How Long Does It Take to Heal After Removal of Excess Skin?

Question

Hello, I'm a 25 year old male. I used to weigh a little over 300 pounds and over the last seven months I have brought my weight down to 180 pounds. I have excess skin in several places but the worst and the one that concerns me the most is my chest. I need to get this skin reduced but my problem is that I will be going to army basic training in four months. If I have surgery in the next month, would the wounds heal enough to get me through basic?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,  thank you for your question regarding male breast reduction after massive weight loss.  Without a physical examination and without pictures, I would anticipate you have excess male breast skin and fat.  Due to your 120 pound weight loss, your male breast skin has lost its ability to recoil.   After the loss of breast fat, the elastic fibers of your breasts have broken and the supporting structures have lost their ability to support the skin.  Also, your male breast skin has lost its elasticity.   Because of these reasons, for you, male breast liposuction will not work.  Because of the loss of recoil and the limited results with only male breast liposuction, your breast skin needs to be excised or cut out.  Therefore, I would suggest a formal male breast reduction. Depending on your specific anatomy, you can either have a vertical ( stealth or lateral)  or horizontal ( traditional)  male breast reduction.  During a vertical or stealth incision male breast reduction, the incision is made from the armpit down the side of the chest. An elliptical area of skin is removed along this incision. The beauty of this incision is that it is fairly well hidden when your arms are down by your side. However, there are limitations of the vertical or stealth incision, male breast reduction. If you have a very large male breasts,  The vertical or stealth incision  male breast reduction surgery will not be optimal. If your “severe” excess male breast skin, you may do better with a traditional or horizontal male breast reduction. During the horizontal male breast reduction surgery, an incision is made underneath the breast fold and the male breast skin and residual fat is removed. In either case, the nipple areolar complex needs to be  relocated. In  almost all of my cases, the nipple does not need to be removed and placed as a skin graft. Rather, I use a special type pedicle to relocate the nipple.   Unfortunately, I do not think one month is enough time to go from your current state, be fully healed, and then go into basic training.    For male breast reduction surgery, I  would give yourself at least 2 to 3 weeks to return to a normal job. However, if you’re going into basic training, I would give yourself two months to heal from your male breast surgery.  I know this may not be the answer you want to hear, but this is based on my experience. I am just being honest.  When you are considering Plastic surgery,  please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has done thousands of procedures on massive weight loss patients.  Travel out of state if you must.   My practice focuses on reconstructive plastic surgery after massive weight loss.  I hope that I’ve answered your questions regarding male breast reduction. If you have any more questions regarding male breast reduction after significant weight loss, please call my office. Sincerely, Dr.Katzen  (Certified  by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.)

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's not unusual for patients to develop redundant skin following massive weight loss. In your particular case, excess skin has developed in the area around your chest. Correction of this problem will require a major skin resection.It's important to allow adequate time for a full recovery before proceeding with military basic training. Patients can anticipate limited physical activity for ten to fourteen days following surgery. I typically tell my patients bathroom and kitchen privileges initially with slow resumption of normal activity over the next two weeks. Patients can usually return to work in two weeks if no strenuous activity or heavy lifting is involved. After six weeks, they can resume all of their normal activities including heavy lifting.Patients typically wear an abdominal binder for three weeks following surgery. This minimizes swelling and increases comfort. Drains are placed at the time of surgery and are usually removed within two weeks of surgery. Pain management is extremely important. Most patients are initially given narcotic pain relievers and switched to Tylenol five to seven days following surgery.For many patients, this type of procedure represents a life changing experience. Patients often respond with improved self-esteem, self image and self confidence. In your case, three months should be more than enough time to fully recover.

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

The answer is dependent on your procedures.  Generally, 6-8 weeks of protecting your incisions should cover most uncomplicated situations.  Even after this time, you will not be fully recovered, as there will be some lingering edema and the scars will be immature.  Complete healing and final results will typically be apparent at 6 months; maybe even longer in some cases.

Paul Fortes, MD · Answer

If you have surgical correction of your breasts/chest only, expect an early recovery of about 2-3 months.  You will continue healing well beyond 6-12 months, but I think you will be ok with your time frame of four months to start basic training.  Best of luck!

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Your answer will really depend on which procedures you will need.  Typically after any skin excision procedure such as a body lift or upper trunk lift, most plastic surgeons will recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity (ie working out) for about 6 weeks.  After this time period most will clear you to start resuming activity as tolerated gradually.  I hope this helps with your planning.

	Dr. Basu

	Houston, TX

How Long Does It Take to Heal After Removal of Excess Skin?

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How Long Does It Take to Heal After Removal of Excess Skin?

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Answer: How Long Does It Take to Heal After Removal of Excess Skin?

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Answer: Healing after skin removal

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