Question:
After losing 100 pounds, what happens to all the extra skin?
Is cosmetic surgery often done after people drop, say, from 300 to 150 pounds? — Sandy W. (posted on October 15, 1998)
October 15, 1998
A lot of the skin issue is out of your control - so much of it is
determined by your age, the genes you inherited from your parents, how long
you've been obese, and how rapidly you're losing. What is in your control
is drinking lots and lots of water, moisturizing your skin, and exercising
- not just aerobically, but strength training as well.
After dropping 126 pounds, I've noticed my skin is bouncing back pretty
well. I'm 33, exercise (aerobic/strength) a lot, and drink lots of water.
But I still have a ways to go. I never had the huge stomach, so I don't
think I'll need a tummy tuck, but I do think I want to save up and have a
breast lift - it would be nice to be "perky" once in my life!
Many, many people need a tummy tuck, especially because they end up with
this "apron" of skin that hangs down to their thighs. I haven't
heard of many people having their thighs or arms worked on, but a fair
amount will have chest (men) or breast (women) jobs.
As you're losing initially, don't freak out. Although the skin may look
very loose at first, after time, it may tighten up. I wouldn't get plastic
surgery done right away, but I'd give my body 6 months or so to see if
it's going to tighten up on its own.
— Christine B.
October 22, 1998
I have lost 135 lbs and still have approx 110 more to go before I'm at my
goal of 170 lbs. I will be having a tummy tuck, possible thigh lift and
multiple hernia repairs in 3-4 weeks. I carry my weight in my stomach and
have a huge apron that if I don't have on a girdle, hangs down to
mid-thigh. (Very gross!) I plan on getting a breast reduction/lift and
batwing removal when I get to goal which will hopefully be in late spring.
— Kathy J.
March 14, 1999
Rember, when you lose weight as a direct result of weight
loss surgery and your skin is hanging in folds from your
body,( example, apron, underarms, innerthigh etc.) the
corrective surgery that follows is NOT COSMETIC SURGERY!!
It is called REDUNDANCY SURGERY because it is for the
removal of all that redundant skin that we no longer
need. Along with skin removal, sometimes muscle tightening
is done and should also be covered by insurance.
Cosmetic and Redundancy surgery, by definition,should
never be confused or used interchangeably, never let
yourself be bullied into doing that either. Sometimes
the choice of words alone will make or break your request
for insurance coverage.
— Kaushia
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