Weight loss surgery has become the number one go-to method for people who are severely out of shape and cannot undergo a long exercise process. Although losing weight with a workout is one of the best approaches, sometimes it becomes tough for people to get up and head out to the gym or start running. Getting weight loss surgery and navigating weight loss surgery scars is a complicated process that demands a lot of effort, time, and pain.
Weight loss surgery has become a transformative solution for people who are obese or overweight. Sometimes, individuals who can quickly go to the gym and are not overweight opt for this method, thinking it is quick and convenient. Although, it’s not.
As All that glitters is not gold. In the same case, everything comes with its pros and cons. Let’s start understanding the science and concept of weight loss surgeries and their persistent, stubborn scars.
Types of Weight Loss Surgeries
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Also known as Roux-en-Y, gastric bypass is a standard weight loss surgery. It involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and patterning a portion of the small intestine to connect to this pouch.
Image Credit: Venu Gopal Pareek
This method limits the amount of food ingested to reduce food absorption and enhance consumption.
Scar healing after weight loss surgery can take a long time. People usually opt for Skin Excision surgery after gastric bypass surgery.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
During sleeve gastrectomy, a significant portion of the stomach is removed. It leaves behind a tube-shaped stomach, creating a small” sleeve” “-like structure.
It minimizes the ability of the stomach to hold the food and reduces the level of hunger-producing hormones, leading to weight loss.
Gastric Banding (Lap-Band Surgery)
It is also known as Lap-Band Surgery. As the name suggests, this type of surgery creates a small band above the stomach lining.
This creates a small pouch and restricts the amount of food ingested. It holds the food and promotes weight loss.
Duodenal Switch Surgery
This complex procedure combines two types of surgery, i.e., gastrectomy and intestinal rerouting.
First, a large portion of the stomach is removed, and then the small intestine is re-routed to reduce calories and nutrient absorption. This method creates a never-giving weight loss surgery scar.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
If you have a high Body Mass Index (BMI), this is the right weight loss surgery option for you. The only con is that it leaves a more prominent weight loss surgery scar. The surgeon will opt for sleeve gastronomy, followed by extensive intestinal re-routing.
Intragastric Balloon
Intragastric Balloon is a non-surgical procedure of weight loss that leaves no room for weight loss surgery scar. This involves the placement of the deflated balloon in the stomach, which is then inflated to occupy space and cause a feeling of fullness.
It is a temporary solution for people who need weight loss before undergoing extensive surgery.
Weight Loss Surgery Scars
Weight loss surgery gives millions of people the body of their dreams but with weight loss surgery scars. While the sole focus of the surgery is to improve physical health, it’s essential to acknowledge the marks that highlight this critical journey of weight loss surgery scars.
Let’s understand various types of weight loss scars, knowing that every spot tells your story: courage, determination, and resilience.
Laparoscopic Incision Scars
These are minimally invasive weight loss surgery scars visible after laparoscopic techniques. These scars are visible around the abdomen from 0-5 cm to 1-5 cm in small portions.
These are small, round, and heal faster than all other weight loss surgery scars. After they are fully healed, you can see them as tiny dots on your abdomen.
These incisions are made to insert surgical instruments and a camera.
Vertical Gastric Sleeve Scar
This type of weight loss surgery scar is also known as Midline Scar. They come as a result of gastric bypass weight loss surgery.
Vertical weight loss surgery scars are more visible than laparoscopic incisions on the steep lower part of the rib cage next to the navel.
Abdominal Incision Scars
The abdominal incision scar is the most prominent weight loss surgery scar that can be noticeable after bypass surgery. It is present horizontally along the abdomen. It is similar to a” bikini line incision”. It is more prominent due to its bigger size and location.
For people who wear short clothes, it can cause a problem.
Umbilical Incision Scar
If you are undergoing laparoscopic surgery and the incision is done within the belly button and umbilicus, then you are lucky Because it leaves a hidden scar in the natural folds of the belly button that cannot be seen by the naked eye from the outside.
This is caused by entering the camera and other surgical instruments inside your body.
Lap-Band Port Scar
If any patient undergoes adjustable gastric banding, small scars may appear from the port placement for band adjustment. You can see a lap-band port weight loss surgery scar near the upper abdomen.
Surgical Drain Exit Sites
This type of surgical scar appears after bypass gastric surgery when drainage tubes are temporarily placed to remove excess fluids from the surgical area.
These scars formed from the tubes are usually small and fade over time. You can also enhance the scar healing process using ointments or oils such as Bio-Oil.
Frequently Asked Question
Sometimes Yes1 If you are overweight, start a gym to lose weight. Your body may get loose, and your skin may get thick. For which you have to undergo excess skin removal
You can get Fasting Liquids to lose weight and avoid pre-weight loss surgery. This will keep you hydrated.
Skin removal surgery is for people unhappy with their weight loss surgery scars. You can surely opt for this option for your buttocks, loose arms and leg surgery.
Neith surgery will remove the weight loss surgery scar altogether. However, any procedure can minimize the appearance of the scar.
You can use vitamin E, massage therapy, silicon gels, and laser treatment to reduce the appearance of scars.
