Do I have to wait to get excess skin removal after weight loss?

Question

Hello, I lost about 170 lbs in the span of a little over a year. I want surgery as soon as possible, will a surgeon agree to operate on me (brachioplasty, panniculectomy) despite not maintaining my new weight for long? I hear that the "waiting period" is ~6 months, but the excess skin is making me so unhappy. I already am in therapy and what not, but my body looks very old relative to my actual age (20). I've been at this weight a couple months.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, and congratulations on your 170-pound weight loss! I understand how frustrating the excess skin can be, but I generally recommend that patients wait until they have maintained a steady weight for at least 3 months before considering excess skin removal surgeries like brachioplasty or panniculectomy. This helps ensure that your body has stabilized after the significant changes, allowing for better long-term results.

While some surgeons recommend a 6-month waiting period, if you've already been at your current weight for a couple of months, you’re likely close to being ready for surgery. I encourage you to continue maintaining your healthy lifestyle and consult with your plastic surgeon to determine the best time for you to proceed with the procedure.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Without pictures it is difficult to give an accurate recommendation. Having a BMI over 30 increases the risk of complications during and after surgery and decreases the probability that the best results will be obtained from the surgery.
A high BMI puts you at risk for Type II diabetes, hypertension, urinary stress, gastro esophageal reflux, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cardiovascular problems, cancer, and others health issues.  Take the necessary steps to participate in an exercise program and weight reduction program to become healthy prior to your panniculectomy.Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a proper evaluation.Best of Luck!

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi. Of course you are already candidate for your body contour reconstruction that must be perform  in separate surgical times  beggining ussually with the Tummy Tuck + Lipo + BBL. Brachioplasty should be perform in a second surgical time combine with Breast Lift, if needed.International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)

Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Hello,  At our office, we would suggest at least a 6 month period of being at a stable weight. The goal is for long term correction, the weight was not put on overnight, and weight loss can also take some time to insure stability. The best way to ruin a wonderful procedure outcome is by weight gain after surgery. I know it is difficult, but be patient. You are trying to achieve long term results, consult a local Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your personalized consultation.

Marcus Davis, MBBS, MRM, FRCSEd (Plast) · Answer

Many thanks for your question.
The general advice is that your body weight has to be stable for at least a year before having surgery to remove excess loose skin etc. The reason for this is that it takes this long for your body's metabolism to stabilise and normalise, thereby allowing you the best chance of healing the wounds that surgery creates, minimising complications and enhancing the outcome/results for you. Whilst you might feel great, what you won't appreciate is, following massive weight loss of any kind your body will actually be metabolically in deficit - hence allowing the year of stability to normalise.
I appreciate it must be very distressing for you having a load of loose skin and makes it difficult to get clothes to fit you etc. however please don't lose sight of the fact that you have done the hardest part in losing the weight and maintaining the weight loss. To get the best results and in the safest way possible for you it is a marathon not a sprint.
Be safe, see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with experience in operating on weight loss patients. I wish you all the best on your journey.
Marcus

Do I have to wait to get excess skin removal after weight loss?

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Answer: Waiting period...

Answer: Waiting period...

Answer: Duration to weight for surgery post-weight loss

Answer: Duration to weight for surgery post-weight loss

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Do I have to wait to get excess skin removal after weight loss?

Answers (6)

Answer: Waiting period...

Answer: Waiting period...

Answer: Duration to weight for surgery post-weight loss

Answer: Duration to weight for surgery post-weight loss

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.