Losing a significant amount of weight is a commendable achievement, but it often leaves individuals with excess, sagging skin. This excess skin can be a source of physical discomfort and emotional distress, impacting body image and overall quality of life. Body contouring surgery, also known as skin removal surgery, offers a solution by removing excess skin and reshaping the underlying tissues to create a more toned and proportionate silhouette. This article provides a comprehensive overview of post-weight loss skin removal surgery, including the types of procedures available, factors influencing the cost, insurance coverage, financing options, and what to expect during recovery.
Why Consider Body Lift Surgery?
There are several reasons why individuals consider body lift surgery after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or due to the natural aging process. Body lift surgery is commonly performed on people who have lost an extensive amount of weight because it helps improve the tone and shape of the body, and removes excess skin that remains once the weight is gone. Body lifting isn’t just for weight loss patients: women who have had children are also good candidates for this procedure, as the abdomen is one of the areas targeted by this body contouring procedure. Finally, some body lift patients have never been overweight, but simply have excess skin due to the natural aging process. The amount varies significantly based on your weight loss journey and body composition. For patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight, body lift surgery can remove anywhere from 5 to 10+ pounds of excess skin and tissue. However, body lift surgery is not a weight loss procedure-it’s a body contouring procedure designed to remove the hanging skin that remains after weight loss and to sculpt a more defined, proportionate silhouette. Reduced Skin Irritation: Excess skin can lead to chafing, rashes, and infections.
Types of Body Lift Procedures and Their Costs
The cost of skin removal surgery varies widely depending on the type of procedure, the extent of surgery, the surgeon's experience, and the geographic location of the surgical facility. The procedure is highly customizable and focuses on specific areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, breasts, chest, and back, depending on the your unique needs. It’s not unusual for candidates to pursue a tummy tuck and breast lift at the same time, or do inner and outer thighs at the same time. This may help accelerate recovery and offers the sense of having “gotten it over with,” too.
Here's a breakdown of common body lift procedures and their average costs:
- Panniculectomy: A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure to change the shape and form of the abdomen by removing the excess fat and skin that can hang down over the abdomen. This procedure focuses on removing excess skin from the lower abdomen, addressing functional issues caused by a "pannus" (hanging apron of skin). The goal of panniculectomy is to primarily remove hanging skin, while a tummy tuck also provides contouring effects to enhance your muscles and waistline. It’s also possible to have both procedures done at the same time. The national average cost of a panniculectomy is $7,000, with a range between $5,393 and $13,618, depending on a variety of factors.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Abdominoplasty: Also known as a tummy tuck, a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. A tummy tuck is also intended to remove excess skin. The key difference is that this invasive surgery is usually elected for aesthetic reasons and isn’t medically necessary like a panniculectomy. With a tummy tuck, your doctor will cut out excess skin while also tightening abdominal muscles. While the surgery itself won’t give you six-pack abs, it will make it easier for you to build abdominal muscles on your own through exercise in the future. The average cost of lower body lift surgery is $11,397, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The average cost for the surgeon’s fee is $7,215.
- Lower Body Lift: With a body lift procedure, Dr. For those seeking comprehensive body rejuvenation, the total body lift uses techniques of both the upper and lower body lifts. A lower body lift is the most popular, addressing the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs in one procedure. This extensive surgery can dramatically transform your lower body. Demand jumped 28% in 2022, with an average cost of $9,449.
- Upper Body Lift: Whether through an upper body lift, lower body lift, or a total body lift, Bellevue cosmetic surgeon Dr. A surgical procedure that targets the breasts, chest, and upper back to remove excess skin and fat and improve contours.
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): A surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, typically from the underarm area to the elbow. This procedure is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or sagging skin due to aging, resulting in ‘bat wings’. Average Costs by Procedure:Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): $5,490
- Thigh Lift: A thigh lift reshapes both inner and outer thighs by removing excess skin and sometimes fat. The average cost is $6,378 for the surgeon’s fee.
- Breast Lift: Breast Lift (Mastopexy) addresses sagging breasts, with an average cost of $5,817.
These figures represent surgeon fees only and do not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses. Body lift surgery costs in the Seattle area range from $7,900 - $23,000. Dr.
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Factors Influencing the Cost of Skin Removal Surgery
Several factors can influence the overall cost of skin removal surgery:
- Surgeon's Fees: A surgeon's cost will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure(s) used and the geographic office location.
- Anesthesia Fees: Anesthesia: Medications used to prevent pain during surgery.
- Surgical Facility Costs: Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Medical Tests: Depending on your health, it might be necessary for several diagnostic tests to be performed.
- Post-Surgery Garments: After surgery, patients are required to wear a compression garment to help the body adjust to its new shape. Dr. You will also be fitted with compression garments to support the newly repositioned muscles and tissues as they heal.
- Prescriptions for Medication: After surgery, you may temporarily be placed on medication.
- Geographic Location: The geographical location of the surgical facility also plays a role in determining the cost of the surgery. Major metropolitan areas and regions with a higher cost of living typically have higher surgical fees.
- Extent of the Procedure: The extent of your surgery directly impacts the cost. A greater amount of skin removed means more surgical time and complexity.
Insurance Coverage for Skin Removal Surgery
In most cases, plastic surgery is considered elective and therefore not covered by insurance, unless deemed medically necessary. Insurance companies typically do not cover a skin removal surgery if it is deemed purely elective for cosmetic purposes. However, patients can work with their healthcare provider to get a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of the entire procedure. When it comes to insurance coverage for skin removal surgery, it's crucial to distinguish between medically necessary procedures and purely cosmetic ones. Insurance typically won't cover elective surgeries performed solely for aesthetic reasons. To improve your chances of securing insurance coverage, consider the following:
- Highlight how the excess skin affects your daily life and functionality. Document how the excess skin interferes with everyday activities. This might include difficulties with exercise, hygiene, or clothing.
- If you've tried non-surgical methods to address the issue without success, document these attempts.
- Gather thorough medical records, including diagnoses, specialist consultations, and documentation of previous treatments. You need clear evidence of health impacts, like chronic rashes or infections that persist despite treatment. Most insurers require at least six months of documented issues from a doctor.
- Submit clear, detailed photographs of the excess skin and its impact on your body. Photographic Evidence: Take clear photos showing how the excess skin affects your daily life.
Financing Options for Skin Removal Surgery
If insurance doesn't cover the cost of skin removal surgery, several financing options are available:
- Medical Credit Cards: To cover the expenses of skin removal surgery, you have the option of utilizing a medical credit card. These cards often come with attractive promotional interest rates, such as a 0% APR for an introductory period, like 18 months. Similar to regular credit cards, medical credit cards function as loans from the issuer to the user, allowing them to pay for healthcare services.
- Payment Plans: Another convenient way to pay for skin removal surgery is to opt for Denefits payment plans. Look for healthcare providers that offer Denefits payment plans. Denefits lets you break down the costs into manageable payments, which you can pay off within the chosen period. This allows you to access the services while providing you with the necessary time to manage your obligations.
- Personal Loans: You can explore personal loans from banks or credit unions to finance the procedure.
- Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe have helped many people raise money for medical expenses, including excess skin removal surgery. Sharing your story can inspire friends, family, and even strangers to contribute.
The Surgical Procedure and Recovery
Your body lift journey begins with a consultation and personalized surgical planning. As each person’s history and body are very different, body lift patients need an experienced surgeon to assess their needs and tailor a plan just for them. At Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery, Bellevue body contouring surgeon Dr. Sobel offers customized surgical plans to help improve the body where skin elasticity has been lost. Dr. Sobel and your patient concierge will listen to your goals to make sure this is the right procedure for you. Your surgery can be tailored to your needs and can even include other desired procedures. Dr. The precise location and pattern of these incisions vary depending on your customized surgery plan. Dr. Sobel makes strategic incisions to access the fatty layers under the skin for small-volume liposuction. After Dr. Sobel removes excess skin, the focus shifts to tightening and reshaping the underlying tissues. This critical stage is what gives the body a more defined, contoured appearance. By suturing the tissues into their new, lifted position, Dr.
Recovery times may vary based on the number of procedures in your surgery plan, the extent of the procedure, and your unique anatomy. The initial healing phase post-body lift surgery typically lasts between 2-4 weeks. During this time, it’s important for patients to focus on rest and following aftercare protocols for easy healing and optimal results. You’ll attend follow-up appointments at our Bellevue cosmetic surgery office so Dr. Sobel and our team can monitor your progress and ensure you are healing as expected after your body lift. When it’s time, Dr. While each patient’s aftercare plan varies, most patients are cleared to gradually resume light activities after about 6 weeks. Of course, if you still feel the need to rest or if Dr. Sobel has advised you spend more time recovering, then it’s important to listen to your body and Dr. During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Sobel will lift activity restrictions based on your progress. We understand you’ll be eager to return to your normal routine with a new and improved shape, but please be patient! Because body lift surgery is typically quite extensive, it’s critical that patients choose a doctor who operates in a facility with hospital-level safety measures in place.
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Potential Risks and Complications
A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure and includes a chance of complications or side effects. The most common complications from a panniculectomy are poor wound healing and seroma, which is the buildup of fluid under the skin after surgery. Seroma: A complication where fluid accumulates under the skin after surgery.
Choosing a Qualified Surgeon
When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for a body lift, remember that the surgeon's experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery. When you are considering surgery, it’s important to choose the most qualified person for the job. The best surgeons in any area are likely to charge a premium. Likewise, they may have a waiting list.
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