Question:
Do obesity surgeons also take care of excess skin removal later on?
I understand that most people need plastic surgery a year or so after having the procedure. Is this true? I'd like to find a surgeon who does both, to save time. Is this wise? — Cindy V. (posted on April 1, 1999)
March 31, 1999
Plastic surgeons specialize in this -- you don't
want a regular surgeon doing this. I would like
to do this too, but the less scarring, the better.
— Laurie P.
March 31, 1999
I am 18 mos post op and had a circumferential (sp) panniculectomy done this
past November. This was done by a plastic surgeon and covered by my
insurance. At that time I had lost approx 150 lbs. I still have 70 lbs to
go to reach my goal weight of 170 lbs but I was at a point in my weight
loss that if the excess skin was not removed I would not be able to
exercise and I had constant lower back and hip pain from the weight of the
skin hanging. I will have to have it done again when I get to goal which
the insurance will not cover. Luckily I am also having a breast
reduction/lift that will be covered and I can have it done at the same
time. My suggestion would be to have a plastic surgeon perform the
procedure and hold off as long as possible before having it done. Try to
get as close to your goal weight as possible. Also, the weight loss
surgeon will not do a nice of a job on the scarring. Believe me, you still
have a scar with the plastic surgeon, but I believe it is a
"nicer" scar, if there is such a thing. Also, don't expect the
plastic surgeon to be a miracle worker.
— kaffyjo
March 31, 1999
Cindy, I think it would depend a lot on how much weight you're attempting
to lose. Some people can tone up while they're losing the excess weight and
others lose weight so quickly and drastically that they have to have
additional surgries to remove for example, "bat wings",
liposuction on the thighs, and removal of the "fat apron" or
otherwise called a tummy tuck. Some even have breast reduction done so they
don't appear so lop-sided. My surgeon for instance, also does the
"after surgery" for a pleasing final effect of the bypass
surgery. Most insurance companies however will not authorize this
"plastic" surgery because it is considered cosmetic in nature and
don't consider it to be a health related issue. My surgeon on the other
hand words the request letter to the insurance company in such a way as to
not make it sound as cosmetic surgery but as "removal of redundant
tissue surgery". If you have a surgeon all ready selected I would
suggest you check with him/her and ask and check the credentials of the
surgeon. Good luck!
— wendy H.
March 31, 1999
I am about to have the surgery, scheduled for June 16. But I have heard of
people having this surgery going to places like burn centers and donating
their excess skin, in which, from what I understand, you would not need
insurance as they pay for the surgery.
I could be wrong, but I hope I'm not, because that is what I intend to do
after surgery, too.
Good Luck.
— Lauri B.
April 2, 1999
Some do, some don't. Many use plastic surgeons. Some insurances even help
pay for the reconstructive work! You don't want to do them together! Your
skin isn't empty NOW. And not everyone needs help. Why sign up for scars
you must ilve with forever if all you have in a year is a tiny little bag,
similar to what skinny folks get after babies? WAIT. Keep your skin
nourished inside & out with vitamin E, take all the protein your doc
recommends, and exercise a bit. Exercise helps tone the muscles, protein
holds onto muscle while releasing fat and vit E will help with the skin.
Drink lots of water to flush the fat away. THEN, see where you are.
— [Anonymous]
April 15, 1999
Your bariatric doctor should be able to refer you to a good
plastic surgeon. For me personally, I will be doing the
same thing eventually and i want a cosmetic specialist to do the tummy
tuck because that's his/her speciality and not just something
he does on the side. be patient and choose the right person for you.
you deserve
the best.
— cindy N.
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