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 abdominoplasty | Articles for patients

Contents

1. How long is rehabilitation after abdominoplasty
2. Abdominoplasty: rehabilitation after surgery by day
3. What can be done after abdominoplasty and what restrictions must be observed
4. Cases requiring medical attention
5. Rapid recovery procedures after tummy tuck

Abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery that helps to improve the shape of the abdomen. It involves the removal of excess skin-fat flap (apron), skin stretch marks and restoration of overstretching of the tissues of the anterior abdominal wall. If necessary, hernial defects of the anterior abdominal wall are eliminated.

Depending on the wishes of the patient and the assessment of the existing state of the body, we perform one of three types of abdominoplasty:

• Mini abdominoplasty or minimally invasive tummy tuck (no navel transfer). It is recommended when there are minor problems only in the lower abdomen.
• Classic tummy tuck. It is performed when the skin of the abdomen is sluggish, not elastic, in stretch marks. A scar at the bottom of the abdomen, hidden behind underwear.
• Extended abdominoplasty with navel transfer and correction of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. The seam is made in the form of an inverted letter T. The scar after such an operation is not hidden under underwear.

How long is rehabilitation after abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is a rather complicated plastic surgery. Its success depends not only on the skill of the surgeon, but also on the patient, since high-quality rehabilitation plays an important role in shaping the final effect.

The volume of intervention in abdominoplasty is quite large. Therefore, the recovery period lasts several months. A more accurate rehabilitation time is determined by a plastic surgeon during a consultation. Recovery time depends on the following factors:

• which type of abdominoplasty was performed on the patient;
• what was the volume of the operation;
• patient’s age and state of health at the time of surgery;
• what bad habits does he have;
• how well the post-op care was done.

If the patient follows the doctor’s instructions and adheres to the regimen, then rehabilitation after abdominoplasty is comfortable and faster.

Scars after the operation acquire an aesthetic appearance and become less noticeable after six months. During this period, you can evaluate the intermediate effect of the operation. The final result of the correction of the abdomen is seen in a year.

Abdominoplasty: rehabilitation after surgery by day

First 2 days after surgery

After the abdominoplasty, right in the operating room, the patient is put on a special bandage and stockings and transferred to the intensive care unit to wake up from anesthesia. Then they are transferred to a regular ward, where the person stays for the first two days.

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. After the completion of its action, the patient feels nausea, headache, dizziness and general weakness. Also, after the operation, the tissues in the manipulation area swell, bruises and bruises appear on the skin. All these phenomena do not need to be afraid. They are a completely natural reaction of the body and pass over time. However, in the first days after surgery, these phenomena must be carefully monitored to prevent complications. That is why the patient remains in the hospital.

After the operation, the tissues are damaged, so the patient may feel pain with any movement. To stop it, you need to take painkillers.

For 3-4 days, the patient is given a drain to drain excess fluid. With normal recovery after abdominoplasty, it is removed. A catheter is placed to drain urine, because after abdominoplasty, the patient cannot go to the toilet in the usual way for some time.

The bandage, which is worn in the operating room, tightens the body quite strongly. Therefore, some may feel suffocated. This condition is normal, there is no need to panic, it is necessary to let the body adapt to it.

The site of the operation and the entire abdominal area due to bruises, swelling and bruising immediately after the operation look unpresentable. You should not be afraid of this, as soon these phenomena will pass.

To prevent the stitches from coming apart, the patient can only get up the next day after the operation and with the support of another person.

First two weeks after tummy tuck

If the recovery of the body is positive, on the third day after the operation, the patient is discharged from the hospital. In the first days after the abdominoplasty, the patient cannot immediately fully return to the usual rhythm of life, so it is necessary that someone at home help you.

In order for the recovery to continue in a positive way and there are no risks of complications, it is important to follow all the doctor’s recommendations: be sure to wear compression underwear, follow a diet, do not go to saunas and baths, take a bath. Scars must be treated with antiseptics.

To control the healing process, it is important to visit the doctor according to the schedule. At 10-14 days after abdominoplasty, sutures are removed.

4-5 weeks after surgery

By this time, in most patients, pain has already disappeared. Discomfort can be only with a sharp inclination forward. Also, when tilted, the seam may turn red, this is considered a normal physiological reaction. It is not recommended for patients to be in an inclination for a long time. This can cause scar hypertrophy and increase the risk of developing a keloid scar.

After half a year, you can evaluate the first results of the operation. Even 6 months after abdominoplasty of the abdomen, the final results can be recorded.

What can be done after abdominoplasty and what restrictions must be observed

The rules for rehabilitation at home after tummy tuck include:

• Wearing a compression garment is mandatory.
• It is better to sit and also sleep in a slightly bent position. So the seams will be in a relaxed, not stretched state. This is necessary for better tissue fusion. Be sure to sleep on your back.
• Habitual physical activities are prohibited for three months. Also, you can not lift weights over three kilograms.
• Wash the body only after the stitches have been removed.
• Do not take a bath, do not go to the bath or sauna for 2 months after surgery.
• Do not sunbathe for 6 months, or protect the surgical area very carefully from ultraviolet radiation. It can contribute to the development of complications after abdominoplasty.
• Follow a diet and eat foods that do not cause constipation and flatulence.
• Intercourse should be postponed at least until the stitches are removed.
• Do not take third-party medications without consulting your healthcare professional.

Cases requiring medical attention

Recovery after surgery for each patient is individual. There are cases that require consultation with a surgeon:

• abdominal tissue hard to the touch;
• there is unbearable pain that does not go away after taking the pills;
• abdomen strongly swollen;
• noticed pus in the suture area;
• the suture turned red, increased in size, the tissues swelled and these effects do not disappear for a long time;
• the seam began to diverge;
• the temperature has risen;
• hematomas appeared.

Quick recovery procedures after tummy tuck

After surgery to change the shape of the body, a number of procedures are prescribed to help relieve swelling and improve the appearance of scars. These are manipulations such as:

• ultrasound therapy with Contractubex;
• plasma therapy;
• laser resurfacing;
• lymphatic drainage massage after abdominoplasty with hands or special devices.

These procedures improve blood flow, due to this, edema and hematomas resolve much faster, and congestion disappears.