Post-Bariatric Surgery in Denver, CO

You’ve made positive changes in your life by shedding excess weight and improving your health. We understand what an accomplishment this is and are honored to help you complete your journey. Many people face a new problem now that they’ve lost a large amount of weight: excess skin and localized fatty deposits. After procedures like gastric sleeve surgery that create a small stomach pouch, redundant skin becomes one of the most challenging aspects of your weight loss journey. We can address these issues through surgical body contouring. As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Nesiba has extensive experience in reconstructive surgery that dramatically enhances the quality of life after significant weight loss. Our staged, multi-procedure treatment removes the loose and sagging skin that accompanies large amounts of weight loss and reveals the muscular frame that hides beneath.
Post-Bariatric Surgery in Denver, CO
You’ve made positive changes in your life by shedding excess weight and improving your health. We understand what an accomplishment this is and are honored to help you complete your journey. Many people face a new problem now that they’ve lost a large amount of weight: excess skin and localized fatty deposits. After procedures like gastric sleeve surgery that create a small stomach pouch, redundant skin becomes one of the most challenging aspects of your weight loss journey. We can address these issues through surgical body contouring. As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Nesiba has extensive experience in reconstructive surgery that dramatically enhances the quality of life after significant weight loss. Our staged, multi-procedure treatment removes the loose and sagging skin that accompanies large amounts of weight loss and reveals the muscular frame that hides beneath.

What Is Post-Bariatric Surgery?

Post-bariatric surgery, or post-weight loss surgery, refers to a series of body contouring procedures performed after a person has achieved significant weight loss, often following bariatric surgery. These procedures address excess skin and improve body shape, helping individuals achieve a more proportionate appearance. The surgery typically targets areas such as the abdomen, arms, thighs, and breasts, depending on the patient’s specific concerns. On average, a post-bariatric surgery session can take anywhere from three to six hours, depending on the extent of the work being done.

Patients usually receive comprehensive support after undergoing bariatric surgery in centers with the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), and many bariatric centers offer support groups to help people adjust to life after weight loss. However, additional cosmetic procedures are often needed to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.

What Can Be Included in Post-Bariatric Surgery?

Just like mommy makeovers, body contouring after weight loss is a combination of different procedures, all designed to correct the natural effects of losing large amounts of weight. Each surgical procedure is carefully planned to address your specific concerns while ensuring the best possible outcomes for your unique body type. You can undergo any of these treatments:
Body Lift
Body lifts combine thigh lifts, tummy tucks, and buttock lifts to refine your entire torso. This more comprehensive procedure addresses multiple areas at once, creating a harmonious overall result that standard plastic surgery cannot achieve with isolated treatments. This procedure removes unsightly loose skin left behind by weight loss and subtly contours the torso.

Arm lifts help reveal those toned and muscular arms. Individuals who lose weight often have loose skin or pesky pockets of fat that don’t respond to exercise. Brachioplasty tightens the skin on your arms and allows you to show off muscular definition.

Women who lose large amounts of weight are often left with breasts that are too large for their new frame. This can lead to daily back pain that becomes burdensome. Breast reduction may help bring your breasts into harmony with your new frame.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is commonly included in post-weight loss surgery to restore a more youthful and elevated breast position. After significant weight loss, breasts often lose volume and firmness, leading to sagging. This procedure reshapes the breast tissue and repositions the nipple to achieve a more natural contour.

Weight loss may affect not only the body but also the face. The rapid weight loss often achieved with a successful bariatric program can accelerate the decline in skin elasticity, resulting in a prematurely aged appearance. A facelift will tighten the skin on your face and act as the first thing people see in the new you.

Post-weight loss surgery often includes other body contouring procedures like liposuction and panniculectomy. Liposuction helps refine areas with stubborn fat that remain despite significant weight loss, such as the flanks, thighs, or upper arms. Panniculectomy removes the hanging “apron” of skin and fat, known as the pannus, that may develop in the lower abdomen after significant weight loss. 

First Appointment and Preparation for Surgery

Preparation for post-bariatric surgery begins with a comprehensive consultation to assess the individual’s goals, medical history, and the effects of their weight loss journey. Patients who have undergone procedures like gastric bypass surgery must be evaluated for nutritional stability, skin condition, and overall health before proceeding. Dr. Nesiba typically requires the weight to remain stable for several months to ensure lasting results. Preoperative planning may involve lab work, imaging, and coordination with a primary care physician or bariatric specialist. This thorough preparation helps create a personalized surgical plan and reduces potential complications.

How Is Post-Bariatric Surgery Performed?

Anesthesia
Post-bariatric surgery is performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure. Depending on the extent of surgery and the number of areas being addressed, the duration can range from several hours to most of the day.

Dr. Nesiba makes strategic incisions based on the treated areas and the amount of skin to remove. These incisions are typically placed in natural body folds or areas concealed by clothing. For procedures like body or arm lifts, longer incisions may be necessary to achieve the desired contour.

The core objective of post-bariatric surgery is to remove excess skin that remains after significant weight loss. Once the skin is lifted, underlying tissues may be tightened or repositioned to enhance body shape. The amount of skin removed depends on the individual’s anatomy and surgical goals.

In addition to skin removal, surgeons often contour tissue to sculpt the body more precisely. This may include tightening the muscle layer or using liposuction to eliminate small, stubborn fat deposits. These techniques help create smoother, more proportionate body lines.

After reshaping the tissues, incisions are carefully closed using layered sutures to support healing and reduce tension on the skin. Surgical drains may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup. The final result is a more streamlined appearance that reflects the patient’s weight loss progress.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from post-bariatric surgery varies depending on the type and extent of the procedures performed and the individual’s overall health. Patients generally experience a gradual recovery process. Most patients see an improvement in their physical appearance and comfort within a few weeks, though complete healing may take several months. Recovery times vary depending on individual factors.
Aftercare tips to ensure optimal recovery:

Candidates for Post-Bariatric Surgery

Body contouring following weight loss is not for everyone. You should maintain a stable weight for three to six months and be nutritionally sound with no vitamin or mineral deficiencies before undergoing any procedures. Most importantly, you should understand that this is the finish line of a long and challenging journey, and you must be committed to continuing your healthy lifestyle.
Ideal candidates include:

Benefits of Body Contouring Procedures After Massive Weight Loss

After undergoing significant weight loss, many individuals turn to post-bariatric surgery to address lingering issues, such as excess skin and body contouring. Our procedures offer a range of benefits that contribute to both physical appearance and overall well-being. Here are some of the advantages you can expect:
Many patients experience improved self-confidence in their new body after undergoing our treatment. Each specific procedure designed by Dr. Nesiba dramatically improves contours, supporting long-term weight loss results and helping correct the remaining traces of past obesity.

Cost of Post-Bariatric Surgery in Denver, CO

The cost of post-bariatric surgery in Denver ranges from $6,000 to $20,000, depending on the types of procedures included and the complexity of the surgery. Factors such as the extent of excess skin removal, the surgeon’s experience, and additional treatments like liposuction or body lifts can influence the final price. Insurance may cover some aspects of the surgery if deemed medically necessary, but out-of-pocket costs can vary significantly. Patients should also consider potential follow-up care and post-operative support, which can add to the overall cost.
Dr. Nesiba provides cost estimates for each patient during the initial appointment. He needs to assess your cosmetic concerns and discuss your aesthetic goals to create a personalized treatment plan for your needs.

What Makes Flourish Surgical Arts Different From Others?

Flourish Surgical Arts offers a unique approach to post-bariatric surgery, guided by Dr. John R. Nesiba, our triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon. With a diverse medical background, Dr. Nesiba brings a meticulous, holistic perspective to body contouring. His expertise is further refined by a fellowship and training under renowned cosmetic surgeons, making him one of the leading providers in the Denver metro area. Known for his personalized care, Dr. Nesiba takes the time to understand each patient’s journey, tailoring treatments that address their specific needs.
With over 1,000 cosmetic procedures under his belt and a focus on precision, Flourish Surgical Arts offers expertise and empathy that ensures every patient feels heard, safe, and confident throughout their surgical transformation.

Take the First Step Today Towards Your New Life!

Flourish Surgical Arts performs body contouring in Denver for patients who have recently lost weight. If you’ve succeeded in creating a healthier lifestyle for yourself but are now faced with unsightly excess skin, contact us today. We’re available by appointment only.