Skin Removal Surgery - An Overview

Introduction

Skin removal surgery is a procedure to remove excess skin or fat from the person's body parts. The procedure is often known as skin excision surgery or skin contouring surgery and is done under general anesthesia. The skin removal technique is usually done for various reasons, such as sagging or aging skin, potential weight loss, or inelastic skin, which causes excess skin on the body. This excess skin can be very troublesome for the person and impact their mental health and self-confidence. One finds it difficult to fit into clothes and is more at risk of developing frequent skin rashes, infections, and pain in the skin fold.

Skin removal surgeries are mainly done after weight loss (bariatric surgery), and a person must maintain the weight loss for at least six months to undergo a body contouring procedure. Achieving the goal weight usually takes one to two years after bariatric surgery. The skin removal procedure cannot remove the extra skin until the person loses weight.

What Are the Various Skin Removal Surgeries?

Various skin removal surgeries are as follows:

• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): This surgery removes excess skin and tightens the muscles and skin of the abdomen.

• Mastopexy (Breast Lift): This procedure firms the breasts by removing extra skin and tightening the tissues.

• Lower Body Lift: This surgery is for uplifting the outer thigh, butt, and stomach by removing extra skin and fat.

• Thigh Lift (Thighplasty): This surgery removes extra skin to make the inner thigh look sleeker.

• Rhytidectomy (Facelift): This procedure removes extra skin from the neck region and gives the face a more youthful and smoother appearance.

• Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): The skin removal procedure removes extra skin hanging from the upper arm.

• Panniculectomy: Excess skin removal that hangs below the belly button. It is also called a pannus.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Skin Removal Surgery?

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, a person is suitable for the skin removal surgery following major weight loss if:

• A person has maintained a goal weight for six months.

• A person has overall good health.

• A person does not smoke or use tobacco in any form, as it can cause delayed wound healing and other surgical complications.

• One follows a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, to keep off the lost weight.

• A person knows about the skin removal procedure and is realistic about the outcomes.

Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate for Skin Removal Surgery?

• A person who is having unstable body weight.

• Women planning to get pregnant.

• Compromise overall health or the one who is an active smoker.

• Breastfeeding women or one who has recently delivered a baby.

What Happens Before Skin Removal Surgery?

Before undergoing skin removal surgery, the doctor (cosmetic or plastic surgeon) recommends the following:

• Regular blood tests or laboratory tests.

• Stop taking vitamin and herbal supplements.

• Avoid alcohol and smoking.

• Avoid certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aspirin.

What Happens During Skin Removal Surgery?

Excess skin removal surgery is done in hospital settings under general anesthesia. Depending on the type of procedure, a person may have to stay in the hospital overnight or be discharged on the same day. Some procedures are often done in stages, and a person may need multiple surgeries. Some skin removal surgeries, such as lower body lifts and tummy tucks, can be done on the same day of the surgical appointment.

Skin Removal Surgery Procedure:

• Anesthesia is administered to the patient.

• The surgical incision is made on the desired area of the body.

• Excess fat and skin are removed from the body, mainly through liposuction.

• Skin contouring is done by tightening and shaping the skin.

• Absorbable stitches or sutures close the incision or wound after the procedure.

• Later, a sterile dressing is applied along with compression garments.

• Drains are placed.

• One can see the surgery results; however, there is bruising and swelling in the initial few days after surgery.

After skin removal surgery, one must follow the instructions of a cosmetic surgeon cautiously as the body heals over time. Also, the surgery results are considered final approximately after two years.

How Does Recovery Occur After Skin Removal Surgery?

A person fully recovers after several months post-skin removal surgery, and it usually depends on the type of procedure. However, after the surgery, the following needs to be done:

• The person is prescribed NSAIDs or pain relievers.

• A person may have to go home with temporary tubes for fluid drainage through the body for a week or two.

• They are asked to change the dressings and apply ointments regularly.

• They should avoid strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects for at least six weeks.

• They can return to work in a few weeks, depending on the type of procedure done.

• After an abdominal procedure, patients are advised not to stand upright for some days, and during lower body lifts, they must keep a pillow to elevate the knees.

• They must take walks and drink plenty of fluid or water to prevent blood clots.

• They must avoid driving a car for the initial week post-surgery.

When Should One Call a Doctor After Skin Removal Surgery?

One should call the doctor if they experience the following:

• Fainting.

• Dizziness.

• Shortness of breath.

• Chest pain.

• Swelling in the limbs.

• Vomiting.

• Nausea.

• Fever or redness at the incision site (signs of infection).

• Severe pain.

What Are the Complications Associated with Skin Removal Surgery?

• Bleeding.

• Stroke (brain damage due to interruption in the blood supply).

• Blood clots.

• Swelling.

• Infection.

• Bruising.

• Scarring (scar formation).

• Necrosis (death of body tissue).

• Nerve damage.

• Asymmetric appearance.

• Anesthesia-related allergic reaction.

Conclusion

Skin removal surgery gives a person the desired body appearance in their goal for significant weight loss. Sagging and loose skin after weight loss is troublesome, and one surely wants to get rid of it. Therefore, skin removal surgery focuses on body contouring and makes the skin smoother and firmer in appearance after weight loss surgery. However, there are various risks associated with these surgeries; therefore, one should get a thorough medical consultation before opting for any such procedures.