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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