Post-Bariatric Surgery
Baton Rouge
Undergoing weight loss surgery can not only improve cosmetic concerns; it can also increase your mobility and help prevent the development of serious health consequences. However, loose skin is often left over from these surgeries — even for those who had as little as 50 pounds removed. If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight, excess loose skin may be keeping you from fully enjoying your new, slimmer body. At Stephens Plastic Surgery + Skincare Aesthetics of Baton Rouge, Dr. J. Anthony Stephens specializes in body contouring procedures to help patients look and feel better after weight loss surgery. With post-bariatric body contouring, your weight loss journey and overall satisfaction with your body can go one step further and greatly improve your quality of life.
Removes hanging skin, improves mobility, and resolves skin irritation.
May include tummy tuck, breast lift, arm lift, and thigh lift.
Typically requires 10–14 days of initial rest; full healing varies by procedure.
Performed under general anesthesia in our accredited surgical center.
Bariatric and gastric surgeries can help achieve substantial weight loss for obese patients, but while this improves the patient’s health, there are often cosmetic concerns that need to be addressed after surgery, such as inelastic, stretched-out skin. A post-bariatric procedure is a surgical intervention designed to excise this redundant skin and any remaining pockets of stubborn fat. By tightening the underlying supportive tissue and redraping the skin, Dr. Stephens helps patients achieve the firm, contoured silhouette they have worked so hard to reveal.
Did You Know?
According to medical studies, patients who remove excess skin after bariatric surgery are more likely to keep weight off.
Post-bariatric surgery is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. It can often be an outpatient procedure where you can go home the same day. During post-bariatric body contouring, the skin is lifted from the underlying tissue, and the muscles are tightened.
Excess skin and residual fat are removed, improving natural contours in many areas of the body, including the abdomen, arms, back, buttocks, hips, and thighs. Careful attention is paid to where the incisions are placed so that when healed, they will be as inconspicuous as possible.
This procedure is the primary solution for skin laxity, or hanging skin that is left behind after significant weight loss. It addresses the physical discomfort of skin-on-skin rubbing, which often leads to chronic rashes, hygiene challenges, and infections in the skin folds. Beyond the physical, it addresses the emotional burden of "hidden" weight loss, where excess skin prevents patients from seeing their true progress in the mirror.
Dr. Stephens combines cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for post-bariatric patients, tightening the skin and restoring natural contours to increase self-confidence and overall health. Dr. Stephens offers multiple procedures to tighten, lift, and contour sagging areas, including:
Completing a significant weight loss journey is a monumental achievement, but the presence of excess, inelastic skin can often feel like a final hurdle. In addition to enhancing aesthetics, post-bariatric surgery can improve your comfort, health, and quality of life.
Excess skin is often cumbersome, making daily tasks or exercise feel like a chore. By tightening and redraping the skin on the abdomen, thighs, and arms, we help you move with newfound ease while eliminating the source of chronic skin irritation and hygiene challenges.
Post-bariatric surgery, your reflection finally matches your dedication. Dr. Stephens focuses on creating natural, balanced proportions that honor your frame, helping you fit into a wider variety of clothing and feel at home in your body.
Research suggests that patients who undergo body contouring after bariatric surgery are often more successful at maintaining long-term weight loss. At Stephens Plastic Surgery, we view these procedures as the final chapter of your transformation, providing the expert care you need to ensure your results are as safe as they are beautiful.
Typically, candidates for post-bariatric body contouring suffer from loose, inelastic skin on multiple areas of the body due to weight loss or surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Stephens, factors such as your overall health, medical history, and cosmetic goals will be discussed in order to determine which body contouring procedures are right for you.
In general, those who make great candidates for post-bariatric body contouring are individuals who:
The extent of your recovery will depend on which body contouring procedures you undergo. Bruising and swelling are normal after surgery, as is mild discomfort.
Dr. Stephens will provide you with post-surgical instructions to reduce the risk of infection and ensure proper healing. During your consultation with Dr. Stephens, he will let you know how much time you’ll need to take off work and normal activities to ensure proper healing. The minimum for recovery is 10-14 days.
The results of post-bariatric body contouring are often the most life-changing of any aesthetic procedure. You will see an immediate difference in your silhouette as the heavy, hanging skin is removed, revealing your underlying muscle tone. While initial swelling is expected, your new shape will continue to refine over the first three to six months as your body heals and the incisions begin to fade.
These results are designed to be permanent, provided you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Patients frequently report a surge in self-confidence and a new desire to stay active now that the physical barrier of excess skin is gone. You can look forward to a body that finally reflects the hard work and dedication of your weight loss journey, allowing you to live life with a renewed sense of freedom.
Post-weight loss surgery is a complex field that requires a surgeon with both reconstructive skill and an artistic eye. Dr. J. Anthony Stephens is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience helping Baton Rouge patients achieve safe, natural-looking results. At our private, AAAASF-accredited surgical center, we offer unmatched personalized attention and medical expertise. We treat our patients like family, providing honest recommendations and meticulous care to ensure your transformation is as safe as it is beautiful.
Most surgeons recommend waiting until your weight has been stable for at least six to twelve months. Undergoing surgery too soon while your weight is still fluctuating can negatively impact your final results.
Yes, it is common to combine procedures, such as a tummy tuck and a breast lift, into a single surgical session. During your consultation, Dr. Stephens will help you determine a safe and effective sequence for your procedures to minimize downtime and maximize your results.
In some cases, insurance may cover a panniculectomy (removal of the hanging abdominal skin) if it is causing documented medical issues, such as chronic infections or skin breakdown. However, most other contouring procedures are considered cosmetic. Our team can help you navigate these questions and provide flexible financing options to make your care accessible.
Because post-bariatric surgery involves the removal of large amounts of skin, incisions are necessary. Dr. Stephens is highly skilled at placing these incisions in discrete locations, such as along the bikini line or in natural body folds. With proper aftercare and sun protection, these scars will fade significantly over time.
We believe that recovery is a partnership. Dr. Stephens provides his surgical patients with direct access and makes personal nightly calls to check on their progress. This commitment to your comfort and safety is a hallmark of our practice, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
Many post-bariatric procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis in our private surgical center, allowing you to recover in the comfort of your own home. However, for more extensive contouring sessions, Dr. Stephens will discuss the safest recovery plan for your specific needs during your consultation.
