Question:
Do obesity surgeons also take care of excess skin removal later on?

I understand that most people need plastic surgery a year or so after having the procedure. Is this true? I'd like to find a surgeon who does both, to save time. Is this wise?    — Cindy V. (posted on April 1, 1999)

March 31, 1999
Plastic surgeons specialize in this -- you don't want a regular surgeon doing this. I would like to do this too, but the less scarring, the better.
   — Laurie P.

March 31, 1999
I am 18 mos post op and had a circumferential (sp) panniculectomy done this past November. This was done by a plastic surgeon and covered by my insurance. At that time I had lost approx 150 lbs. I still have 70 lbs to go to reach my goal weight of 170 lbs but I was at a point in my weight loss that if the excess skin was not removed I would not be able to exercise and I had constant lower back and hip pain from the weight of the skin hanging. I will have to have it done again when I get to goal which the insurance will not cover. Luckily I am also having a breast reduction/lift that will be covered and I can have it done at the same time. My suggestion would be to have a plastic surgeon perform the procedure and hold off as long as possible before having it done. Try to get as close to your goal weight as possible. Also, the weight loss surgeon will not do a nice of a job on the scarring. Believe me, you still have a scar with the plastic surgeon, but I believe it is a "nicer" scar, if there is such a thing. Also, don't expect the plastic surgeon to be a miracle worker.
   — kaffyjo

March 31, 1999
Cindy, I think it would depend a lot on how much weight you're attempting to lose. Some people can tone up while they're losing the excess weight and others lose weight so quickly and drastically that they have to have additional surgries to remove for example, "bat wings", liposuction on the thighs, and removal of the "fat apron" or otherwise called a tummy tuck. Some even have breast reduction done so they don't appear so lop-sided. My surgeon for instance, also does the "after surgery" for a pleasing final effect of the bypass surgery. Most insurance companies however will not authorize this "plastic" surgery because it is considered cosmetic in nature and don't consider it to be a health related issue. My surgeon on the other hand words the request letter to the insurance company in such a way as to not make it sound as cosmetic surgery but as "removal of redundant tissue surgery". If you have a surgeon all ready selected I would suggest you check with him/her and ask and check the credentials of the surgeon. Good luck!
   — wendy H.

March 31, 1999
I am about to have the surgery, scheduled for June 16. But I have heard of people having this surgery going to places like burn centers and donating their excess skin, in which, from what I understand, you would not need insurance as they pay for the surgery. I could be wrong, but I hope I'm not, because that is what I intend to do after surgery, too. Good Luck.
   — Lauri B.

April 2, 1999
Some do, some don't. Many use plastic surgeons. Some insurances even help pay for the reconstructive work! You don't want to do them together! Your skin isn't empty NOW. And not everyone needs help. Why sign up for scars you must ilve with forever if all you have in a year is a tiny little bag, similar to what skinny folks get after babies? WAIT. Keep your skin nourished inside & out with vitamin E, take all the protein your doc recommends, and exercise a bit. Exercise helps tone the muscles, protein holds onto muscle while releasing fat and vit E will help with the skin. Drink lots of water to flush the fat away. THEN, see where you are.
   — [Anonymous]

April 15, 1999
Your bariatric doctor should be able to refer you to a good plastic surgeon. For me personally, I will be doing the same thing eventually and i want a cosmetic specialist to do the tummy tuck because that's his/her speciality and not just something he does on the side. be patient and choose the right person for you. you deserve the best.
   — cindy N.