Question:
Will my skin bounce back over time or should I plan plastic surgery now?

I have what a lot of people would consider to be a mild to moderate case of saggy skin as a result of losing 150 lbs. Its worst on my legs (inner thighs) and stomach (wrinkled but no apron). Neither causes any health related problems like rashes but it is unsightly and prevents me from wearing shorts without being self consious. Since the problem isnt severe Im wondering if it will correct itself in time or whether I should take care of it now. Are there any long term postops out there who had saggy skin a year after surgery that eventually corrected itself? Im in my late twenties if that is a factor and I also am working out at a gym.    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 6, 2000)

November 5, 2000
I haven't had the surgery as of yet, but my surgeon told me that it takes a full 2 years after you loose all your weight for your skin to "catch up with your weight loss". He told me not to worry about sagging skin, or having reconstructive surgery until then, if it's still a problem. So, if you can't wait for that long, the decision is entirely up to you! Good luck on whatever you decide!
   — jewlsyng30

November 6, 2000
Ideally, you should lose 90% of your excess weight before having plastic surgery. My surgeon told me I probably wouldn't need plastic surgery since I am only 32. Let me tell you, he's wrong. I'm down 100+ lbs, with still a ways to go, and it's a problem now. I'm actually a size smaller from the waist up than I am from the waist down. If you'll do a database search on plastic surgery, you'll get tons of info.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 6, 2000
I am only 6 months post op but sagging skin is already a problem after losing 84 pounds. But it doesn't upset me because I knew this would happen, and I knew that plastic surgery would happen eventually. I am 37 and the chances of my skin bouncing back, even with a lot of exercise, is slim, so in 1 1/2-2 years, I will treat myself to plastic surgery! For me, it's a small price to pay for everything I have "gained" from my "loss". :) The most important thing is to wait at least 1 1/2-2 years after your surgery.
   — Paula G.