Body Contouring After Weight Loss in Medellín

Post-bariatric surgery (after a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass), skin removal surgery after major weight loss, body lift, body contouring: these are the names people use to search for this group of surgeries. When the surgery goes all the way around the torso, it's also called a circumferential body lift or belt lipectomy. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), after you lose a lot of weight, whether through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes, your skin and tissues often don't have the elasticity to adjust to your new body. These surgeries remove the excess, sagging skin and fat and improve the shape of the underlying support tissue.

According to the ASPS, body contouring after major weight loss may include:

• The abdomen, with a tummy tuck, or the abdomen together with the waist, hips, buttocks, and outer thighs, with a lower body lift.
• The arms, with an arm lift.
• The inner thighs, with a thigh lift.
• Breasts that sag or have flattened, with a breast lift.
• The face and neck, with a facelift.

The ASPS explains that it's usually done in stages, with a plan for which surgeries you need and when. Your surgeon sets the order based on your priorities and your health. Every stage is done in the licensed operating rooms at Q2, never in a doctor's office.

According to the ASPS, you may be a good candidate if your weight has stabilized, you're in good health, you don't smoke, your goals are realistic, and you're committed to good nutrition and physical activity. So, in general, it's not the right time yet if:

• You're still losing weight. Your weight needs to stabilize first, and we can support you with medical weight loss.
• You smoke and aren't going to quit before surgery.
• You have a health condition that makes healing harder or raises the risk of surgery.

If you don't have excess skin and what bothers you is localized fat, we consider liposuction instead. Your surgeon decides whether it's the right time for you at your in-person consultation.

Every surgery has risks, and this one does too. The ASPS lists, among others:

• Anesthesia risks.
• Bleeding, infection, or fluid buildup.
• Blood clots: deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.
• Poor wound healing or skin loss.
• Excessive, wide, or unfavorable scarring.
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation.
• Skin that stays loose, or irregularities in the contour.

Before you decide, we go over each one with you, and you sign an informed consent form.

According to the ASPS, preparing may include clearance from your bariatric surgeon or the doctor who manages your care, lab tests, adjusting your medications, and quitting smoking well in advance. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements can increase bleeding, but don't stop taking anything on your own: we'll tell you what to stop. At noon Clinic, pre-op tests are required.

Nutrition matters a lot. A review published in the ASPS journal explains that people who lose a lot of weight often have nutrient deficiencies, especially protein, B vitamins, and vitamin D. It recommends checking for them with lab tests and improving your diet starting at least several weeks before surgery. If you need it, we can support you with nutrition care. Also arrange for an adult to stay with you for the first few days.

According to the ASPS, you leave surgery with bandages and sometimes drains, thin tubes that remove any blood or fluid that builds up. You may be asked not to bend over, strain, or lift anything heavy for days or weeks. If your abdomen or thighs were tightened, you may also be asked not to stand fully upright while the internal stitches heal, and to sleep with pillows under your knees. To lower the risk of blood clots, the ASPS recommends walking as soon as possible and drinking plenty of fluids.

From week 1 to week 4 you wear compression garments, with close follow-up, and around month 2 or 3 you gradually return to exercise, once your surgeon clears you. You go home with clear instructions, and we see you for follow-up visits until you're discharged.