Are the results of cosmetic surgery post-weight loss surgery permanent?
For many people, weight loss surgery is a life changing operation, and their new improved body encourages them to change their eating habits and take up exercise to maintain their new shape and size.
When followed with cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin, many patients find they achieve the body they have always wanted and take measures to maintain this.
However, as with all types of weight loss, the hard work can easily be undone if the individual slips back into bad eating and exercise habits.
What are the risks involved with cosmetic surgery after weight loss surgery?
As with all types of surgery there will be a certain element of risk. The risk of complications increases for smokers, so it is highly advisable to stop for the required time specified by your consultant.
There is a risk of scars becoming infected, especially if the skin tightening procedure affects different areas of the body. Blood clots in the leg or lungs also pose a risk with this type of surgery, and this risk increases for individuals who require longer surgery.
If I have weight loss surgery will I be left with excess skin?
Whilst skin will adjust slightly as the body slims down, there will inevitably be excess skin and more often than not, stretch marks. Excess skin can affect all areas of the body, especially the stomach, back, breasts, upper arms and thighs.
The severity of the excess skin will depends on how much weight has been lost, and also how quickly the weight has been lost. It is possible to have surgery to correct this problem.
Is a gastric balloon my only option for losing weight?
Having a gastric balloon fitted inside the stomach is a very effective method of weight loss surgery, as the device prevents excess volume or bulk entering the stomach it naturally causes weight loss. This method is also reversible, which makes it the most common method of weight loss surgery.
There is another method of weight loss surgery, however, which involves having a bypass to permanently change the way that the body absorbs food. This is a more extreme form of surgery, and will need carrying out by specialist laparoscopic surgeon.
How overweight do I need to be to undergo weight loss surgery?
You will need to be considered either severely or morbidly obese to be considered for weight loss surgery. Calculating your Body Mass Index will give you an idea of how overweight you are, as this type of surgery is restricted to those needing to lose more than 50% excess body weight.
To establish your BMI, divide your weight (in kg) by your height (in metres squared), the figure that you are left with is your BMI. A BMI of 35-40 is classed as being severely obese (Class II obesity) and a BMI of >40 is classed as being morbidly obese (Class III obesity), these are the levels of obesity that are suitable for weight loss surgery.
Answers provided by Mr Stephen McCulley and his expert team. You can see further helpful information in our Resource Centre or in our Ask Our Specialist Nurse section.
Stephen McCulley offers a wide range of cosmetic breast surgery procedures including breast enlargement, breast reduction, inverted nipple surgery, correcting impact problems and more!