Is a Post-Bariatric Treatment Painful?

Discomfort is a normal part of the healing process, but it can be well-managed with medication and proper aftercare. Patients typically feel the most sore during the first few days following surgery, especially when moving or adjusting positions. However, pain levels decrease significantly after the initial recovery period, and most patients find the results well worth the temporary discomfort.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

In most cases, your journey will include an initial consultation, a pre-operative appointment, the surgical procedure, and several post-operative visits to monitor healing and address any concerns. The number of appointments depends on the complexity of your procedure and the rate of your body’s healing, but our team will keep you informed and supported throughout the entire process.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll notice changes in your body shape immediately after surgery, but swelling and bruising can temporarily obscure your final results. Most patients begin to see more defined contours within a few weeks, with full results appearing as the swelling subsides, typically within three to six months. Scars will continue to fade over time, and the results are long-lasting, especially when supported by a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

Can I Combine a Post-Bariatric Treatment With Other Procedures?

Yes, post-bariatric treatments are often combined with other procedures to help patients achieve their ideal contour. Common additions include liposuction, arm lift (brachioplasty), breast lift, or even facial rejuvenation procedures, depending on your individual goals. At The Carney Center in Virginia Beach, Dr. Martin Carney or Dr. Martin Carney III will work with you to create an approach that prioritizes safety and aesthetic outcomes. During your consultation, they’ll help determine which procedures can be safely and effectively performed together to help you feel more confident in your skin.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Post-Bariatric Treatment?

As with any major surgery, there are some risks, including bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia. There may also be temporary numbness, fluid accumulation, or contour irregularities that are specific to body contouring. At The Carney Center, we take every precaution to reduce these risks, and your safety is always our top priority. If you’re ready to reveal the shape you’ve worked so hard for, contact The Carney Center in Virginia Beach today at (757) 481-4455 to schedule your consultation.

Virginia Beach

Post-Bariatric Treatments

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Introduction

Introduction to
Post-Bariatric Treatment

Excess skin can often obscure the dramatic results of weight loss for men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight. A body lift (belt lipectomy) may be indicated for individuals who wish to enhance the results of a bariatric procedure, such as a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. The body lift is designed to resculpt the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks.

What is a
Post-Bariatric Treatment?

Post-bariatric treatment refers to a range of plastic surgery procedures designed to address the loose, sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits that often remain after significant weight loss.

When a person loses a substantial amount of weight, whether through bariatric surgery or lifestyle change, the skin doesn’t always snap back to fit the body’s new shape. That’s where post-bariatric body contouring comes in. These procedures, which may include a lower body lift, arm lift, thigh lift, or breast lift, help tighten and reshape the body for a smoother, more natural appearance.

What Are the Benefits of a
Post-Bariatric Treatment?

Post-bariatric treatment offers both physical and emotional benefits for individuals in the Virginia Beach area who have achieved significant weight loss. Excess skin can cause discomfort, limit mobility, and even lead to hygiene issues or skin irritation. A body lift helps eliminate this loose skin, creating smoother contours and revealing the results of your hard work. Patients often report improved confidence, better clothing fit, and the ability to move more freely.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Post-Bariatric Treatment?

The best candidates for this procedure are those who have had a stable weight for approximately six months to a year and are following a healthy diet and exercise program. If you’ve had a gastric bypass, Lap Band, or other gastric restrictive procedure, it is best to wait until at least one year after the surgery so that the common health issues related to obesity have improved.

What’s the
first step?

The first step toward post-bariatric body contouring is scheduling a private consultation at The Carney Center in Virginia Beach. During this visit, Dr. Carney will learn about your weight loss journey, examine the areas of concern, and discuss your goals in detail.

From there, a surgical plan will be created for you. This is also the perfect opportunity to ask questions, explore your options, and gain a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Post-Bariatric Treatment Surgery

Most often, surgery is performed on the stomach first, removing excess skin and fat from the belly button to the pubic area – this area is the one most often loosened by massive weight loss.

In treating the abdomen, a horizontal incision is made along the pubic area. Excess skin and fat are removed from this area to the belly button after all the tissues have been lifted from the underlying muscles to the rib cage level. The abdominal wall muscles are then tightened. The remaining skin and fat are pulled down from above the belly button area, where it is sutured in position at the pubic area. The belly button is repositioned into a proper position. The procedure is repeated in the buttocks and thigh areas, where incisions are often masked by bathing suits and scars fade in time. Liposuction may be used in combination with the body lift.

Post-Bariatric Treatment Recovery

A body lift is considered major surgery and requires significant recovery time. Patients usually have an extended stay. Any discomfort is managed with intravenous or intramuscular medications and, later, with oral pain medication.

Drainage tubes are inserted and will require personal home care for up to two weeks. A compression garment must be worn at all times, except while bathing, and until Dr. Carney advises that it is no longer necessary. Dr. Carney will also discuss restrictions on certain activities, including exercise and lifting. Walking is encouraged. You can expect a four— to six-week recovery period before returning to normal activities and approximately six to eight weeks before resuming exercise.

How Much Does a Post-Bariatric Treatment Cost in Virginia Beach, VA?

The cost of post-bariatric treatment in Virginia Beach varies based on several factors. Since each body lift is customized, the best way to get an accurate quote is to schedule a consultation at The Carney Center. If any part of the procedure is medically necessary, insurance may cover a portion of the cost, and the team can guide you through the process.

Why Choose the Carney Center?

With decades of experience and a reputation for personalized care, The Carney Center in Virginia Beach is a trusted destination for post-bariatric surgery. Dr. Martin Carney, MD, is a distinguished member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, bringing an elevated level of expertise and artistry to every procedure. He is known for his compassionate approach and ability to tailor procedures to enhance each patient’s natural features. Working alongside his son, Dr. Martin Carney III, the team provides a seamless, family-driven experience where patients feel supported every step of the way. From Virginia Beach to Newport News, patients choose The Carney Center for results that reflect their hard work and determination.

Post-Bariatric Treatment FAQ’s

Discomfort is a normal part of the healing process, but it can be well-managed with medication and proper aftercare. Patients typically feel the most sore during the first few days following surgery, especially when moving or adjusting positions. However, pain levels decrease significantly after the initial recovery period, and most patients find the results well worth the temporary discomfort.
In most cases, your journey will include an initial consultation, a pre-operative appointment, the surgical procedure, and several post-operative visits to monitor healing and address any concerns. The number of appointments depends on the complexity of your procedure and the rate of your body’s healing, but our team will keep you informed and supported throughout the entire process.
You’ll notice changes in your body shape immediately after surgery, but swelling and bruising can temporarily obscure your final results. Most patients begin to see more defined contours within a few weeks, with full results appearing as the swelling subsides, typically within three to six months. Scars will continue to fade over time, and the results are long-lasting, especially when supported by a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Yes, post-bariatric treatments are often combined with other procedures to help patients achieve their ideal contour. Common additions include liposuction, arm lift (brachioplasty), breast lift, or even facial rejuvenation procedures, depending on your individual goals.

At The Carney Center in Virginia Beach, Dr. Martin Carney or Dr. Martin Carney III will work with you to create an approach that prioritizes safety and aesthetic outcomes. During your consultation, they’ll help determine which procedures can be safely and effectively performed together to help you feel more confident in your skin.
As with any major surgery, there are some risks, including bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia. There may also be temporary numbness, fluid accumulation, or contour irregularities that are specific to body contouring. At The Carney Center, we take every precaution to reduce these risks, and your safety is always our top priority.

If you’re ready to reveal the shape you’ve worked so hard for, contact The Carney Center in Virginia Beach today at (757) 481-4455 to schedule your consultation.

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If you’d like to learn more about body lift surgery, please watch our educational video below. Just select the procedure from the dropdown video menu below. You can also learn more about body lift surgery from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is also a good source of information about body lift surgery. Dr. Carney is a member of both medical societies.

If you would like to speak with Dr. Carney personally about body lift surgery, please request a consultation or contact us with your question.

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