After losing 105kg post-bariatric surgery, I’m unsure where to start with reconstructive surgery. I need work on my arms, legs, stomach, breasts, back, and bum, but since I plan to have children, I’m saving my stomach for later. Most surgeons suggest starting with a breast lift and FDL, but this isn’t my priority. I’m considering starting with my arms or legs and would appreciate advice on the best approach. Thank you!
Answer: Arms first, and perhaps legs. Thank you for your photographs and congratulations on your weight loss. As pregnancy could modify the results of any breast surgery or abdominal skin tightening, it makes sense for you to reserve these for when you are finished having children. The incision for an arm lift would not impact any future surgery that you wish to do for your upper back or breasts and could actually be blended into those incisions at a future date. Therefore, doing your arm lift first would be a good option. Doing a thigh lift before an abdominoplasty or a lower body lift can potentially be problematic for the following reason. The upper portion of the incision for a thigh lift runs directly in the crease between your trunk and your leg. If this is done first, when you’re abdominoplasty or lower body lift is done the upward pull on your lower abdominal skin can shift that thigh lift scar upward, and make it appear that it’s on your lower abdomen. If the abdominal plasty or lower body lift is performed first, the upward traction is already done, and then the thigh lift can be performed so that the upper portion of the incision stays exactly in the leg crease. Discuss this possible sequence with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes.
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Answer: Arms first, and perhaps legs. Thank you for your photographs and congratulations on your weight loss. As pregnancy could modify the results of any breast surgery or abdominal skin tightening, it makes sense for you to reserve these for when you are finished having children. The incision for an arm lift would not impact any future surgery that you wish to do for your upper back or breasts and could actually be blended into those incisions at a future date. Therefore, doing your arm lift first would be a good option. Doing a thigh lift before an abdominoplasty or a lower body lift can potentially be problematic for the following reason. The upper portion of the incision for a thigh lift runs directly in the crease between your trunk and your leg. If this is done first, when you’re abdominoplasty or lower body lift is done the upward pull on your lower abdominal skin can shift that thigh lift scar upward, and make it appear that it’s on your lower abdomen. If the abdominal plasty or lower body lift is performed first, the upward traction is already done, and then the thigh lift can be performed so that the upper portion of the incision stays exactly in the leg crease. Discuss this possible sequence with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Body contouring - surgical sequencing Thanks for this excellent question. Treatment sequencing following massive weight loss is driven by patient priorities, minimising the number of procedures / recoveries where possible, keeping total operative time for each procedure within reason, and avoiding complications. There are some combinations to be avoided (e.g. thighs & abdomen at the same time) due to opposing vectors of tension on your wounds, and some that are fairly typical (e.g. breasts and abdomen). It is a good idea to address the abdomen / back before the thighs as the former can impact the surgery required for the latter. If you wish to avoid abdominal surgery (and possibly surgery to your breasts if you are considering breast feeding), then arms could safely be performed in isolation initially. This could also be combined with breast surgery in an initial procedure. Consult a surgeon with expertise in body contouring.
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Answer: Body contouring - surgical sequencing Thanks for this excellent question. Treatment sequencing following massive weight loss is driven by patient priorities, minimising the number of procedures / recoveries where possible, keeping total operative time for each procedure within reason, and avoiding complications. There are some combinations to be avoided (e.g. thighs & abdomen at the same time) due to opposing vectors of tension on your wounds, and some that are fairly typical (e.g. breasts and abdomen). It is a good idea to address the abdomen / back before the thighs as the former can impact the surgery required for the latter. If you wish to avoid abdominal surgery (and possibly surgery to your breasts if you are considering breast feeding), then arms could safely be performed in isolation initially. This could also be combined with breast surgery in an initial procedure. Consult a surgeon with expertise in body contouring.
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April 11, 2025
Answer: Post-bariatric surgery Thank you for your inquiry! Prioritize your areas of concerns. Most procedures can be done together. We would love to meet and discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.
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April 11, 2025
Answer: Post-bariatric surgery Thank you for your inquiry! Prioritize your areas of concerns. Most procedures can be done together. We would love to meet and discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.
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March 14, 2025
Answer: Weight loss and mommy makeover Hello, congratulations on your weight loss. Your heart, lungs and joints thank you!
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March 14, 2025
Answer: Weight loss and mommy makeover Hello, congratulations on your weight loss. Your heart, lungs and joints thank you!
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March 11, 2025
Answer: Thank you for your question! As long as you are when you postop and no locker losing weight, you can begin your process! You can decide which procedures you want to begin with if it’s arms and thighs that’s a wonderful decision and later on you can finish up with your abdominal area and your breasts! It is best to divide them in sessions so it’s easier for you and your recovery!
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March 11, 2025
Answer: Thank you for your question! As long as you are when you postop and no locker losing weight, you can begin your process! You can decide which procedures you want to begin with if it’s arms and thighs that’s a wonderful decision and later on you can finish up with your abdominal area and your breasts! It is best to divide them in sessions so it’s easier for you and your recovery!
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