Plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery can be done after someone loses a great deal of weight, in order to eliminate excess skin that may be hanging or sagging. For example, after a bariatric procedure, someone may lose a hundred pounds. Although the weight is gone, the skin can remain. Cosmetic surgery can tighten the way it looks, to improve appearance. Body contouring after obesity surgery is not always needed, but may be an option in some cases.

There are a number of different cosmetic surgeries that can be done after bariatric surgery. Body contouring options after weight loss include:

• arm lift - this can be done to eliminate flabby skin under the arms that remains after obesity surgery
• breast lift - this can be done to lift droopy breast tissue
• face and neck lift - this can be done to tighten skin of the face and eliminate a double chin that remains after weight loss
• liposuction - this can be done if there are pockets of excess fat that won't budget even after weight is lost
• thigh lift - this can eliminate loose skin on the thighs following a bariatric procedure
• tummy tuck - this can reduce wrinkly skin on the stomach or abdomen
• full body lift - this is a major surgery that incorporates a number of the above procedures

Post bariatric plastic surgery may not be necessary. Sometimes exercise can help to improve the appearance. You should also give your body time to absorb the extra weight. It's also important to realize that the bariatric surgery itself was a major shock to the body, so this isn't something to rush into. This kind of procedure just isn't something to undertake easily. Make sure you've considered all the less major alternatives.

If you have decided to go ahead with plastic surgery after weight loss, it is essential to choose a qualified and board certified plastic surgeon. You should ask many questions about the doctor's qualifications and experience in this type of procedure. Find out what all the costs will be upfront, and consider how you are going to finance this. Ask for before and after pictures of people with body types similar to your own. Remember that there are many risks in this type of surgery, including anesthesia, scars and other issues. Ask the surgeon what they are and what he or she will do to minimize them.