Excess Skin Removal Surgery: Cost, Recovery & Before, And After

Obesity has been growing at an alarming rate worldwide, posing a serious risk to health and well-being. Fortunately, it is possible to treat it with bariatric surgery, and some people may even achieve substantial weight loss through diet and exercise. However, one of the downsides of massive weight loss is that you may end up with loose or hanging skin in some areas of the body.

This condition can be reversed with excess skin removal surgery. Skin removal after weight loss is a safe and proven plastic surgery procedure that can help you achieve a firm and youthful looking body contour. It is prudent to review excess skin removal before and after images at your initial consultation to form a realistic view of what this surgery can or cannot do for you.

Interested in having excess skin removed? Contact Jet Medical Tourism® today.

What is excess skin removal surgery?

Excess skin removal is a form of body contouring plastic surgery that can be performed in the lower, upper, middle, or full body areas to eliminate drooping skin and restore a tighter, firmer body appearance. The procedure can be customized to suit your unique needs for skin removal weight loss in the stomach, buttocks, hips, thighs, lower back, groin, breasts, and upper arms. Before making a decision, you should know the excess skin removal surgery cost, benefits, risks, and recovery time involved.

Stomach

Excess stomach skin removal is commonly performed as a panniculectomy. Following massive weight loss, a large amount of loose skin may be left hanging from your lower abdomen, which appears like an “apron” around your waist. Your plastic surgeon will remove the “pannus” to create a flatter and smoother abdominal appearance.

The best excess skin removal surgeon will usually perform this surgery using a horizontal incision between the hipbones. In some cases, they may also create a second incision that vertically goes to the pubic bone. Through these incisions, the surgeon will perform excess stomach skin removal and then re-drape the remaining skin tightly over the abdominal area.

Related: Tummy tuck in Mexico (Abdominoplasty)

Thighs

Excess skin removal thighs surgery is an excellent procedure to help you achieve attractive, toned and refined upper legs. You should request your surgeon to show you thigh skin removal before and after photos involving different techniques for inner thighs, outer thighs, or medial thighs. Your surgeon will explain to you how is excess skin removed from the thighs under each technique.

Excess skin removal in the inner thighs will require an incision at the meeting point between your thigh and the pubic region. If loose skin in the outer thighs is causing a problem, the incision may be created around your buttocks or hip area to tighten the skin on the outside or front of the upper legs. Excess skin removal thighs in the medial region will require a cut in the groin that extends to the hip or the buttock.

Related: Cost of thigh lift in Mexico

Arms

Excess skin removal arms surgery can be performed if you are bothered by the appearance of loose or hanging skin in the upper arms. The procedure involves an incision in the armpit that will run along the arm underside up to the elbow. The best excess skin removal surgeon will be able to place the incision in a discreet location to minimize subsequent scarring.

Through the incision, your surgeon will trim away sagging skin and tissue from the upper arm. Then they will re-drape the remaining skin tightly over the arm so that it adopts the new, refined arm contours. Make sure to review a few upper arm excess skin removal before and after pictures to visualize how your arms would complement with the rest of your upper body after the procedure.

Related: Cost of arm lift in Mexico

Why Does Excess Skin Happen After Weight Loss?

Our skin is elastic, but when stretched significantly due to weight gain, it often struggles to shrink back after rapid weight loss. Factors such as age, genetics, and the amount of weight lost also affect how well the skin retracts.

“70% of patients experience significant loose skin after bariatric surgery. ~ Source“

Loose skin commonly appears in areas like the stomach, arms, thighs, and chest, leading to discomfort, rashes, and even infections. For many, this excess skin can feel like a barrier to fully enjoying their weight loss success.

Why Does Excess Skin Happen After Weight Loss?How is excess skin removed

During your pre-operative consultation, your surgeon will explain to you how is excess skin removed. Depending on the areas where you require loose skin removal, they will create a customized surgery plan for you. You should discuss the excess skin removal surgery cost, recovery, and long-term benefits with your surgeon and determine the type of surgical technique that best matches with your needs.

Lower body: Excess skin removal after weight loss in the lower body areas is the most commonly performed procedure. In this procedure, your surgeon will create an incision around your waist line, down the inner thighs, and across the lower mid-section. Through these incisions, they will perform excess skin removal buttocks and thighs to create flattering lower body contours.
Mid body: If you are seeking excess stomach skin removal, your surgeon will create a circumferential or semi-circle incision around the mid-section to trim the loose or hanging skin from your stomach or torso. Excess skin removal recovery time in this procedure will depend on whether it is performed as a standalone surgery or in conjunction with a lower body lift.
Total body: A full body skin removal weight loss procedure is ideally suited if you have developed significant skin laxity in multiple areas of the body. The best excess skin removal surgeon will use common incisions to tighten the skin in your breasts, upper arms, mid-section, buttocks, and thighs. Ask them how is excess skin removed in a total body procedure and whether you are a candidate for it?

Related: Liposuction vs. tummy Tuck: Which plastic surgery procedure is better?

When to get excess skin removal surgery?

Excess skin removal procedure is ideally suited for individuals who have undergone a major weight loss and developed significantly sagging skin as a result of it. However, bariatric surgery is not the only reason to undergo this procedure. An experienced plastic surgeon can guide you when to get skin removal surgery and whether it will meet your personal aesthetic goals.

Weight loss: Excess skin removal after weight loss surgery may be performed when your body weight has stabilized after the bariatric procedure. In some cases, it is possible to lose substantial weight even with diet and exercise, which may necessitate a skin removal surgery if the tissue has lost elasticity.
Pregnancy: Some women may experience deflated breasts or large amounts of loose skin in the abdominal area, upper arms, thighs, or buttocks following pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask your surgeon when to get skin removal surgery safely after childbirth to restore a pre-pregnancy figure.
Aging: Many people develop heaving sagging skin in certain areas of the body simply due to the effects of aging, gravitational forces, illness, or medications. You should explore how to qualify for skin removal surgery if you wish to regain a firmer and more youthful looking body appearance.

How to qualify for excess skin removal surgery

Excess skin removal is a major plastic surgery procedure. You should be aware how to qualify for skin removal surgery and choose the right surgeon who will objectively determine your candidacy. A good surgeon will usually present skin removal before and after photographs before you to help you form reasonable expectations and make a judicious, well-informed choice. You may qualify for loose skin removal surgery if:

You have undergone a massive weight loss and developed loose or hanging skin in lower, upper or mid body areas.
Your body weight is no longer fluctuation following your weight loss.
You are in good physical and emotional health condition to undergo skin removal after weight loss as well as general anesthesia.
You do not have any foreseeable plans for a pregnancy or another weight loss program.
You are committed to quitting smoking for at least a minimum period before and after your surgery.
You are prepared to maintain a balanced diet and active lifestyle following your skin removal surgery.
You have realistic expectations, are willing to accept post-op scars, and have reviewed skin removal before and after images.
You are aware of the excess skin removal recovery time and how much does skin removal surgery cost.

Excess skin removal after weight loss surgery

One of the concerns some patients may have before they undergo a bariatric surgery is: “Will I need skin removal after weight loss?” Your surgeon will examine your skin elasticity, thickness, and the amount of fatty deposits to estimate whether you may need excess skin removal after surgery after weight loss.

The good news is that skin removal weight loss is a relatively less invasive procedure because it does not involve muscle restructuring or fat deposit removal, and only requires trimming away of loose skin. Make sure to discuss the cost of excess skin removal after weight loss with your surgeon in order to make a well-considered decision.

After gastric bypass

Following a gastric bypass surgery, you can expect to lose weight rapidly in the first six months. Most patients are able to successfully maintain their weight loss after this surgery because it reduces your capacity to eat as well as lowers your body’s calorie absorption. A massive weight loss after gastric bypass can sometimes cause your skin to droop in certain areas.

Excess skin removal after gastric bypass is a viable option to achieve a firmer and smoother body contour. Skin removal weight loss will allow you to enjoy the maximum benefits of your gastric bypass surgery. You will be able to wear any type of clothes, participate in outdoor activities, and reclaim your confidence to do well in personal as well as professional life.

According to a clinical research by International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), 74% of the bariatric patients desire a body contouring surgery after gastric bypass surgery.

After gastric sleeve

Gastric sleeve surgery is currently the most popular bariatric procedure to get rid of obesity. Following your gastric sleeve, you may be able to lose up to 70 to 80% of your excess weight within the first year itself. Once your body weight has stabilized, you could consider excess skin removal after gastric sleeve to further enhance your new body proportions and look.

At the time of your initial consultation, you should request your plastic surgeon to share with you excess skin gastric sleeve before and after skin images of other patients. This will help you understand how a skin removal surgery after gastric sleeve can restore a youthful, aesthetically appealing figure that you always wanted and allow you to make the most of your VSG surgery.

A review by World Obesity Federation highlights that patients who undergo body contouring after gastric sleeve surgery report improved body image, reduced physical discomfort, and increased motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How much does excess skin removal cost

The cost of excess skin removal surgery can vary widely based on several factors, including the location of the surgery, the surgeon’s expertise, and the extent of the procedure.

Factors Influencing Costs:

Number of Procedures: Removing excess skin from multiple areas (e.g., abdomen, thighs, arms) will increase the overall cost.
Geographic Location: Surgery in the US is significantly more expensive compared to countries like Mexico.
Surgeon’s Fees: Highly experienced, board-certified surgeons may charge higher fees, but their expertise often results in better outcomes.
Hospital Charges: Operating room fees, anesthesia, and post-op care also contribute to the total cost.

Cost Breakdown:

United States: $10,000–$30,000 per procedure. Full body lifts may exceed $50,000.
Mexico: $4,000–$8,000 per procedure, with comprehensive packages often including additional services such as pre-op consultations and accommodations.

Note: These are just average estimates, while the actual costs for a patient will vary depending on several factors.

Mexico excess skin removal surgery cost inclusions

Fee charged by the plastic surgeon
Fee charged by any other attending surgeons/physicians
Fee charged by the anesthesiologist
Cost of hospitalization and operation room charges
Overnight stay at the hospital, if necessary
Pre- and post-op medical tests and consultations
One week’s prescription meds and surgical accessories

Factors affecting excess skin removal surgery cost

Skill, experience and qualifications of your plastic surgeon
Reputation of the hospital or plastic surgery center
Facilities and amenities offered at the hospital
Extent of your excess skin removal surgery
The type of sedation and anesthesia used
Whether the surgery is combined with other procedures
Length of your stay at the hospital post-surgery

Excess Skin Removal Surgery in Mexico vs. the US

For individuals seeking affordable yet high-quality surgical options, Mexico has become a leading destination for excess skin removal surgery. Here’s a detailed comparison between the two countries:

Cost Efficiency

United States: The cost of excess skin removal surgery in the US can range from $10,000 to $30,000 per procedure, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the surgeon’s expertise. Unfortunately, these high costs are often not covered by insurance, making it financially challenging for many patients.
Mexico: In contrast, patients can save 50–70% by choosing Mexico for their surgery. Cost of excess skin removal in Mexico range from $4,000 to $8,000, with many clinics offering comprehensive packages that include pre-operative consultations, surgery, post-op care, and even transportation and accommodation.

Quality of Care

Mexico is home to many internationally trained, board-certified surgeons who specialize in body contouring and excess skin removal. Reputable clinics in cities like Tijuana, Monterrey, and Cancun are equipped with modern facilities that meet or exceed international healthcare standards.

Travel and Accessibility

Mexico’s proximity to the United States makes it an ideal destination for medical tourism. Most clinics are located in border cities, reducing travel time and costs for American patients. Popular locations like Tijuana are just a short drive or flight away.

Patient Reviews and Outcomes

A survey conducted by the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association revealed that the majority of respondents believe Mexican healthcare services offer comparable or superior quality to those in the United States at a significantly lower cost. Additionally, many expressed interest in participating in medical tourism in the future.

Language and Cultural Comfort

Most clinics in Mexico cater to international patients, and staff are fluent in English, ensuring seamless communication during your treatment.

By choosing Mexico for excess skin removal surgery, patients can access world-class care at an affordable price, allowing them to achieve their aesthetic goals without financial strain.

What insurance covers excess skin removal

Does insurance cover excess skin removal after weight loss? The answer can vary from one patient to another. In many cases, patients seek excess skin removal surgery solely for cosmetic reasons to achieve more desirable body contours. This will make you ineligible for insurance coverage. However, in some cases, the procedure may be medically necessary, which will allow you to claim full or partial coverage under your health plan.

To determine what insurance covers excess skin removal, you should take the following steps.

Review the terms and conditions provided in your medical insurance policy and your “certificate of eligibility”
Call your insurer to ask under what circumstances does insurance cover excess skin removal after weight loss
If your sagging skin is causing you pain, chafing, infection, or discomfort, make a detailed note of your problems
Make an appointment with a plastic surgeon to discuss your medical concerns and get a diagnostic test evaluation done
Submit a letter of recommendation and relevant medical documents from your surgeon to your insurance provider
If your insurance coverage request is rejected, consider alternative safe and affordable options for excess skin removal surgery

Best excess skin removal surgeon near me

While you are exploring your options for excess skin removal near you, it is wise to consider the possibility of medical tourism in Mexico for a high quality yet low cost plastic surgery. The key is to choose the best excess skin removal surgeon near you who has the right skills and experience in performing this intricate procedure. Here are some of the key questions that will help you identify the best excess skin removal surgeon near you.

How many years of training and experience do you have in plastic surgery procedures?
Have you performed body contouring surgeries in the past, including excess skin removal surgery?
Do you have operating privileges at a hospital or a well-equipped plastic surgery center?
Do you think I am a good candidate for skin removal after weight loss?
Would you recommend a total body, mid body or lower body excess skin removal for me?
How much does excess skin removal cost and what services will be included in your quoted price?
Will you share a few excess skin removal before and after photos and testimonials of past patients with me?
How much is extra skin removal recovery time and is it going to be a painful process?
Are there any risks associated with the surgery and is your practice equipped to handle emergencies?

Related: Best plastic surgeons in Mexico

Excess skin removal recovery time

Excess skin removal recovery time may range from 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the type and extent of surgery performed. While you will be able to resume your normal routine after the initial downtime, complete recovery will take several weeks or months. It is vital to abide by your surgeon’s post-op care instructions to ensure a safe and expedited recovery.

Week 1–2: Immediate Post-Surgery

Rest and Recovery: Patients are advised to take it easy during this period, with most of the time spent resting. Pain, swelling, and bruising are common but manageable with prescribed medications.
Wound Care: Surgeons will provide detailed instructions on how to clean and dress the surgical wounds to prevent infection.
Compression Garments: These are typically worn to reduce swelling and support the healing process by keeping the skin in place.

Week 3–4: Gradual Return to Activities

Resuming Light Activities: Most patients can begin light walking and return to desk jobs if cleared by their surgeon.
Swelling and Bruising Reduction: Swelling begins to subside, but patients may still notice some discomfort during certain movements.

Months 2–3: Steady Progress

Healing Scars: The surgical scars may still appear red or raised but will gradually fade over time. Applying silicone sheets or scar cream, as recommended by your surgeon, can help improve their appearance.
Increased Mobility: Patients can slowly reintroduce low-impact exercises like yoga or swimming.

Months 4–6: Full Recovery

Final Results: By this stage, swelling is minimal, and the surgical scars are less noticeable. Patients can enjoy their new, toned appearance and improved physical comfort.
Lifestyle Tips: To maintain results, follow a healthy diet and regular exercise routine to prevent future weight fluctuations.

Excess skin removal before and after pics

Excess skin removal surgery by Jet Medical Tourism: What to expect?

Jet Medical Tourism® has on board some of the best excess skin removal surgeons that will help you achieve healthy and exceptionally beautiful outcomes. You can expect a dramatic improvement in your appearance and a new level of self-esteem following the skin removal surgery. Here are some of the key benefits of excess skin removal after weight loss.

Youthful, attractive looks: Excess skin removal after gastric bypass or gastric sleeve will enable you to flaunt the weight loss and toned body you have built. It will take off years from your appearance, enhance your aesthetic appeal, and make you look slimmer and trimmer.
Physical comfort and health: Loose, hanging skin increases your risk of irritation, rashes and infection. It is harder to take care of personal hygiene in various body areas when you have too much sagging skin. Skin removal surgery will allow for better skin health and general comfort.
More active lifestyle: Drooping skin tissue can weight you down and create obstructions in movement. Your everyday life gets affected and you may not even perform your fitness, sports or other physical activities comfortably. Skin removal weight loss helps you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Clothing choices: Unsightly skin folds and hanging skin can prevent you from wearing the clothes of your choice even after you have achieved massive weight loss. Extra skin removal surgery gives you the opportunity to wear all types of clothing, including swimwear, with style and confidence.

FAQs about excess skin removal surgery

How painful is excess skin removal surgery?

Most patients experience moderate discomfort, especially in the first two weeks. Pain is typically managed with prescribed medication and improves steadily over time.

Can excess skin be removed without surgery?

Non-surgical treatments like laser therapy or radio frequency can tighten skin to a limited extent. However, these are not effective for removing large amounts of excess skin. Surgery remains the most reliable solution.

Is excess skin removal surgery dangerous?

When performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, the risks are minimal. Common risks include scarring, temporary swelling, or infections, which can be managed with proper care.

How long does the procedure take?

The duration depends on the number of areas treated. A single procedure may take 2–4 hours, while combined surgeries may take longer.

How visible are the scars after surgery?

Scars are inevitable but typically fade over time. Surgeons often place incisions in discreet locations and provide aftercare tips to minimize their appearance.

Contact Jet Medical Tourism for excess skin removal surgery

Once you have achieved freedom from obesity, 90% of the battle is already won. Now all you need is a full or partial excess skin removal surgery to attain the dream body you have worked so hard to build. As long as you work with the best excess skin removal surgeon, you can achieve the desired results in a safe and affordable way.

Book an appointment with a reliable treatment provider and get ready for a lifetime of health and beauty.