Types, recovery, and what to expect

Skin removal surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon removes excess skin from a person’s body. Some of these procedures come under the banner of plastic surgery.

A person may opt to have skin removal surgery after they have lost a significant amount of weight. This is because extensive weight loss can result in excess skin in certain areas. Skin removal surgery often happens on the stomach, abdomen, arms, face, or breasts.

In this article, we discuss the various types of skin removal surgery and provide additional useful information.

There are various kinds of skin removal surgery that focus on different areas of the body. The most common types include:

• Abdominoplasty: This is commonly known as a tummy tuck. The procedure involves removing excess skin from the abdominal area and strengthening the abdominal wall muscles.
• Panniculectomy: This procedure, which is not cosmetic, removes excess skin from underneath the belly button. It differs from a tummy tuck in that it removes a large amount of excess skin extending over the stomach, genitals, and thighs. Also, the surgeon will not usually create a new belly button or repair the abdominal muscles.
• Brachioplasty: Brachioplasty is also known as an arm lift. It removes skin from the upper arm, reducing any sagging and tightening and smoothening the tissues in this area.
• Mastopexy: During this procedure, a surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the breasts. People may refer to it as breast reduction. The surgeon may also need to move the nipple during this procedure.
• Rhytidectomy: More commonly known as a facelift, a rhytidectomy helps remove excess skin on the neck. The procedure aims to give the face and neck a more youthful appearance.
• Torsoplasty: Other names for this procedure include lower body lift and belt lipectomy. It removes excess skin from the sides and back of the torso and may take place alongside abdominoplasty or panniculectomy.
• Thighplasty: This procedure, which some may refer to as a thigh lift, removes excess skin from the inner thighs.

Some people may wish to remove excess skin following extreme weight loss. When a person loses large amounts of weight, this can result in flaps of sagging skin in some areas of the body. Commonly affected sites include the arms, legs, torso, and buttocks. Skin removal surgery can boost a person’s body confidence.

A person may also wish to have skin removal surgery following complications after pregnancy or breastfeeding.

In many cases, people choose to remove excess skin for personal reasons. For example, they may not be happy with their appearance.

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery states that a person is a good candidate for skin removal surgery following extreme weight loss if:

• they have maintained their goal weight for 6 months
• they are in good overall health
• they understand that skin removal surgery may result in scarring and will not create a perfect body
• they can take sufficient time off work to recover

A person may also be able to have skin removal surgery if they have had weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery. This type of surgery helps a person lose weight by altering their digestive system.

Most skin removal surgeries, such as facelifts and breast reductions, count as cosmetic surgery. Anybody can opt to have these surgeries. A plastic surgeon will assess each person to determine whether they are a suitable candidate.

A doctor will advise a person on what they need to do to prepare for their skin removal surgery.

The preparation may involve:

• having regular blood tests
• avoiding smoking or alcohol
• reducing the intake of certain herbs and vitamins
• stopping some medications

A person should aim to live as healthy a lifestyle as possible before this type of surgery.

A person should expect to receive a general anesthetic at the start of their skin removal surgery. This will allow them to stay asleep during the procedure.

In some cases, a person may need to stay overnight in a hospital or clinic following their procedure. However, in most cases, this procedure is an outpatient operation, and a person can usually leave on the same day.

A person should consult their doctor as to whether an overnight stay is a requirement following their procedure.

Following skin removal surgery, a person will likely have some scars.

As with all surgical procedures, skin removal surgery comes with some other risks. Possible risks include:

• blood clots
• stroke
• bleeding
• infection
• bruising
• swelling
• nerve damage
• necrosis
• asymmetric appearance
• allergic reaction to the anesthetic

The recovery time required following surgery depends on the specific procedure. Some people may need a few weeks to recover, while others may only require a few days of recovery.

A person’s healthcare team may put some temporary tubes in place to drain fluid from their body. The individual may need to reduce their physical activity and not drive for a week or so after the procedure. In some cases, surgical support or compression garments may be necessary.

Following abdominal skin removal surgeries, people may not be able to stand upright for a couple of days.

Unless there are any problems during surgery, the outlook for a person having skin removal surgery is usually positive.

There are some alternatives for people who do not wish to have skin removal surgery. The options may include:

• Liposuction: This is a less invasive surgery that uses suction to eliminate excess fat from the body. It involves making small incisions in the target area.
• ThermiTight: This procedure uses radiofrequency heat therapy in the affected region to tighten the skin.
• CoolSculpting: This nonsurgical intervention uses intense freezing techniques to destroy fat cells.

Below, we answer some common questions about skin removal surgery.

Does it cause scarring?

Yes, skin removal surgery will usually result in some scarring where a surgeon made the incisions.

How painful is skin removal surgery?

During the procedure, a person will not feel any pain as they will be under general anesthesia. However, a person may experience some pain while they are recovering and need to take pain relievers.

How long do the results last?

This depends on the procedure. In some cases, the results may be permanent.

However, procedures such as a facelift are not permanent.

Does insurance cover the procedure?

Some insurance providers may offer coverage for certain skin removal surgeries.

Insurance providers typically will not cover surgeries that fall under the banner of cosmetic surgery. However, they may cover skin removal surgery following weight loss surgery.

Skin removal surgery encompasses a variety of surgeries on different parts of the body. A surgeon can remove excess skin from areas such as the abdomen, breasts, upper arm, and neck.

The reasons for wanting skin removal surgery are often personal, having little to do with underlying medical issues.

Recovery may take a couple of weeks, depending on the type of surgery. Usually, people can spend their recovery time at home.

Types, recovery, and what to expect

Skin removal surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon removes excess skin from a person’s body. Some of these procedures come under the banner of plastic surgery.

A person may opt to have skin removal surgery after they have lost a significant amount of weight. This is because extensive weight loss can result in excess skin in certain areas. Skin removal surgery often happens on the stomach, abdomen, arms, face, or breasts.

In this article, we discuss the various types of skin removal surgery and provide additional useful information.

There are various kinds of skin removal surgery that focus on different areas of the body. The most common types include:

• Abdominoplasty: This is commonly known as a tummy tuck. The procedure involves removing excess skin from the abdominal area and strengthening the abdominal wall muscles.
• Panniculectomy: This procedure, which is not cosmetic, removes excess skin from underneath the belly button. It differs from a tummy tuck in that it removes a large amount of excess skin extending over the stomach, genitals, and thighs. Also, the surgeon will not usually create a new belly button or repair the abdominal muscles.
• Brachioplasty: Brachioplasty is also known as an arm lift. It removes skin from the upper arm, reducing any sagging and tightening and smoothening the tissues in this area.
• Mastopexy: During this procedure, a surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the breasts. People may refer to it as breast reduction. The surgeon may also need to move the nipple during this procedure.
• Rhytidectomy: More commonly known as a facelift, a rhytidectomy helps remove excess skin on the neck. The procedure aims to give the face and neck a more youthful appearance.
• Torsoplasty: Other names for this procedure include lower body lift and belt lipectomy. It removes excess skin from the sides and back of the torso and may take place alongside abdominoplasty or panniculectomy.
• Thighplasty: This procedure, which some may refer to as a thigh lift, removes excess skin from the inner thighs.

Some people may wish to remove excess skin following extreme weight loss. When a person loses large amounts of weight, this can result in flaps of sagging skin in some areas of the body. Commonly affected sites include the arms, legs, torso, and buttocks. Skin removal surgery can boost a person’s body confidence.

A person may also wish to have skin removal surgery following complications after pregnancy or breastfeeding.

In many cases, people choose to remove excess skin for personal reasons. For example, they may not be happy with their appearance.

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery states that a person is a good candidate for skin removal surgery following extreme weight loss if:

• they have maintained their goal weight for 6 months
• they are in good overall health
• they understand that skin removal surgery may result in scarring and will not create a perfect body
• they can take sufficient time off work to recover

A person may also be able to have skin removal surgery if they have had weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery. This type of surgery helps a person lose weight by altering their digestive system.

Most skin removal surgeries, such as facelifts and breast reductions, count as cosmetic surgery. Anybody can opt to have these surgeries. A plastic surgeon will assess each person to determine whether they are a suitable candidate.

A doctor will advise a person on what they need to do to prepare for their skin removal surgery.

The preparation may involve:

• having regular blood tests
• avoiding smoking or alcohol
• reducing the intake of certain herbs and vitamins
• stopping some medications

A person should aim to live as healthy a lifestyle as possible before this type of surgery.

A person should expect to receive a general anesthetic at the start of their skin removal surgery. This will allow them to stay asleep during the procedure.

In some cases, a person may need to stay overnight in a hospital or clinic following their procedure. However, in most cases, this procedure is an outpatient operation, and a person can usually leave on the same day.

A person should consult their doctor as to whether an overnight stay is a requirement following their procedure.

Following skin removal surgery, a person will likely have some scars.

As with all surgical procedures, skin removal surgery comes with some other risks. Possible risks include:

• blood clots
• stroke
• bleeding
• infection
• bruising
• swelling
• nerve damage
• necrosis
• asymmetric appearance
• allergic reaction to the anesthetic

The recovery time required following surgery depends on the specific procedure. Some people may need a few weeks to recover, while others may only require a few days of recovery.

A person’s healthcare team may put some temporary tubes in place to drain fluid from their body. The individual may need to reduce their physical activity and not drive for a week or so after the procedure. In some cases, surgical support or compression garments may be necessary.

Following abdominal skin removal surgeries, people may not be able to stand upright for a couple of days.

Unless there are any problems during surgery, the outlook for a person having skin removal surgery is usually positive.

There are some alternatives for people who do not wish to have skin removal surgery. The options may include:

• Liposuction: This is a less invasive surgery that uses suction to eliminate excess fat from the body. It involves making small incisions in the target area.
• ThermiTight: This procedure uses radiofrequency heat therapy in the affected region to tighten the skin.
• CoolSculpting: This nonsurgical intervention uses intense freezing techniques to destroy fat cells.

Below, we answer some common questions about skin removal surgery.

Does it cause scarring?

Yes, skin removal surgery will usually result in some scarring where a surgeon made the incisions.

How painful is skin removal surgery?

During the procedure, a person will not feel any pain as they will be under general anesthesia. However, a person may experience some pain while they are recovering and need to take pain relievers.

How long do the results last?

This depends on the procedure. In some cases, the results may be permanent.

However, procedures such as a facelift are not permanent.

Does insurance cover the procedure?

Some insurance providers may offer coverage for certain skin removal surgeries.

Insurance providers typically will not cover surgeries that fall under the banner of cosmetic surgery. However, they may cover skin removal surgery following weight loss surgery.

Skin removal surgery encompasses a variety of surgeries on different parts of the body. A surgeon can remove excess skin from areas such as the abdomen, breasts, upper arm, and neck.

The reasons for wanting skin removal surgery are often personal, having little to do with underlying medical issues.

Recovery may take a couple of weeks, depending on the type of surgery. Usually, people can spend their recovery time at home.

recovery after surgery by day

Abdominoplasty is a complex of surgical techniques, the purpose of which is to correct the abdominal wall, eliminate fat deposits and excess skin formed as a result of anatomical features of the structure or after childbirth, restore aesthetic proportions, and, if necessary, herniotomy. Surgical intervention makes it possible to get rid of defects, gain self-confidence and get perfect aesthetics.

Abdominoplasty is an effective, but at the same time very difficult operation for both the surgeon and the patient. The rehabilitation period after correction takes a long time period and requires increased attention from the patient himself. To speed up the recovery process, minimize discomfort and avoid the development of complications, the patient must carefully observe the restrictions and rules, follow the recommendations of the surgeon and take care of the injured area.

Stages of rehabilitation after plastic surgery

Recovery after abdominal correction is a long process due to significant tissue injury. The exact terms of complete recovery are determined depending on the type of plastic surgery performed, the volume of surgery, the anatomical parameters of the patient and even his genetic characteristics, but any recovery can be conditionally divided into several stages.

Stage I – stationary period

Within 3-5 days, the patient remains in the clinic under the supervision of the medical staff. The first postoperative day, the patient is shown bed rest with a forced position in bed: on the back, with bent and raised legs. This position allows you to reduce the load on the muscular frame and prevent the divergence of the seams. Getting out of bed is usually allowed for 2 days, but this should be done carefully, without sudden movements.

In the first few days it is noted:

• severe pain syndrome, which is relieved by analgesics;
• hard abdomen, painful on palpation;
• increase in edematous syndrome;
• the presence of drainage incisions is possible, which are cleaned several times per knock;
• in some cases there are problems with urination and defecation.

After stabilization of the condition, usually for 3-5 days, the patient can leave the clinic and return home. From this time, a long recovery period begins at home with regular visits to a plastic surgeon for examination and correction of recovery tactics.

Stage II — 5-14 days after manipulation

The patient’s well-being improves, the pain syndrome disappears, discomfort decreases, the main edema begins to subside. During this period, the continuous wearing of compression underwear is shown, it is recommended to sit and sleep in a half-bent position to avoid tension on the seams. By the end of the period, an on-site examination is scheduled to assess the condition and adjust the rehabilitation regimen.

Stage III – 2 weeks – 1 month after abdominoplasty

Gradually pass all discomfort. It is important to maintain adequate physical activity, but at the same time avoid active physical exertion, restrictions on nutrition, daily routine and wearing compression underwear remain.

Stage IV — 6 months-1 year

At this stage, the final recovery of the body after surgery takes place. The patient generally leads a normal life with minimal restrictions. For a faster recovery process, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, local massage, etc. are shown.

What is important for the patient to pay attention to during the recovery period

Abdominoplasty and rehabilitation after it is considered a rather difficult period. Some natural postoperative complications will accompany the patient in any situation. First of all, it is pain, swelling, bruising, discomfort during movement, scars. All these manifestations are the norm and, with proper care, pass without consequences, but in some situations, symptoms such as:

• increased pain syndrome;
• fever;
• severe hyperemia in the area of ​​intervention;
• palpable hardness of the abdominal tissues on palpation;
• bloating, edema increase after 10 days from the operation;
• serous or purulent discharge from a wound;
• divergence of seams.

In the early postoperative period, each patient should analyze his state of health, conduct an independent external examination, and if at least one of these signs is present, it is necessary to urgently visit a plastic surgeon.

Rehabilitation after plastic surgery – recovery, recommendations for care

Plastic surgery is a surgical intervention on various parts of the body, which allows you to remove or correct congenital defects of the face or figure, acquired defects, and in some cases, restore impaired functions.

Most often, plastic surgery is performed according to aesthetic indications – at the request of a person who is dissatisfied with any features of his appearance. The result of the operation in this case is not only satisfaction with the appearance, but also psychological comfort. Plastic surgeries can also be carried out for practical reasons, for example, reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction), since it is difficult for women with very large and heavy breasts to pick up underwear and engage in certain sports. There are also medical indications – restoration of the symmetry and shape of the mammary glands after surgery, correction of the nasal septum.

The experience and qualifications of the surgeon, the technique of the operation, the possibilities and equipment of the clinic are important components of a successful outcome of plastic surgery. However, a significant role in achieving the ideal result is played by the recovery period after plastic surgery and the patient’s compliance with all the rules of rehabilitation.

Features of rehabilitation depending on the type of surgery

Recovery after plastic surgery on the face

A wide variety of interventions can be performed in the face and head area – blepharoplasty, liposuction and lipofilling, lifting, otoplasty and many others. Depending on the type of operation, the course of the postoperative period and recommendations will differ, the operating surgeon will tell you in detail about them. But there are also general nuances. After plastic surgery on the face, the patient will be more concerned about external consequences than dysfunction, as occurs after interventions on the body.

After plastic surgery, hematomas and swelling appear on the face. Soreness, dysfunction (chewing, vision) are also sometimes present, but to a lesser extent. As a rule, the rehabilitation period after plastic surgery on the face lasts 7-10 days. After that, the patient can return to normal life. During the recovery period, it is recommended to wear a compression bandage (if necessary), do not use decorative cosmetics, sleep on your back. After some interventions that require access through the oral cavity, you will need to eat liquid or semi-liquid food at a comfortable temperature. It is forbidden to visit the bath, sauna, solarium.

Rehabilitation after body plastic surgery

Plastic surgeries on the body (liposuction, lipofilling, abdominoplasty, gluteoplasty, femoroplasty, etc.) have a large intervention area and are almost always associated with a violation of some functions. It may be difficult for a person to sit, move due to swelling, pain, and perform any daily activities. Bruises and bruises are also present, but, unlike manipulations on the face, they are easier to hide under clothing.

The rehabilitation period lasts longer than after operations on the face (from 2-3 months to six months or more), involves a long-term limitation of physical activity, exposure to high temperatures (bath, sauna, solarium, tanning). Be sure to follow the diet. Almost always, after the plastic surgery of the body, the patient is recommended to wear compression underwear.

Recovery after mammoplasty

There are different types of plastic surgeries on the breast – breast augmentation, reduction (reduction mammoplasty), mastopexy (lift), nipple correction. The length of the recovery period will depend on the type of surgery, so after reduction mammoplasty it usually proceeds faster than after breast augmentation. On average, recovery after breast surgery takes 2-3 months, and the final result of the operation can be assessed in about six months.

During the rehabilitation period, the patient will experience swelling, discomfort in the chest area, and pain. It is recommended to sleep on your back, limit physical activity, especially involving the upper shoulder girdle, and wear compression underwear without fail. In the early recovery period, you can not drive a car, raise your hands up. Some food restrictions should be observed.

Rehabilitation after intimate plastic surgery

Intimate plastic surgery (labioplasty, G-spot augmentation, intimate area lipofilling, etc.) is performed in the area of ​​mucous membranes with a large number of nerve endings and blood vessels. Therefore, on the one hand, there will be quite strong pain after the operation. On the other hand, recovery in the intimate area occurs quite quickly and lasts about 7-10 days.

At this time, you can not sit down completely, you can sit down sideways without straining the perineum. On the second day after the operation, hygienic procedures are allowed with warm water, without the use of aggressive detergents. It is forbidden to take a hot bath, visit the bath, sauna, swimming pool. On the recommendation of a doctor, the sutures should be treated with antiseptic solutions, and healing ointments should be applied. The exclusion of physical activity and intimate life is shown for 1-1.5 months.

Recovery after plastic surgery of scars and scars

The duration of the recovery period depends on which method was used for the correction. Small scars are removed by excision, the subsequent reduction of the skin edges and the application of a cosmetic suture. In this case, rehabilitation takes 1-2 days, after which the patient can return to normal life with some restrictions.

For extensive rough scars, the method of excision is used and a healthy skin flap is applied to this place, which is taken from a closed area of ​​the patient’s body. In this situation, significant pain, functional impairment (depending on the location of the scar and the graft site sampling), and a longer recovery period are possible.

Rehabilitation procedures

The recovery period after plastic surgery includes a set of measures. In addition to following the doctor’s prescriptions, limiting physical activity and external influences, it includes various procedures that relieve pain and swelling, help speed up the healing process, and return impaired functions.

These include:

• physiotherapy;
• massage;
• wearing compression stockings;
• injection and hardware cosmetology, professional products.

Frequently used physiotherapy:

• microcurrent therapy – prescribed 3-4 days after surgery, relieves pain, numbness, reduces swelling;
• ultrasound therapy – is prescribed from the third week after the intervention, helps to remove seals, accelerates the resorption of scars;
• ultraphonophoresis – the introduction into the epidermis with the help of ultrasound of painkillers, anti-inflammatory and decongestant drugs;
• pressotherapy is a combination of hardware massage and physiological tissue drainage.

Massage can be used both manual and hardware – lymphatic drainage, LPG. Compression underwear helps to reduce postoperative swelling, supports tissues in the area of ​​the operation and reduces the load on them, and promotes rapid recovery. When choosing compression underwear, it is important to choose the right size and degree of compression.

Beauty treatments:

• mesotherapy;
• biorevitalization;
• plasmolifting.

Injectable cosmetic manipulations and the use of professional products help to improve the condition of the skin at the site of exposure, improve its elasticity due to the stimulation of collagen production, and contribute to the speedy healing and resorption of scars.

The result of rehabilitation measures

With timely appointment and regular visits to all procedures after plastic surgery, the following results can be achieved:

• reduction of pain in the area of ​​the postoperative suture;
• improvement of blood and lymph circulation and, as a result, removal of puffiness, prevention of the formation of seals, adhesions;
• restoration of skin sensitivity;
• the formation of a thin, almost imperceptible scar;
• smoothing the skin, improving its elasticity, preventing the appearance of stretch marks;
• quick return to the previous lifestyle after surgery.