Do All Post-Bariatric Patients Need Plastic Surgery?

Based on your level of obesity, it is very unlikely that your skin will "bounce back" into place after bariatric surgery. As a post-bariatric plastic surgery specialist, I have worked with countless post-bariatric clients, all of whom were left with sagging skin. That being said, it is your choice whether or not you choose a cosmetic procedure to improve your body contour after weight loss. Plastic surgery is by no means mandatory but the excess folds of skin can interfere with daily activities and make it difficult to find clothing that fits properly. If the excess skin causes chafing, rashes, or other medical problems, insurance will sometimes pay for part or all of the corrective surgery.

If you do decide to save up for plastic surgery, it's important that you select a board-certified plastic surgeon who has many years of experience with post-bariatric cases. I understand that price is a concern for you but I highly advise against choosing "bargain surgery" to save money. In the long-run, the risks and potential complications from an inexperienced surgeon could cost you much more.

Hello, I hope you are well. The need for plastic surgery to remove excess skin depends on the patient and every particular cases. It is common not to require plastic surgery following bariatric surgery.

 This is not uncommon.  There are a lot of factors involved that can affect  the way the skin behaves after bariatric surgery,  including age, genetics, skin elasticity and overall health.  My advice to anybody that loses weight rapidly after bariatric surgery  is to be patient and wait around 12- 18 months (weight  and nutrition are stable and enough time has passed since surgery to get adjusted  to the new looks)  to make a final decision  on skin removal  procedures.   You may be surprised, many do not need extra skin removal, but often they want it.  Unfortunately, people often get it too soon, and don't get the results they were hoping for.