Will I have excess skin after my weight loss surgery?
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Last Updated on October 18, 2023
Managing Excess Skin After Weight-Loss Surgery
You’ve finally made the decision to undergo weight loss surgery; this is an exciting time! For most patients though, this decision doesn’t come without worry.
One of the most common concerns I hear from my patients is that they’ll be left with a large amount of loose or excess skin post-operation and post-weight loss.
Maybe they’ve seen or heard stories about this occurring on television or social media, and they’re understandably worried, but the reality is that the overwhelming majority of my patients don’t have excess skin to the point that it interferes with their life or that they seek cosmetic surgery to get rid of it.
However, as with any scenario where a large amount of weight loss occurs, it is possible you will be left with some excess skin.
Factors Affecting Amount Of Excess Skin
The amount of excess skin you have will depend on several factors including your gender (women are more prone to loose skin than men are), how much weight you lose (skin that has been excessively stretched will have less elasticity and is less likely to return to its original shape), and genetic factors.
The speed at which you lose weight, however, does not impact the amount of excess skin you will have; this is a common misconception.
What is important to remember about gastric sleeve surgery is that it is not a cosmetic operation. Our goal is always to improve your overall health, to correct medical conditions related to your weight, and to change your life for the better.
Sometimes making this drastic change will mean exchanging one hardship for a more manageable, cosmetic issue.
In this case, you may not have a visible six pack, and you may have some excess skin (though likely not to the extreme degree that you fear), but you’ll be healthy, and you’ll be able to walk up the stairs with ease or play with your kids again; most of my patients agree this tradeoff is more than worth it.
What if I want to pursue cosmetic surgery?
If, following your surgery and weight loss, you are left with some excess, loose skin, and you decide you’d like to undergo cosmetic surgery, our team would be more than happy to connect you with a reputable plastic surgeon with experience in post-weight loss surgery.
It’s important to note that before undergoing cosmetic surgery for excess skin, you will need to wait until your weight has stabilized—usually 12-18 months post gastric sleeve surgery—before pursuing a cosmetic procedure.
It’s vital to understand the implications of weight loss surgery. Explore our resources at The Sleeve Clinic, a leading weight loss clinic in Toronto and Mississauga. Our dedicated team is here to guide you throughout your weight loss journey.
Dr. Gmora, a top-rated bariatric surgeon in Ontario on RateMDs, is here to assist you in making the best choice for your health. If you’re ready to learn more about your options, contact us today.
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