If you have lost a lot of weight after bariatric surgery, this may be the moment to seek reconstructive plastic surgery to eliminate excess skin, and, of course, some of the residual fat.
Why should I undergo post-bariatric surgery?
After bariatric surgery, it is normal to have excess skin, since the fat has gradually been eliminated after the stomach reduction. Nevertheless, the skin that covered all that fat is still there, but more flaccid now.
The most indicated areas for this surgery are the abdomen, breasts, arms and thighs, since that is where the skin sags the most.
How long after bariatric surgery can I do reconstructive surgery?
Usually in 1 to 2 years after the stomach reduction, but this decision must be taken at the post-op appointments by the doctor responsible for the bariatric surgery or endocrinologist following the case. This is because reconstructive surgery should only be done when the person will not lose any more weight.
In other words, he/she has reached the end of the weight-loss period resulting from the stomach reduction and is in a stable weight.
Which surgeries are usually performed?
There are four main surgeries that can be done in the order the patient prefers, with no more than two surgeries performed on the same day:
- Abdominoplasty
- Breast plastic surgery
- Lifting on the arms
- Thigh plastic surgery
If the patient thinks it’s necessary, buttock-implant surgery can also be done. Usually, we advise having two of these surgeries on the same day.
Our mastopexy and abdominoplasty surgeries are highly differentiated and allow for an excellent outcome and a much faster recovery.
If you want to read more about the types of Mastopexy we perform, please click here.
If you want more information about our differentiated abdominoplasty, please click here.
All our patients have the opportunity of having a specific follow up in order to prepare for plastic surgery, which involves guidance from our Nutritionist, who will focus on weight loss, lean-mass gain, inflammation reduction and detox shortly before the surgery, as well as collagen replacement to stimulate adequate healing.
This differential is very important, since bariatric patients will always have some degree of nutrient-absorption deficit (that’s why they lose weight), and we cannot allow deficits shortly before to the plastic-surgery procedure.
Fast-track recovery protocol: post-bariatric surgery
We have developed a proprietary method that allows the patient to undergo two plastic surgeries simultaneously, on the same day, and still have a fast recovery. That shortens your recovery time in Brazil, returning to your home town and country sooner.
This will also help reduce your stay costs in Rio de Janeiro!
Both the Mastopexy and the Abdominoplasty count on specific methods to be performed. Such methods, which have been patented by our team, have the following objectives:
- Reduce the incidence of healing problems
- Increase the chances of having a very thin scar
- Have a faster recovery
- Be swollen for a shorter period
- Reach the end result quickly
- Use the post-op compression garment for less time
- Quickly return to your work and daily activities
If you want more information on our methods to achieve better outcomes and a faster recovery, as well as on our complete service, click here.
Hospital discharge within 48 hours:
We always send a nurse and a physiotherapist to the hospital to tend to you already on the day following the procedure, before being discharged. The Physiotherapist focuses on promoting a quick recovery, relieving the symptoms, fighting edema and ecchymosis and good healing. The session with her in the hospital takes up to 90 minutes.
Our nurse is focused on enabling a better recovery. We think about your comfort and will give you important instructions for when you go home, such as walking slouched, not touching the dressings (they don’t have to be changed), using the compression garment and when to go back for an appointment.
Our patients usually don’t experience post-op pain.
Post-op cares: post-bariatric surgery
The patient must avoid physical efforts and maintain a slouched posture for up to 15 days, to avoid tension on the scar. The recovery takes about 30 days after the abdominoplasty surgery for normal daily activities and 60 days for physical exercises.
We like to give our patients two booklets: one before and another after the surgery so you know what to expect and what you have to do to reach your (our) objectives.
Abdominoplasty outcomes must not be considered definitive before 6 months after the surgery. Lymphatic drainage, performed by a qualified and experienced professional, is essential for the disappearance of the edema and to avoid the formation of fibrosis.
In a nutshell: Post-bariatric surgery
We perform a highly humanized appointment where we will listen to you and propose the best solution. Then, we give you a cost estimate and the pre-op exams will be requested. We count on a complete and well-trained team to receive and help you in all steps: before, during and after the procedure.
Our professionals have many years of experience in fields such as Medicine, Nutrition, Physiotherapy and Nursing.
How to Have a Procedure Done In Brazil?
Brazilian Plastic Surgery is very well-known around the globe. This started to happen with Dr. Ivo Pitanguy’s work, which raised the bar for modern plastic surgery worldwide.
At Dr. Alexandre Charão’s clinic, we have developed several protocols to improve our post-op outcomes and comfort. We were able to summarize years of experience in this site text.
Our patients come from many different countries around the world and all of them have reported the following advantages of undergoing the procedure in Brazil:
- high technical capacity
- lower cost
- friendlier experience in comparison to other countries
- complete team to facilitate a quick recovery
- safety in all steps
The next step for you to eliminate whatever is bothering you is to schedule an appointment
with Dr. Alexandre Charão.
This can be done in two ways:
- Sending a Whatsapp message to + 55 (21) 99474-9160
- Sending an email to alex@plasticrio.com
After you get in touch, we will send you a link for the payment of the appointment, which
will be scheduled soon after.
