After Weight Loss Surgery in Jacksonville, FL

People who experience major weight loss are usually ecstatic, having moved past a big roadblock in life. However, a downside can be that while their new figure represents a proud accomplishment, more frustrations regarding loose, sagging skin often arise. Significant weight loss commonly leaves individuals with skin that cannot shrink to the new, smaller size. No matter where the skin deformity exists, surgical intervention is almost always necessary to address the issue. Board-certified cosmetic surgeons Dr. Erik Nuveen and Dr. Courtney Caplin perform skin removal surgery for Jacksonville, FL patients at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates. This can be a life-changing treatment for many people and also serve as the last step in an individual's weight loss journey.

A personalized after weight loss surgery plan designed by Dr. Nuveen or Dr. Caplin has a number of terrific aesthetic and functional benefits, including:

• Removing excess skin and fat
• Improving the overall appearance of the body
• Recontouring and reshaping the body
• Tightening loose, sagging skin
• Reducing skin rubbing, chafing, and irritation
• Enhancing mobility
• Improving posture
• Boosting self-image and confidence

The best individuals for skin removal surgery are those who have stretched and hanging skin due to losing significant weight. Generally, this issue is visible early on as the body gets smaller. If you have hanging skin, after weight loss surgery at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates can remove the issue and secure the underlying tissue for a tighter and healthier appearance. It is important that patients should be close to a healthy weight before undergoing this surgery.

Once released from the surgery center, you will need to schedule enough time to recover at home. Tubes may be implanted near the incisions to help minimize swelling and drainage, and compression garments will be provided to reduce swelling. On average, it takes roughly 2 – 4 weeks until you can go back to light activities, but considering the level of invasiveness, it may take longer. Dr. Nuveen finds that most of his patients are recovered around six months. After weight loss surgery can be a life changer for patients, with noticeable outcomes that are immediate. Once healed, you can wear the clothing you want and move freely without loose skin slowing you down.

Cosmetic skin removal surgery is generally considered an invasive treatment. It is performed using general anesthesia and lasts about 3 – 7 hours, varying based on the number of procedures being performed. For most patients, an overnight stay is necessary. A form of liposuction is often incorporated during the procedure to remove areas where fat exists, followed by skin removal. After weight loss, surgery requires larger incisions than most other cosmetic surgeries, so varying degrees of scars will be a part of this treatment. During surgery, Dr. Nuveen makes every attempt to make the incisions as inconspicuous as possible. Dr. Nuveen or a member of his team will give you comprehensive scar care instructions for a healthy outcome.

What parts of the body can be treated with after weight loss surgery?

Many of our patients choose to have the treatment performed on their abdomen, buttocks, upper thighs, breasts, arms, and/or neck. What's important is that you target the areas that are the most important to you. After you've lost a significant amount of weight, you'll naturally notice the areas you'd like to see improved. Many of our patients realize that when they lose weight, they have loose skin all over their bodies. Most will start with tightening the skin around their abdomen and then move up to chest and extremities.

When is the best time to undergo after weight loss surgery?

Our professionals recommend for all patients to be at or near their goal weight before undergoing after weight loss surgery. This should also be a healthy weight that is maintainable for the foreseeable future. This ensures that another procedure will not be necessary due to more weight loss or a return of weight gain. Generally speaking, most patients will be at their goal weight for approximately six months to ensure that they are at a stable weight.

Will after weight loss surgery be covered by my insurance?

Typically, this procedure is considered to be purely cosmetic. For this reason, most insurance policies list it as optional and will not cover any of the expenses. However, in some cases, there can be exceptions. Realistically, patients will be working with our billing coordinator to schedule their out-of-pocket expenses.

What will be included in my after weight loss surgery?

Typical body parts that are corrected during after weight loss surgery are the stomach, buttocks, upper thighs, breasts, neck, and arms. During your consultation, Dr. Nuveen will listen to your needs and concerns before performing a physical examination of your body. When this is complete, he can give you his recommendations for what should be included in your after weight loss surgery.

How much does after weight loss surgery cost?

The final cost for after weight loss surgery will depend on what's all part of your treatment plan. In your initial consultation, Dr. Nuveen will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your concerns. Once this is determined, he can then estimate your costs, including facility fees, anesthesia, pre-and post-surgical care, and more. In order for you to focus on getting the results you want from an experienced Cosmetic Surgeon like Dr. Nuveen, we accept several payments, including low-interest financing.

What will my recovery be like after surgery?

Your recovery will depend on how many areas you are addressing during after weight loss surgery. If you had many areas treated, you should plan more time for your recovery. In your initial consultation, Dr. Nuveen will let you know what you should expect after surgery and suggestions to make you more comfortable. Follow-up appointments at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates will need to be scheduled so Dr. Nuveen can monitor your progress.

Weight loss is such an amazing achievement, and we congratulate everyone who has worked hard to meet their health goals. However, if stretched-out skin is currently presenting a challenge, we encourage you to learn more about your alternatives for skin removal surgery. After weight loss surgery could further sculpt your silhouette and help you to meet and surpass each of the goals you set for yourself. Call Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates in Jacksonville, FL to schedule your consultation. If you need help reaching your weight loss goal, out team can also help with medical weight loss options.