Full Body Skin Removal. How long will this procedure take?

Congratulations on your significant weight loss and successful gastric sleeve surgery three years ago. Addressing concerns about excess skin on various body parts such as the arms, breasts, belly, back, and thighs involves meticulous planning, especially regarding the timing and staging of the procedures.
Staging of Procedures:
It's essential to stage these surgeries for maximum safety, reducing risks such as infection, blood clots, and wound breakdown.
Typically, patients undergo 2 to 3 separate surgeries.
First Surgery:
Often includes an extended tummy tuck or a 360 circumferential lower body lift, addressing the pubic region, rectus abdominis muscle, lower abdomen, hips, and buttocks.
Thighs can also be included in this stage, if necessary.
Healing Time:
Allocate two to three months for recovery after each stage before proceeding to the next.
Consider taking 2 to 3 weeks off from work post each procedure.
Second Surgery:
Focuses on the upper body, potentially including arm reduction (brachioplasty), breast augmentation, breast lift, and a back lift (torsoplasty).
Weight Stability:
Ensure your weight has been stable for at least three months before undergoing reconstructive surgery post massive weight loss.
Cost and Financing:
Costs vary based on factors such as the surgeon's expertise, location, insurance involvement, and the facility used (hospital or surgery center).
Consult multiple expert plastic surgeons for cost estimations.
Financing options like Care Credit are often available, depending on your chosen surgeon.
Next Steps:
Visit a plastic surgeon for a thorough evaluation, especially since your gastric sleeve surgery was three years ago, and your weight appears to have stabilized.
This comprehensive approach aims to ensure a safe and effective journey through your full body skin removal procedures post-weight loss.
I hope this information helps you in planning and preparing for your upcoming surgeries, and I wish you the best in this transformative phase.
Good luck with your procedures.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

It sounds like things are coming along really well.I think that you are probably at the point that you should start seeing surgeons and making some plans.  What you choose to do and in which stages will depend on how your prioritize things and how your surgeon can best treat you.  Generally speaking the body lift or circumferential abdominoplasty provides the best bang for your buck as it treats the abdomen, flanks, back, lateral thighs, and buttocks all at once.  You may wish to do the arms and breasts as your second surgery.Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Plastic SurgeonAssistant Clinical Professor &Director of Cosmetic Surgery Training Program,McMaster University

Hi there! Congratulations on your weight loss. You can begin to schedule consultations with board certified plastic surgeons anytime now. Try and be at a stable weight for 3-6 months before surgery. Each procedure can take different amounts of time depending on your specific area and amount of skin removal.  Bring paper with you to write down what the surgeon tells you as sometimes the information can overwhelm you and this will also help you to remember the plan. You should also plan on getting  your support people together to help with your recovery. I would plan on 2 or 3 surgeries. There is financing available but varies from one practice to another. This will most likely be discussed with the practice finance specialist not the surgeon.  Best of luck to you.