight loss yet have stretched, loose skin that will not reform to their new body shape. Many candidates seek surgical options to help reduce dermatological and mobility issues brought on by drooping skin and folds. Post-weight loss treatments should only be performed for approved candidates who are in good overall health, are at or near their goal weight, are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking, and have a realistic understanding of the potential surgical outcomes.

During a consultation with Dr. Contogiannis, she will discuss your aesthetic concerns and review your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for post-weight loss plastic surgery. Once the candidacy is established, she will discuss how to move forward with a customized treatment plan that is developed based on your unique needs, anatomy, and goals for the most natural-looking results.

Additional Post-Weight Loss FAQs

How long after weight loss surgery can I undergo skin tightening procedures?
While specific guidance varies from person to person, it’s generally recommended to wait at least 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery before considering skin tightening or body contouring surgery. This window gives your body time to reach a stable weight, as fluctuating weight loss after a tightening procedure can cause recurrent skin laxity and undo the results. Dr. Contogiannis typically advises waiting until you have a stable weight for three to six months before scheduling.
Does insurance cover post-weight loss skin tightening?
Most insurers treat skin tightening after weight loss as cosmetic in nature and may not provide coverage. That said, skin removal can be covered when the excess skin folds cause documented health problems such as recurring rashes, skin infections, or hygiene issues that haven’t improved with ongoing medical treatment.

Insurance companies usually require evidence such as photographs, physician’s notes showing months of treatment for skin problems, and proof of a stable weight.

To learn more about post-bariatric body contouring, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Contogiannis, please contact us today.