Bariatric surgery is a life changing operation. Transforming your body and your mind, you will not only look better, but you will feel the weight being lifted. As you being your transformation to a healthier state, consider post-bariatric cosmetic surgery.
Often times, patients schedule an initial consultation without considering the actual process of weight loss surgery. With a hopeful end goal in mind, patients decide they are ready to regain their youth, look like they did in their twenties, and enjoy improved health. However, it is important for bariatric surgery patients to understand the changes that will occur in their bodies post-surgery.
Once surgery is complete, regardless of which method is chosen, patients will begin to lose weight at a rapid pace. Food consumption is restricted and appetite is suppressed. When this happens, the body begins to shed pounds at a pace that leaves the body with excess skin.
Because of the fast pace of weight loss, the body is incapable of attaining the tightness imagined in the initial consultation. Dr. Frenzel wants his patients to have a clear understand of how their body will look after weight loss surgery.
Though excess sin will remain after weight loss is achieved, there are surgical methods of skin and fat removal. The post-bariatric abdominoplasty procedure is available for patients looking to tighten the muscles of the abdomen.
Commonly known as a tummy tuck, this cosmetic procedure is divided into three available surgical options—the mini tummy tuck, the full tummy tuck and an extended tummy tuck, and an endoscopic abdominal muscle tightening.
The mini tummy tuck is designed to remove excess skin from below the belly button. For this surgery, Dr. Frenzel makes a crescent-shaped incision at the pubic hairline.
The fully abdominoplasty is most common. During this procedure, excess skin is removed from the upper and lower abdomen and the muscle structure is tightened. Dr. Frenzel makes an incision just above the pubic bone and the skin is lifted up to the rib cage area. Then, another small incision is made around the bellow button, allowing it to be free from the rest of the skin.
Once the upper skin is pulled down, tightened, and repositioned, the belly button is brought out through another place on the abdomen. This surgery removes all the skin, tissue, and fat from the pubic bone to above the belly button and in between the hipbones.
When patients choose an extended tummy tuck, Dr. Frenzel completes the fully abdominoplasty, but also increases the size of the incisions laterally to get rid of all excess skin and tissue that may extend out laterally, adding about one hour to the surgery.
During the surgery, pain pump catheters are used to bathe the abdominal muscles with a constant flow of local anesthesia. These pumps remain in place for about three days after the surgery.
The tummy tuck operation is the final step in feeling confident in your body post-bariatric surgery. Reclaim your confidence and enjoy your silhouette.
