November 13, 2017 | Skin Removal
3 minute read
Weight loss drastically changes and improves your quality of life. However, while you can lose weight and gain muscle, there is no way to prevent the excess folds of skin that remain after the weight is gone. Skin removal with post-massive weight loss surgery is one of the most rewarding cosmetic procedures out there. After the arduous journey of significant weight loss, many people cannot fully appreciate their new physique until the sagging skin has been removed. Patients who undergo post-massive weight loss surgery can finally see the fit and toned body they worked hard to achieve.
As with any surgery, skin removal requires downtime to heal and recuperate properly. Your weight loss transformation likely included an active lifestyle and an increase in exercise, so you may be wondering how long this surgery can sideline your new fitness regimen.
Be Patient
The extent of your skin removal procedure will affect the length of your recovery. Fortunately, skin removal can be performed on various parts of the body (abdomen, buttocks, arms, thighs, etc.) during one procedure, meaning that you will only have one recovery period. During this time, it is important to remember that you may be sore, bruised, and swollen. You will likely have drains to maintain and compression garments you must wear. You probably won’t feel like yourself for weeks after your surgery. The most important things to remember are that your body takes time to heal and that this discomfort is entirely normal. Do not rush getting back to your daily schedule; instead, focus on what this process is going to give you, and take it easy.
Start Slow
Jumping back into your daily activities after surgery can only make things worse. Just like after an injury, you will need to ease your way back into your routine. It is recommended that you begin walking as soon as you feel up to it to encourage blood circulation and to avoid blood clots. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you can expect to resume your usual activities about two weeks after surgery. However, more strenuous lifting and any vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks. Once you get back into your routine, you may experience some soreness and muscle weakness from the change in your activity level and healing. This minor discomfort is typical and will diminish with time. Don’t push yourself too hard, and you will recover just fine.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Everyone tolerates pain differently. Some patients feel like they have recovered quicker than expected due to their ability to tolerate pain better than others. However, while you may feel fine, your body needs adequate time to heal. The smartest thing you can do for yourself and your recovery is to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions. If you are instructed to rest, that’s what you have to do—regardless of how much you want to get back to your routine. Skin removal and body contouring provide long-lasting results, so take this short time up front to relax and heal.
