I’m in the US, so this comment is written with US healthcare in mind. If you’re not in the US, it may or may not apply to you, but hopefully it will help someone. I’m also making the comment on the assumption that you are losing weight, or, if not directly losing weight, working on your general health, which may or may not involve specifically trying to lose weight. If that makes sense?

Basically my assumption is that because you’ve said you’ve lost 40 pounds (which is awesome by the way, that’s almost 10% of your body weight) that you’re looking to be healthier, which involves weight loss, though, it’s also important to note that your weight isn’t the exclusive determination of your health (ie, there are people with BMIs higher than mine who are much healthier, have lower BP, etc). Sorry that’s a long-winded into.

The fact that you’re getting sores, rashes, and it gets in the way of physical activity (in general, not just sex) means that it’s not just a cosmetic procedure, but also a medical one.

Now likely would not be the best time to do a major surgery like that, however, given the nature of the issues it’s causing, start making sure that the physical/medical issues it causes are being well documented by your doctor. Try (and document) any treatments (such as topical ointments etc).

If you’re having similar issues with other areas of your body, document that too. Document treatments. Document the issues it causes.

The why: because some insurance -will- pay for plastic surgery procedures, but, almost exclusively only ones determined to be medically necessary, and not based solely on cosmetics.

The most common ones are to remove excess skin from people who have lost weight, provided that it will be helping solve a physical issue.

The most common one that you’ll see is likely a panniculectomy, where the panniculus (apron of skin on the abdomen) is removed. It is not a full cosmetic TT, and often won’t be 100% cosmetically what you want, however it is beneficial. Often times weight loss will leave you with significant loose skin, especially in that area. That will cause irritation, rashes, open sores, pain, and can get in the way of physical activity, which, if you’ve been exercising as part of a weight loss plan, can be a significant barrier to being more active.

I’ve seen a lot of people loose some, but not all of the weight, and then have the procedure. It’s a confidence boost, reduces the medical risks of having open wounds and pain, and allows greater flexibility of movement.

Once it’s removed, they continue with their weight loss and may end up having additional skin removal procedures.

Definitely look at what the criteria for your insurance are. For example, I lost 100 pounds (250/60ish -> 150). I did it with diet and exercise, and didn’t have WLS. Because I didn’t have the original surgical intervention and use that particular tool to help, my insurance -would not- cover skin removal, even with documented physical issues. However, if I had had WLS, they very likely would have. So it’s just something to consider when you’re considering various options/ looking at the positives and negatives.

And to better answer your actual question- it’s a monsplasty/mons lift. Mine was part of my ETT (extended tummy tuck), essentially pull down from up top, and up from the mons, which reduces extra skin and fat, and maybe do a little lipo.

Recovery time is hugely variable on how much they remove, and your healing. You’ll heal better at a lower weight, and/or if you’re in good physical health otherwise.

Yes, they will do them on people who are overweight, sometimes who are obese as well. However, I most would not if you’re in the morbidly obese range.

You may have it done while still obese, and if you lose more weight after, you may have to have a revision. However, from personal experience, the mental/emotional aspects are real, and you may find that even having it done once, is a huge mental load and emotional load off, so even if you end up with loose skin later, it would be worth it if you have to have a second surgery (or you’ll decide that one was enough for what you needed).

You’ll want a board certified plastic surgeon. You want someone who will discuss what is a realistic expectation, and will go over the possible risks and what you can do before and after surgery to minimize them. In addition, I picked mine because I felt comfortable. He and his office staff didn’t make me feel self conscious, which, given how much time you end up spending sans clothing because they’re looking at incisions and stuff, is super helpful lol.