Is Post-Weight Loss Surgery Painful?

Although the post-weight loss surgical procedure may not be painful due to the application of local or general anesthesia, patients may experience discomfort or swelling following their procedures during their recovery period. Some bleeding, bruising, or swelling can be expected as the body adjusts to changes. Please review your medical history and any allergies with Dr. Sato during your consultation so she may advise you on the appropriate course of pain management should it be necessary.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Each patient’s exact number of appointments will vary per their surgical treatment plan. Some procedures may be combined in a single surgical session, while other treatments must be scheduled later for patient safety and well-being. Dr. Sato will be able to advise you on the length of the surgical treatment plan and the number of surgical sessions accordingly during your individual consultation.

How Long Until I See Results?

Many of our Houston patients recognize an immediate difference following their surgical procedures. Dr. Sato advises patients to wait until any swelling or bleeding has reduced before evaluating their results. On average, most patients will be able to view their results at least two to three weeks after their procedure. Depending on the number of procedures the patient has undergone, it may take up to two years for the body to adjust and reveal the final results of a completed post-weight loss surgical plan. Post-weight loss surgery results may last for years. However, additional weight gain or weight loss may interfere with the benefits of the surgical procedures.

Can I Combine Post-Weight Loss Surgery With Other Procedures?

Post-weight loss surgery is a combination or series of surgical procedures. Dr. Sato is happy to advise patients on combining their surgical procedures with other surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedures to result in an overall transformation. Please let Dr. Sato know about any procedures you are considering in your individual consultation, and she will be happy to recommend or include the procedures in your personalized surgical treatment plan.

What Are the Risks Associated With Post-Weight Loss Surgery?

Dr. Sato is an experienced and skilled board-certified plastic surgeon, but it is still important to consider the risks inherent in any surgical procedure. A post-weight loss surgery may be associated with the following complications: Blood clotting or excessive bleeding Infection Fluid buildup Temporary numbness in the treatment area Changes or loss in skin sensitivity Skin discoloration Tissue necrosis Risks from anesthesia

Houston, TX

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Post-Weight Loss Surgery

Introduction to Post-Weight Loss Surgery

Losing weight can be a tremendous achievement and is worth celebrating! Most weight loss attempts, however, leave some memories of the past in the form of loose, hanging skin. Whether you have undergone bariatric surgery, engaged with a semaglutide treatment plan, or been steadfast with a diet and exercise regimen, excess skin can be both an amazing and difficult reminder of how far you have come.

Dr. Erika Sato knows weight loss comes with complicated feelings. At our Houston-based practice, post-weight loss surgery can be the answer to a long journey. Let us know how we can help elevate your self-confidence and help the real you emerge from your body.

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Post-Weight Loss Surgery Results

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What is Post-Weight Loss Surgery?

After weight loss, many patients are left with loose, stretched skin. This excess skin can create folds that may result in physical discomfort from rashes and/or skin breakdown or make buying clothing that fits properly difficult. Surgically removing the excess skin will contour the body for a smoother, slimmer appearance.

Post-weight loss surgery, sometimes also known as post-bariatric surgery, is a series of procedures that reshape the body after massive weight loss following a semaglutide treatment, bariatric surgery (gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric band, or duodenal switch) or diet and exercise.

Body contouring surgery after massive weight loss is typically for people who have lost enough weight to be close to their ideal body weight but for whom skin laxity has become a problem.

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Common body contouring procedures include the following:

Arm Lift

A surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms.

Breast Lift/Breast Augmentation

A breast lift can lift the breasts higher on the chest wall, while a breast augmentation may also be desired to restore overall volume or, specifically, upper pole fullness to the breast. These procedures can be performed separately or simultaneously.

Thigh Lift

A surgical procedure that removes excess skin and subcutaneous tissue within the thigh region due to significant weight loss to restore a toned and smoother look to the upper legs.

Tummy Tuck

One of the most popular procedures done as part of post-weight loss surgery. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the abdominal wall muscles are tightened to flatten and contour the abdomen.

Body Lift

Also known as a circumferential body lift or belt lipectomy, a body lift removes excess skin or fatty tissue from the body that results from extreme weight loss. More extensive than a tummy tuck, the body lift is performed on the lower torso and upper legs and reshapes the abdomen, hips, back, buttocks, and outer thighs.

Male breast reduction

Men who lose a substantial amount of weight may find that they are left with sagging excess skin or enlarged, stretched-out areolas. Removing the excess skin and tissue in a male breast reduction procedure provides a firm, masculine-looking chest.

What Are the Benefits of Post-Weight Loss Surgery?

Many of Dr. Sato’s patients in Houston request post-weight loss surgery primarily to feel more comfortable and confident in their skin. Post weight-loss surgery also confers the following benefits:

Reduction in loose or hanging skin
Reduced or eliminated discomfort caused by rashes due to excess skin folds
Improved ability to move and perform physical activities
Increased self-confidence and body image
Lowered risk of regaining lost weight

Who Are the Best Candidates For Post-Weight Loss Surgery?

Patients in the Houston area may be strong candidates for post-weight loss surgery if they exhibit the following characteristics:

Are in good health
Have experienced significant weight loss and have now reached their ideal weight
Are over 18 years of age
Have experienced a reduced quality of life due to their excess skin folds

For patients still expecting to lose more weight, Dr. Sato advises waiting before starting the post-weight loss surgery procedures, as further weight loss after the surgeries may result in additional excess skin.

Let’s Get Started

What’s the first step?

Please schedule a post-weight loss surgery consultation with Dr. Erika Sato at our Houston practice. Dr. Sato will review your medical history, examine your skin tissue, and listen to all your concerns about your body. She will then make recommendations as to which suite of procedures would help you reach your aesthetic goals safely and optimally. Some procedures may be combined within one surgical session, whereas others would have to be spaced out in order to achieve the best results.

Dr. Sato will then be able to develop a customized surgical plan tailored to your individual needs. Please note that it is important to have realistic expectations in terms of results. To facilitate this process, Dr. Sato will provide you with before-and-after photos of post-weight loss surgery procedures so you may be able to evaluate what is feasible with your specific conditions.

Once you and Dr. Sato have agreed on a surgical plan, our patient coordinator concierge team member will be able to schedule your procedures and provide you with pre-operative instructions.

What to Expect on the Day of Post-Weight Loss Surgery

On the day of your post-weight loss surgery, our concierge team will prep you in our holding room while making sure you are comfortable. Dr. Sato will meet with you once more to review the targeted areas of your skin for the procedure and answer any outstanding questions.

A post-weight loss surgical plan will vary greatly from one patient to the next. While some procedures may be performed in our on-site surgical facility under local anesthetic and IV sedation, others may require general anesthesia in a facility with overnight capabilities. Dr. Sato will fully explain each procedure so that you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after every surgery.

Please make arrangements to have a close friend or family member pick you up after your surgical procedure and help you around the house in the day or so following your surgery. Depending on the procedure, you may be given a compression garment or supportive undergarment to minimize swelling and fluid buildup. You will also be given a list of post-operative instructions to follow during your recovery period.

Post-Weight Loss Surgery Recovery

Every patient’s post-weight loss surgery recovery period will vary depending on their overall health, the types of surgical procedures performed, and the number of procedures performed in a single surgical session. Dr. Sato encourages patients to rest for at least two weeks following each procedure, though they may resume their regular routines once she has evaluated them at the follow-up appointment.

It is important to follow all post-surgical instructions for best results during this time. Patients are encouraged to have family or friends assist them with routine tasks during their recovery period to ensure their healing progresses safely and effectively.

How Much Does Post-Weight Loss Surgery Cost in Houston, TX?

The cost of post-weight loss surgery in Houston will vary from patient to patient, depending on the procedures required to achieve the patient’s overall aesthetic goals. The cost for each procedure will be determined by the size and number of areas being contoured, the amount of tissue removed, total surgery time, and overall number of surgical sessions necessary to accomplish a full post-weight loss surgical transformation. Dr. Sato will be happy to provide you with a cost breakdown for your post-weight loss surgical plan during your consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Sato?

A Missouri native, Dr. Erika Sato was drawn to the field of plastic surgery when she was diagnosed with Binder’s Syndrome as a child. Binder’s syndrome is a rare congenital malformation resulting in the undergrowth of the central face and may include elements of the nose and upper jaw. She underwent rhinoplasty surgery as a teenager, utilizing cartilage from her right ear to reconstruct her nose. At just 15 years old, she experienced how life-changing plastic surgery can be, and she knew that she wanted to be a plastic surgeon so that someday she could impact others’ lives in a similar manner.

Today, Dr. Sato is an internationally recognized and multi-award-winning plastic surgeon. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), she specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body and performs the latest treatments in cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical rejuvenation. Dr. Erika Sato is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Texas Medical Association (TMA), and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

Post-Weight Loss Surgery FAQ’S

Although the post-weight loss surgical procedure may not be painful due to the application of local or general anesthesia, patients may experience discomfort or swelling following their procedures during their recovery period. Some bleeding, bruising, or swelling can be expected as the body adjusts to changes.

Please review your medical history and any allergies with Dr. Sato during your consultation so she may advise you on the appropriate course of pain management should it be necessary.
Each patient’s exact number of appointments will vary per their surgical treatment plan. Some procedures may be combined in a single surgical session, while other treatments must be scheduled later for patient safety and well-being. Dr. Sato will be able to advise you on the length of the surgical treatment plan and the number of surgical sessions accordingly during your individual consultation.
Many of our Houston patients recognize an immediate difference following their surgical procedures. Dr. Sato advises patients to wait until any swelling or bleeding has reduced before evaluating their results. On average, most patients will be able to view their results at least two to three weeks after their procedure. Depending on the number of procedures the patient has undergone, it may take up to two years for the body to adjust and reveal the final results of a completed post-weight loss surgical plan.

Post-weight loss surgery results may last for years. However, additional weight gain or weight loss may interfere with the benefits of the surgical procedures.
Post-weight loss surgery is a combination or series of surgical procedures. Dr. Sato is happy to advise patients on combining their surgical procedures with other surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedures to result in an overall transformation. Please let Dr. Sato know about any procedures you are considering in your individual consultation, and she will be happy to recommend or include the procedures in your personalized surgical treatment plan.
Dr. Sato is an experienced and skilled board-certified plastic surgeon, but it is still important to consider the risks inherent in any surgical procedure. A post-weight loss surgery may be associated with the following complications:
- Blood clotting or excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid buildup
- Temporary numbness in the treatment area
- Changes or loss in skin sensitivity
- Skin discoloration
- Tissue necrosis
- Risks from anesthesia

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Schedule a consultation

If loose skin has been holding you back for far too long, please schedule a post-weight loss surgery consultation with Dr. Erika Sato at our Houston office at (713) 791-0700 or complete our online booking form. A concierge team member will be happy to assist you in scheduling your first consultation. We are ready to help you discover the real you!

Schedule a Consultation