After Weight Loss Surgery in Albuquerque, NM

No matter why or how you lose a dramatic amount of weight (100 pounds or more), you may find that your skin does not quite look how you think it should once you get to your goal weight. Your skin may have lost its elasticity, which means that it will sag and can become very bothersome physically and aesthetically. Our talented and highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Miguel Gallegos, performs skin removal surgery for patients who qualify. We want you to have what you need to keep your weight off. Your hanging skin may be a daily reminder of your larger, unhealthier self, which may bring about self-defeating thoughts. Dr. Gallegos can consult with you about surgical skin removal and tightening in a private consultation in his Albuquerque, NM office. He wants to improve your quality of life and assist in your process to keep the weight off by sculpting your body without the lax skin. You achieved a great accomplishment for your health.

At Hermosa Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of body contouring treatments, including arm, body, thigh, and butt lift surgeries to help you achieve your goals. These treatments effectively eliminate excess skin and some fat, producing a thinner and firmer body contour. Dr. Gallegos can also tighten stretched muscles that have atrophied over time while you were overweight. After weight loss surgery can be a life-changing process at Hermosa Plastic Surgery. We want you to have realistic expectations as to what you can expect from skin removal surgeries. Your care is very important to us in this step in your personal transformation for a slimmer, healthy physique.

Weight loss surgery is a transformative procedure that enhances your appearance and contributes significantly to your overall health and well-being. This surgical intervention can lead to remarkable changes, offering a plethora of aesthetic and health benefits, such as:

• Removing loose, excess skin
• Tightening and lifting sagging skin
• Restoring a more balanced body contour
• Increased mobility and movement
• Improved posture
• Reducing skin chafing and irritation
• Boosting self-image and self-confidence

Embracing the changes after weight loss surgery can be a life-altering experience. Contact Hermosa Plastic Surgery today to find out more about this fantastic treatment.

The best individuals for skin removal and tightening surgery are those who are dealing with loose skin due to a massive weight loss or fluctuation. In most cases, this challenge is seen early on as the body gets smaller. If weight loss has caused stretched skin, after weight loss surgery at Hermosa Plastic Surgery can reduce the issue and secure the remaining tissue for a tighter and healthier appearance. Excess skin can also cause medical conditions. Disproportionally distributed weight (such as the breasts) or elongated skin can pull on the neck and shoulders causing pain and discomfort. Folds of skin on the abdomen or thighs may chronically have skin infections. The extra skin removal is not necessarily always a cosmetic issue. You may wish to combine several procedures as a candidate for after weight loss surgery, such as:

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
• Arm lift
• Breast lift
• Breast reduction
• Upper back lift (at the bra line for women)
• Full body lift (body lift 360º) for maximum body contouring
• Thigh lift
• Butt lift
• Liposuction
• Fat Transfer

It is recommended that you be near a healthy, maintained weight before having these procedures. If you are a post-bariatric surgery patient, Dr. Gallegos may want to consult with your surgeon or bariatric surgery team in your best interest. We want to make sure you receive the utmost care at Hermosa Plastic Surgery.

Unless it is determined that you need to have your procedure in a local hospital, Dr. Gallegos can perform your after weight loss surgery in his AAAASF-accredited surgical facility here at Hermosa Plastic Surgery. You may decide to have your procedures in stages (several surgeries spaced weeks apart) or combine several surgeries together. This may be dependent on your personal choice, your health, and the time you have allotted for recovery. Combining surgeries will require extensive recovery time.

Under general anesthesia for 3 – 7 hours, Dr. Gallegos will perform your skin removal surgeries as discussed in your planning sessions. Liposuction is often incorporated during the procedure to remove isolated fat pockets, followed by muscle tightening when appropriate. Some surgical skin removals do require longer incisions than other cosmetic procedures. Scars will be a part of this process. During this procedure, every effort is made by Dr. Gallegos to create the incisions as discreetly as possible. Your incisions will be sutured (with or without the placement of drains) and bandaged. You will need to wear compression garments in the treatment areas until Dr. Gallegos tells you to discontinue wearing them. You will go to our recovery area where our caring post-op nurses will manage your pain and assist you in waking from surgery.

At home, you will need to care for the small tubes inserted near the incisions to help minimize swelling and drainage. You must wear the compression garments provided to limit swelling and speed up your recovery. For most patients, it takes about 2 – 4 weeks until you can resume everyday activities. Considering the complexity of the surgery, it may take longer. You will have many follow-up appointments so that Dr. Gallegos can check and document your progress. If you experience any signs of infection (odor from incisions, a lot of blood in drainage, abnormal pain, fever) or have a question about your recovery, please call our office. You are not in this alone.

How much does after weight loss surgery cost?
In your initial consultation, Dr. Gallegos will produce your custom treatment plan for your concerns. When your treatment plan is finalized, he can then estimate expenses, which will include fees for the facility, anesthesia, care before and after your surgery, and more. During the consultation appointment, we can discuss payment options and if you are going to try to submit this surgery to your insurance for coverage.

Can I use insurance to pay for my after weight loss surgery?
Health insurance does not pay for the costs of elective surgery. Although, policies do vary and may cover you if excess skin is deemed a medical issue. If you are planning to submit a claim to your insurance company, please let Dr. Gallegos know in your initial consultation. He can give you the necessary paperwork and information to submit to your insurance company.

What will be included in my after weight loss surgery?
You make that call. Common areas that are a part of this procedure are the stomach, butt, thighs, arms, breasts, and neck. In your initial consultation, Dr. Gallegos will evaluate your skin and talk to you in-depth about your concerns and goals. When this is done, he will give you his suggestions on what needs to be part of your surgery.

When should I get my after weight loss surgery?
As you start to lose a lot of weight, excess skin will become visible, and it's usually a good time to schedule your initial consultation at Hermosa Plastic Surgery. In this consultation, Dr. Gallegos will discuss what you should do before your after weight loss surgery and what areas should be part of your surgical plan. Before scheduling surgery, you need to be at or near a healthy, stable weight.

What will my recovery be like after surgery?
The length of your recovery will depend on how many areas you are addressing during after weight loss surgery. If you are having several areas treated, it will take you longer to recover. Appointments for follow-up exams at Hermosa Plastic Surgery should be scheduled so Dr. Gallegos can assess your recovery.

Losing weight is such a tremendous accomplishment, and we are so happy for you if you finally met your weight loss goals. If sagging and wrinkly skin is a new frustration, Dr. Gallegos invites you to learn more about your alternatives for after weight loss surgery. We want you to keep the weight off! After weight loss surgery could further sculpt your physique and help you to meet and surpass each of the amazing goals you made for yourself. Contact Hermosa Plastic Surgery in Albuquerque, NM to schedule your consultation.