The weight loss journey is a commendable and life-changing decision, a step towards a healthier, and more active lifestyle. However, significant weight loss can sometimes leave individuals with distressing consequences, such as excess skin. The loose, sagging skin after a weight loss can affect one's appearance and comfort. Thus, making it difficult to get full benefit from their weight loss efforts. Fortunately, free excess skin removal surgery programs help you regain your confidence.

What is Excess Skin Removal Surgery?

Extra skin removal surgery, also known as a panniculectomy, removes the sagging skin, typically from the abdomen. Excessive skin can cause discomfort and shatter your confidence. Additionally, skin folds can make you more susceptible to rashes, fungal infections, and skin infections.

Obese individuals can lose extra weight with bariatric surgery, diet, and exercise. Significant weight loss can result in skin that is too loose and sagging.

When you are overweight, your skin and tissues expand to accommodate the increased size of your body. Thus, causing the skin to begin to lose flexibility. As a result, stretched skin may become saggy and loose, because it is unable to take on your new shape.

Excess skin removal not only makes you look better but also increases your comfort level. Primarily, this procedure is performed for medical purposes. But, it also often resolves chaffing caused by excess skin left over from extreme weight loss.

Who can be a Candidate for Excess Skin Removal Surgery?

Plastic or cosmetic surgeons carry out excess skin removal surgery procedures. To decide if surgery is the best course of action for you, your doctor will examine you physically and perform various tests. Generally, you might be a suitable candidate for surgery to remove excess skin if you;

• After a significant weight loss, maintain your body weight for a minimum of six months.

• Adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain your goal body weight. Regular exercise and a balanced nutrient-rich diet benefit you.

• Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products. Smoking slows the healing process of wounds. Moreover, it can also increase the likelihood of surgical complications.

• The candidate should be in good health.

• The person should not have any serious health issues that may make surgery risky.

• Have realistic expectations regarding the procedure’s outcomes.

• The person should be able to take off for a few weeks after excess skin removal surgery.

Excess Skin Removal Procedures

The post-weight loss journey for excess skin removal is personalized. It greatly varies according to a patient’s individual needs and goals. Typically, extra skin removal surgery involves several body-lifting procedures. In addition, the process is customized to target the patient’s area of concern. 

Your cosmetic surgeon may perform any of the following procedures for excess skin removal;

• Brachioplasty: An arm lift surgery that involves the removal of excess skin dropping from the upper arm.

• Mastopexy: A breast lift surgery that involves removing extra skin and tightening the breast tissue to firm the breasts.

• Rhytidectomy: Also known as facelift surgery, removes extra skin from the neck area. Furthermore, it helps you to have a younger and smoother-looking face.  

• Lower Body Lift Surgery: Removes excess skin and fat from the butt, outer thighs, and stomach.

• Panniculectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the excess skin covering your belly button, also known as a pannus.

• Thigh Lift Surgery: Make your inner thighs appear slimmer.

• Abdominoplasty: Removes loose skin and strengthens separated or weak abdominal muscles.

• Blepharoplasty: This upper eyelid procedure removes the excess skin that droops the lids and could impair your vision. 

Benefits of Excess Skin Removal Surgery

Surgically removing excess skin, commonly referred to as body contouring, can enhance one's physical and mental health.  Here are some key benefits of excess skin removal surgery;

1. Enhanced Comfort: Removing excess skin can relieve bodily discomfort. Along with that, it also reduces the risk of skin infections and rashes.

2. Improved Mobility: Excess skin can limit movement and make physical activities challenging. Surgery can help restore mobility and encourage an active lifestyle.

3. Boosted Self-Confidence: Individuals become more confident and pleased with their looks following excess skin removal. This can positively impact their social and professional lives.

4. Better Fit for Clothes: After the removal of excess skin, clothes fit better and look more comfortable.

Risks of Excess Skin Removal Surgery

The following are the risk factors associated with excess skin removal procedures; 

• Bleeding and swelling can occur 

• Skin sensation changes or numbness 

• Blood clots formation, such as deep vein thrombosis

• Scarring and bruising around the surgical site

• Infection 

Accessing Free Excess Skin Removal Surgery

Surgery to remove excess skin can be very expensive, often costing several thousand thousands of dollars. However, some programs offer free or reduced-cost surgeries for those who qualify for the requirements. Some ways to access free excess skin removal surgery involve;

Non-Profit Organizations: Some non-profit organizations such as The Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America (WLSFA) offer grants for excess skin removal surgery.

Medical Training Programs: Teaching hospitals and medical schools often provide surgeries at a reduced cost or for free, as they need real cases for educational purposes.

Insurance Coverage: To get insurance coverage, it can be helpful to document health problems like rashes or infections caused by extra skin.

Clinical Trials: Participating in clinical trials can provide access to free surgical procedures. These trials are conducted to study new techniques and require participants who meet specific criteria.

Other Payment Options

• Save up your budget for the procedure

• Combining procedures and paying with cash is recommended because some surgical practices offer discounts for several procedures

• Setting up a payment plan with the surgeon

• Use a medical credit card

• Get a credit card with an initial zero percent interest for an extended time

• Make an application for CareCredit, a credit union that only offers medical loans

• Make use of your Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA)

Conclusion

Excess skin removal surgery is more than just a cosmetic procedure. It’s a life-changing journey toward greater comfort and self-confidence. Free excess skin removal programs are available to help those who might not otherwise afford the surgery. Consequently, ensure that everyone has the opportunity to restore their body shape and enjoy the full benefits of their weight loss effort