Plastic Surgery
Introduction
Morbid obesity brings with it numerous health risks and co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and more. While bariatric surgery effectively addresses these issues, the rapid weight loss it facilitates often results in layers of loose, hanging skin—especially in super-obese individuals. This excess skin, commonly seen on the abdomen, chest, arms, thighs, or buttocks, affects both physical appearance and mobility, as well as causes hygiene concerns.
Post-Bariatric Body Contouring removes sagging skin, tightens underlying tissues, and leaves imperceptible scars, helping patients achieve a proportionate, well-toned body with smoother curves.
Why is Plastic Surgery Needed After Bariatric Surgery?
Skin elasticity depends on collagen for firmness and elastin for flexibility. With significant weight gain, the skin stretches to accommodate additional fat. Prolonged stretching can damage collagen and elastin, leaving the skin unable to retract after weight loss.
In such cases, surgical removal of loose skin is often the best solution. Plastic surgeons trained in body contouring play an essential role in post-bariatric care, helping patients attain a healthy and well-toned physique.
Types of Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Procedures
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Removes excess arm and lateral thorax skin with minimal scars; combines skin excision and liposuction.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Reshapes deflated breasts and corrects nipple ptosis using extra skin for a fuller look, avoiding implants.
Abdominoplasty: Eliminates hanging abdominal skin, corrects mons pubis ptosis, and sculpts the midriff muscles.
Lower Body Lift: Contours the abdomen, back, buttocks, and thighs by addressing circumferential skin excess.
Inner Thigh Lift: Tightens loose inner thigh skin, reduces friction, and uses liposuction for leaner results.
Ideal Candidates for Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Surgery
Ideal candidates for post-bariatric body contouring surgery include individuals who have maintained a stable weight for at least six months, typically 1.5 years after bariatric surgery, are non-smokers, follow a nutritious, protein-rich diet, and are committed to a healthy lifestyle. This surgery is especially beneficial for those unable to address loose skin through exercise alone.
Benefits of Post-Bariatric Body Contouring
The procedure offers numerous advantages, such as improved body image, enhanced self-esteem, better hygiene, relief from skin-related issues like rashes and fungal infections, increased mobility, and alleviation of back and neck pain caused by excess skin. Studies also indicate that body contouring can help patients sustain a healthy lifestyle and minimize the risk of weight regain.
Meet Our Expert Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Giriraj Gandhi – Expert Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Giriraj Gandhi is a Pune-Mumbai based Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon specializing in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery in PCMC. Since 2017, he has been serving patients with his vast expertise in plastic surgery.
A distinguished graduate of Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Dr. Gandhi received the JRD Tata Scholarship twice for academic excellence. He completed his General Surgical Training at BJ Medical College & Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, where he handled complex cases.
After excelling in a national-level entrance exam and interview, he was selected for advanced training at the prestigious PGIMER, Chandigarh, one of India’s top medical institutes.