Body Contouring after Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric Surgery) Minneapolis
Following weight reduction surgery, or any substantial amount of weight loss, the skin and tissues often lack elasticity and cannot conform to the reduced body size. As a result, skin that has been severely stretched now is unsupported:
- Upper arms may sag and appear loose and full
- Breasts may flatten and hang with nipples pointed downward
- Abdominal area may extend around the sides and into the lower back area, resulting in an apron-like overhang
- Buttocks, groin and thighs can sag and cause hanging pockets of skin
Surgical body contouring following major weight loss improves the shape and tone of your underlying tissue that supports fat and skin, and removes excess sagging fat and skin. The result is a more normal appearance to the body, with smoother contours. This is, in essence, the final phase of your total weight loss experience.
Dr. Lokeh had his own journey through weight loss surgery in 2001 when he underwent a
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Having been a gastric bypass and subsequent post bariatric skin removal patient, Dr. Lokeh appreciates all that a patient is faced with in having both procedures. He exhibits a particular sensitivity and understanding of the weight loss patient. The sentiment “I looked better before my weight loss surgery” is very common and he understands. People are not used to seeing the after effects of a 100-300 pound weight loss on their body. Many people will not allow their spouse to see them undressed. Understanding their embarrassment and feelings surrounding the excess skin, he is committed to helping these patients.
Beginning early in his training, Dr. Lokeh began taking care of and operating on patients undergoing bariatric and post-bariatric plastic surgery. His 15 years of experience and personal understanding of the impacts of surgery provide him a deep understanding of the post weight loss patient. With experience in both bariatric and post bariatric plastic surgery during his training, and then focusing much of his practice in the specialty, Dr. Lokeh has studied and trained with thought leaders in post bariatric plastic surgery. Performing abdominoplasty on a bariatric patient has its own considerations and complexities. While similar to non-weight loss body contouring surgery, it truly is its own procedure. As a trainee, he was honored to be selected and participate in the American Society of Plastic Surgery Task Force for Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery. He was the first trainee to ever serve on a committee like this.
Dr. Lokeh is also sensitive to patients who have been told by other surgeons to “lose more weight before surgery” despite their weight has plateaued for some time. Whether patients anticipate losing more weight or not, many are happy with their weight and are simply ready to move forward with plastic surgery. He understands and accepts this without judgment. The risks and benefits of surgical timing will be discussed; and he is acutely aware of all of the medical issues that weight loss patients present with when requesting post bariatric plastic surgery. Often vitamin, anemia and protein deficiencies are present depending on the type of weight loss surgery performed.
