Skin Removal After Massive Weight Loss

So, you had your gastric bypass operation 18 months ago, and you've managed to lose a whopping 8 stone. You feel great and you look great, except for one thing: you still have yet to deal with the unfortunate legacy of your weight loss: lots of loose, hanging, droopy skin.

People joke that a benefit of loose skin is that you can pull it over your head as a party trick. But suffering from unwanted excess flesh is no laughing matter, and if you've undergone through surgery or years of dieting to lose that poundage, you deserve to look good.

Luckily, there is way to get rid of excess skin: have a panniculectomy.

What is a Panniculectomy?

Whether you lost a massive amount of weight through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise, you still no doubt will have excess skin. Apart from being unwieldily and unsightly, it can cause lots of problems, such as chronic skin infections, hernias and back problems. How to get rid of it?

A panniculectomy removes excess skin and tissue in the area where it tends to congregate the most: in the abdominal region. This procedure can remove it all from the lower abdomen, making the pannus, or area commonly referred to as an “apron”, appear taut and smooth.

The procedure is similar to a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, but it is a much more complex one. In some cases it is carried out where the pannus is so big that the patient is unable to walk, and in other cases it is performed simply to allow patients to feel better about themselves.

Reconstructive abdominoplasty may be performed alongside this procedure if warranted, to help tighten the anterior wall muscles and keep the stomach in better condition.

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Good Candidates for Panniculectomies

A panniculectomy may be right for you if you have:

• Lost at least 50lb
• Have skin folds you want removed without excess fat
• Are in good physical condition without any major health problems
• Have stabilised your current weight for at least one year, and are following a good diet and exercise regimen

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

What are the Risks?

While risks are generally small, the abdominal area is a very important part of the human body, so operations involving it are not to be taken lightly. Risks may include infection, bleeding underneath the flap of skin, or clots. You might also heal poorly, develop skin loss or need a second op. Always use a Board-certified surgeon, or one who is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons or its equivalent.

Most people find it takes several months to fully recover from a panniculectomy. But the majority say that after such a drawn-out weight loss journey, this final icing on the cake is worth it.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Cosmetic Surgery Cost Estimator lets you get a realistic idea of what a cosmetic procedure costs in the UK, what the price usually includes, and the questions to ask before you book. Try it now →