After Weight Loss Surgery in Tucson, AZ

Individuals who undergo significant weight loss are to be commended, having overcome a big burden in their life. Unfortunately, while their weight loss represents a huge accomplishment, some individuals will be faced with more frustrations. The new challenge is usually the hanging skin that resides on the body. Significant weight loss commonly leaves individuals with skin that cannot conform to the new shape. Regardless of where the hanging skin resides, plastic surgery is needed to correct the issue. Dr. Arun Rao, a board-certified plastic surgeon, offers after weight loss surgery for Tucson, AZ men and women. This can be a life-changing treatment at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery and also serves as the final step of their weight loss journey.

After weight loss surgery can be performed for the upper or lower body. This individually tailored procedure, like the mommy makeover, can be made up of one or several body contouring procedures, like an arm lift, thigh lift, and tummy tuck. Ideal candidates to receive after weight loss surgery are those who have hanging folds of skin as a result of losing a significant amount of weight. Most often, this excess skin can be visible early on in a patient's weight loss journey. If you are challenged by loose skin, skin removal surgery at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery can eliminate the issue and secure your healthy tissue and remaining skin for a healthy, tighter look. It is important for patients to be close to their goal weight (within 10 – 15%) before considering skin removal surgery. Ideally, your weight should be stable for at least three months with no major fluctuations.

Many men and women who have undergone significant weight loss are left with skin that is loose or hangs off the body. This excess skin can cause serious health issues like rashes and skin ulcers. In addition, hanging skin can be an unsightly and embarrassing problem. After weight loss surgery helps patients look and feel better about their body contours again.

After weight loss surgery can also improve everyday function. For example, excess skin on the stomach makes it difficult to perform certain exercises. Removing loose skin can help you further your weight loss goals and improve your quality of life.

Plastic surgery to remove loose skin is considered a major treatment. It's performed with the patient under general anesthesia and takes about 3 – 7 hours on average, depending upon the number of procedures combined to achieve your goals. A form of liposuction is usually integrated during surgery to remove pockets of fat, followed by the surgical removal of skin. This procedure does create larger incisions when compared to most cosmetic surgeries so a degree of scarring will occur. During surgery, every attempt is made by Dr. Rao to place the incisions in inconspicuous locations, like in the natural folds of the body. Before your surgery, Dr. Rao will give you detailed scar care instructions to help optimize the resulting scar.

Once released from our care, it is important to allow a week or two to recover at home. Following your surgery, tubes may be placed near the incision sites to help control drainage, and medical garments should be worn to assist with swelling. During your recovery process, you will slowly be able to increase your activity levels. Dr. Rao recommends waiting six weeks before resuming heavy lifting. The surgeries that are performed will also affect your postoperative restrictions. Skin removal surgery can be life-changing for patients and provide amazing results that are immediately noticeable. Finally, you will feel confident enough to wear the clothes you want and partake in activities without hanging skin keeping you from living your fullest life.

How much does after weight loss surgery cost?
Your total costs for after weight loss surgery will depend on what is all part of your unique treatment plan. During your consultation, Dr. Rao will design your customized surgical program based on your needs and goals. Once your plan has been created, he can better estimate your costs, including fees for anesthesia, the facility, pre- and post-surgical care, and more. To help you focus on getting the results you want from an experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Rao, we accept many payment methods, including low-interest financing.

Can I use insurance to pay for my after weight loss surgery?
Insurance policies, for the most part, won't cover the expenses associated with cosmetic surgery. However, coverage does vary and sometimes may apply to weight loss patients if loose skin has become a medical concern. If you would like to use your health insurance, please let Dr. Rao know during your first appointment. He will help you get the needed information and paperwork to complete your insurance claim.

What will be included in my after weight loss surgery treatment plan?
The procedures that make up your after weight loss surgery program will depend on your unique body and goals. Typically, areas that are corrected in after weight loss surgery are the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, breasts, neck, and arms. During your consultation, Dr. Rao will listen to your needs and wants before performing a physical examination of your body and skin. Once this is complete, he can give you his recommendations for what should be included in your after weight loss surgery plan.

When is the right time to get after weight loss surgery?
When you have lost a significant amount of weight, loose skin will become apparent and it is usually around this time that you should schedule a consultation at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery. During your one-on-one with Dr. Rao, he will talk to you about how to prepare for your surgery and go over what might be included in your customized treatment plan. Before moving forward with after weight loss surgery, you should be at a stable weight for six months and within 10 – 15% of your goal weight.

What will my recovery be like after surgery?
Your recovery will vary, depending on your surgical plan. If you're getting many areas treated, your recovery will take more time. During your consultation, Dr. Rao will talk to you about what you should expect during your recovery and make suggestions to help you feel more comfortable. Follow-up appointments at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery will need to be scheduled so Dr. Rao can monitor your progress.

If stretched-out skin is a problem following significant weight loss, Dr. Rao encourages you to learn about your options for plastic surgery. After weight loss surgery can further improve your silhouette and help you achieve and surpass each and every one of the body goals you have set for yourself. Call Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ to schedule your one-on-one consultation today.