After your bariatric surgery you will most likely lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. This weight loss can lead to loose skin.
As you gain weight the skin stretches to match the muscle and fat. As you lose the weight the skin tries to shrink back but not all skin is created equally. Key factors in the elasticity of the skin are age, genetic predisposition, sun exposure, smoking, and nutrition. By participating in a structured exercise program, one can minimize excess skin by maintaining muscle mass that helps fill the skin.
About 10% of patients that have experienced massive weight loss will choose to see a plastic surgeon for consultation but before undergoing plastic surgery you will want to make sure you’ve lost all the excess weight and that the skin has stabilized from the bariatric surgery. Patients should generally be about 18 months post-op and have a stable weight for 3 months before considering plastic surgery.
Plastic surgery is a personal choice you should make for yourself.
Download Will I need Reconstructive Plastic Surgery? brochure from the Obesity Action Coalition to learn more.