Ask the Expert
Richard Ha , M . D .
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Massive weight loss causes loose and excess skin on the body . One way to get rid of it is through body contouring procedures . Dr . Richard Ha answers some common questions about the procedures .
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My ultimate goal is your happiness . Delivering outstanding surgical results is only one part of your overall success . My approach is personal and consultative to ensure that your needs are as tailored and individual as you are . I am committed to providing the highest quality patient care through communication and education .
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Q : WHAT IS BODY CONTOURING ?
>> Dr . Ha : Body contouring is a series of procedures to remove excess skin and fat from the body after massive weight loss or bariatric surgery . The procedures include tummy tuck ( abdominoplasty or circumferential abdominoplasty ), thigh / arm lift ( brachioplasty ), breast lift ( mastopexy ), and face / neck lift . In addition , liposuction can be performed . It can be performed alone or in conjunction with these procedures , depending on the quality of the skin .
Q : WHO WOULD BE THE IDEAL CAN- DIDATE FOR THE SURGERY ?
>> Dr . Ha : There are two types of candidates . The first are patients who haven ’ t had weight loss surgery and have resistant areas of excess skin and fat . These patients should also have reached their goal weight and be generally healthy . The second are patients who have had bariatric surgery and have maintained a stable weight over a three to six month period . They should also have completed their weight loss , which is typically 12 to 18 months after gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures and six months after a lap band procedure .
Q : HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT THE RECOVERY PERIOD TO BE ?
>> Dr . Ha : As every patient ’ s healing rate varies , patients should expect the recovery period to last anywhere from two to six weeks . Also , keep in mind , recovery periods will vary based upon which procedure is performed .
Q : WHEN SHOULD I SEE DESIRED RE- SULTS ?
>> Dr . Ha : Patients will see immediate improvement , but their final results should appear around four to six months after surgery . The scars will take up to one year to fade or mature .
Q : HOW SOON AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY CAN I HAVE BODY CON- TOURING SURGERY ?
>> Dr . Ha : With the three types of bariatric surgery , it is best to wait 12 to 18 months after a gastric bypass , 12 months after a gastric sleeve and six months after a lap band procedure .
Q : WHEN CAN I RESUME NORMAL ACTIVITY POST-SURGERY ?
>> Dr . Ha : Patients can expect to return to daily activities within two to three weeks , and they can begin exercising roughly six weeks after surgery .
Dr . Ha is a board certified plastic surgeon with offices in the Dallas area . He specializes in plastic surgery including face lifts , breast augmentation , liposuction , body contouring , rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery . He also has a pediatric plastic surgery practice , specializing in cleft lip and palate , and craniofacial surgery . To schedule an appointment with Dr . Ha , call ( 214 ) 818 - 0935 .
Summer 2013 Best Docs Network
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