Abdominoplasty
Many patients, after losing 100, 200 or more pounds, will require removal of excess skin, especially in the abdominal area. The common term "tummy tuck" is technically known as abdominoplasty. Many insurance companies will authorize payment for this procedure based on documentation of skin rashes, back aches, or other conditions that arise during or after weight loss. Our insurance department can send a letter of medical necessity requesting authorization from your insurance company for an abdominoplasty, including clinical photographs depicting the loose skin and/or rash. Hernia repair, if needed, can be requested at this time as well. Abdominoplasties are best done when weight loss has slowed down, or stabilized, oftern 12-18 months post-op. Hospital stay averages 2-3 days, and patients often go home with drains, scheduling office follow-ups for post-operative care and drain removal. Many patients feel this surgery is the “frosting on the cake”, although some report that it can be more uncomfortable than the original DS. Removing as many as 20 pounds or more of excess skin and tissue can make an instant dramatic effect on the way one sits and walks, and the way clothing fits.
Thighplasty
Thighplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs after excessive weight loss. It removes lax skin and fat and places the scars in the bikini line area where it can be hidden.
Thighplasty procedure usually requires a 1-2 day hospital stay, and general anesthesia is used. Following thighplasty, you will be advised to wear a light support garment for two to three months and avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks.
Lower Body Lift
When there is a large amount of excess skin in the buttocks as well as abdomen, this procedure may be superior, especially when there is excess skin in the back and tummy. The lower body lift leaves less scarring than individual procedures, and patients are satisfied with the improved appearance.
Brachioplasty or Arm Lift
This operation is done to tighten the loose skin of the upper arm. It does not change the texture of the skin, but by stretching it, surface irregularity is made less noticeable. This surgery is not complicated; the excess skin is marked and then removed. In some patients, the fascia or deep layer is held in place with special stitches attached to the fascia of the armpit or axilla. The incision is placed on the inner and under surface of the arm and often curves or zigzags. It may also curve around the upper part of the arm. The operation is done under general anesthesia. For some patients, this can be an outpatient operation, and an overnight stay in the hospital is not needed.
Hernia Repair
Hernia means that the inside layers of the abdominal muscle have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear. In the same way that an inner tube pushes through a damaged tire, the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall to form a small balloon-like sac. This can allow a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue to push into the sac. The hernia can cause severe pain and other potentially serious problems that could require emergency surgery. You may be born with a hernia (congenital) or develop one over time.
The common areas where hernias occur are in the groin (inguinal), belly button (umbilical) and the site of a previous operation (incisional).
It is usually easy to recognize a hernia. You may notice a bulge under the skin. You may feel pain when you lift heavy objects, cough, strain during urination or bowel movements or during prolonged standing or sitting. The pain may be sharp and immediate or a dull ache that gets worse toward the end of the day. Severe, continuous pain, redness and tenderness are signs that the hernia may be entrapped or strangulated. These symptoms are cause for concern and immediate contact of your primary physician or us.
If you are having a hernia, this can readily be repaired with a simple operation, occasionally using patch method. Most of the time, we combine repair of a hernia with removal of excess abdominal skin (abdominoplasty) following weight loss.
Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
- Removes excess skin while enhancing natural lifts for a more
aesthetic
appearance.
- Reduces massive breast making them consistent with new body contours.
- Often coupled with other procedures at same anesthetic.
Fee Schedule
For more information regarding fee schedule contact our
San Francisco Office.
