One of the most common bariatric surgery side effects is excess skin. Here, learn more about this issue which is prevalent among patients who have undergone weight loss surgery.
Excess Skin
After a large amount of weight is lost, you may find yourself with excess skin in places you never knew existed. The logical question is “What happens to the excess skin?” Weight loss after surgery continues for about 18-24 months. After that, your body is equilibrated and ready for additional surgery to remove excess skin. This surgery is typically performed by a plastic surgeon experienced in this field. The plastic surgeon will evaluate you and help you decide what areas need “tightening” up. Documentation in your chart (at your surgeon’s office) at each visit about problems such as rashes under the skin folds and the weight of the skin on your abdomen causing backaches will ‘sometimes’ persuade your insurance company that removal is medically necessary. This usually applies to the loose abdominal skin only. Alternatively, there are many plastic surgeons who are flexible and may be able to work out a payment schedule with you.
