Post Weight Loss Skin Tightening

There is a common misconception that the faster you lose weight, the more likely you are to have sagging or loose skin. However, this is more dependent upon several factors:

• How much weight you lose
• Your age
• Your genetics
• If you are a smoker
• If you exercise
• If you are compliant with your post nutritional requirements

There are many bariatric patients who never have an issue with loose skin after losing weight. Certainly, keeping up with your nutritional requirements, such as your vitamins and protein supplements, will help with your overall appearance. For patients who are seeking treatment for loose and sagging skin, there are both non-surgical and surgical options available.

Non-Surgical Options

At New You Bariatric Center, we offer safe, non-surgical options. When combined, our products provide the best possible results in treating loose and sagging skin. We are excited to offer ThermiSmooth Body and Nerium face and body products.

ThermiSmooth Body

Do you have loose skin in your arms, legs or stomach? Are you interested in a non-surgical option for your New You? ThermiSmooth Body uses radiofrequency technology to gently and safely remodel collagen. By targeting the areas under the skin, we are able to tighten and firm loose skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. This non-invasive procedure feels much like a hot stone massage. Treatments last 10 minutes per area and are performed over six sessions for best results.

Surgical Options

Generally, we recommend that bariatric patients who will choose to undergo plastic surgery to remove excess skin wait 18 months after weight loss surgery before being evaluated. This will allow you to lose your weight and give you the best cosmetic outcome.  The most common areas for loose skin are the abdomen, arms and legs. We strongly recommend that when selecting a plastic surgeon, that you choose one that is both Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and has experience working with bariatric patients. There is a difference between plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons.

When a patient begins a search to find a plastic surgeon, one of the most common things he or she is not aware of is that there is a difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon. Cosmetic surgery is performed by many physicians, and unfortunately, some are not under the guidance of a properly credentialed board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board acknowledged and approved by the National Board of Medical Specialties. That means members certified by that board are held to the highest standards as it pertains to skills, knowledge, judgment, safety and ethics in that particular specialty. Over the years, board certified plastic surgeons, and members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, have been dedicated to continuously improving plastic surgery techniques through intense research and clinical trials driven towards patient safety and outcomes.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Plastic surgery for removal of excess abdominal skin and breast reduction is often covered by insurance for reasons of moisture, hygiene, and rash issues. Arms and other areas may not be covered if they are considered “purely” cosmetic by your insurer. We can work with your plastic surgeon and insurance company for approvals.