Massive weight loss patients are those who have had gastric bypass or lap band surgery. Most lose over 100 pounds and this leaves them with a lot of loose skin. As a result they seek a number of Plastic Surgery procedures like facelifts, brachioplasty, mastopexy, tummy tucks, thigh lifts and body lifts.
What we as a specialty have noticed is that after these surgeries, recurrent skin laxity is a problem. This brings revisions into consideration which entails additional surgery, fees, and recovery. MWL patients as a group tend to recur much more quickly and severely than ‘typical’ patients undergoing these surgeries. This doesn’t mean you should avoid these procedures, only that you should choose an experienced surgeon and have a good, candid conversation before you decide to proceed.
Lee Corbett, MD
