Some patients experience such a substantial weight loss after their gastric bypass surgery in Dallas that they’re left with flaps of excess skin throughout their body. For example, a patient who weighed 400 pounds before their surgery and lost 180 pounds after a year and a half will probably have extra skin layered around their abdominal area as they continue to lose weight. This skin can be removed surgically in a “body lift.” You may be wondering whether or not to pursue a body lift if or when you’ve lost enough weight to have sagging excess skin keeping you from noticing just how much weight you’ve actually lost.
If you’re still trying to decide whether to talk to a bariatric surgeon in Dallas about excess skin removal, you might not be fully aware of the many positive effects it can have on your new body and your self-esteem. According to Dr. Greg Caputy, getting your excess skin removed may help to improve the overall quality of your skin by returning some of its elasticity, tightening any loose muscles and improving the smoothness of its contours. These are all physical improvements and don’t even touch on the benefits to your self-esteem.
Patients experiencing a large amount of weight loss might also not know that there are different kinds of skin removal procedures – so if you’re thinking one procedure won’t do the job, you could opt for multiple sessions. Examples of choices include tummy tucks, a breast lift, thigh lift, lifting of the buttocks, and lifting of the skin under the arms (also called a “brachioplasty”). Patients can also have skin removed around their face and necks, more commonly known as a face-lift.
One important factor to take into consideration is the financial aspect. Excess skin removal procedures are considered cosmetic procedures and can be costly, especially if you’re having skin removed from multiple areas. Because these procedures are considered cosmetic, your insurance company will likely not foot the bill. Many bariatric surgeons in Dallas offer payment plans and other options to help you afford the procedures.
If you want to relieve your excess skin problems dealing with hygiene, skin irritation, appearance and poor skin quality, then getting the excess parts removed may be the solution for you. Make sure to talk with your doctor if you have any fears about scarring, infection after the procedure or any other risk lingering in your mind. Skin removal surgery is the final step for looking your best, feeling your best and showing the world the achievements you’ve reached through bariatric surgery and self-determination.

May 20th, 2012






