Normally, following any type of bariatric surgery, one can expect to shed 25 to 30 percent of their weight. This is accompanied by laxity of skin, which forms on the abdomen, upper arms, and thighs.
Seeing loose skin on your body can be very annoying especially after going through all the efforts of shedding the weight. This may make you question, “How long before I can have body contouring surgery?”
Dr. Preeti Pandya is a board certified Plastic Surgeon who works with post-bariatric surgery patients at the Viva Esthetique clinic. Dr. Pandya meticulously evaluates each individual to help them decide when to move forward with body contouring procedures.
The Importance of Timing:
Post-bariatric surgery body contouring not only has aesthetic implications but also helps reduce skin irritations, enhance mobility and supports overall better quality of life.
It is recommended to wait for at least 12-18 months before you proceed for a body contouring procedure. And here’s why:
Stabilization of weight: It is recommended that for at least 6 months you have achieved weight stabilization.
Proper Recovery & Healing : Your body requires recovery from rapid weight loss and undergoing surgery.
Nutritional Preparedness: The body is likely to experience nutrient deficiencies after bariatric surgery which have to be resolved before
undergoing plastic surgery: Please remember that perseverance is crucial in the postoperative period especially when you have to go through multiple surgeries.. Rushing to do everything as quickly as possible can compromise patient’s safety and well-being
What is body contouring after weight loss:
Body contouring surgery is a procedure that is used to refine your body contour by reducing the excess skin that is left after Bariatric Surgery.
The folds of excess skin undoubtedly create difficulties like:
- Rash, or ulcers in the skin folds in the groin area or under the breast leading to an infection
- Hygiene problems in these regions
- Difficulties in exercising and sports activities
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty in choosing proper fitting clothes
Body Contouring Surgery Options:
Body contouring procedures are customized according to individual requirements, and you should consult your Plastic Surgeon to discuss what is appropriate for you. In most situations, some of these treatments may be done in combination. Before choosing the proper surgical technique, the Plastic Surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your body and lifestyle.
Body-contouring procedures consist of the following
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- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen while tightening the underlying connective tissue and muscles of the abdominal wall
- Panniculectomy: Panniculectomy is a surgical procedure in which the “pannus,” an apron of excess hanging skin and fat of the lower abdomen, is surgically removed.
- Breast rejuvenation (breast lift surgery): Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is a procedure wherein, the Plastic Surgeons remove extra skin, tighten tissue, and move the nipple higher to fix sagging. It raises the breasts but does not change their natural size.
- Buttock lift surgery: Buttock lift surgery removes excess sagging skin and fat from the lower body to improve the shape and tone of the buttocks. It does not add volume or change the size of the buttocks.
- Belt Lipectomy (circumferential body lift): A belt lipectomy, also called a lower body lift or circumferential abdominoplasty, is a major surgical procedure that removes excess sagging skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks, hips, back, and buttocks.
- Thigh Lift: A thigh lift procedure removes loose skin and stubborn fat to reshape and firm the thighs.
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty ): Arm lift, is a type of cosmetic surgery which helps improve tone and definition in your arms by removing excess skin and tightening the supportive tissue.
How To Know If You Are A Good Candidate For Body Contouring?
If you have achieved your desired weight and are successfully able to maintain it, you possibly can consider body contouring for better body sculpting.
Those who will definitely benefit from body contouring are people with excessive skin in certain areas of the body but little excess fat.
Although these procedures can make a substantial difference in your overall outlook, every individual heals differently. An honest discussion about your expectations for the procedure and your post-surgery results with a qualified Plastic Surgeon is the primary and most important step.
Your current health condition, medicines you are taking, smoking, drinking alcohol, any past surgical procedures you had should be transparently discussed with your Plastic Surgeon. If you are smoking, or consuming alcohol, you will have to stop for at least several weeks prior to getting the procedure done.
How does the body contouring procedure take place?
The anaesthetist puts you under general anesthesia so that during the procedure you will not feel anything.
The Plastic Surgeon will make an incision on the part of the body that is being contoured, and will take away the excess skin and tissue and will reconnect it to create an even contour, making sure that the scars left behind are minimized.
Your entire treatment will include a number of surgeries that may sometimes be done in phases with a break between each one, if required.
Recovery Period For Body Contouring:
There will be dressings applied on the incisions made after the surgery. Moreover, small tubes may be inserted under your skin temporarily in order to release any excess blood or fluid accumulation.
The instructions include:
- Wearing a compression garment
- Taking certain medications in order to aid healing
- Particular signs to watch out for both at the surgical site and generally
- Your schedule for contacting your Plastic Surgeon.
About Dr. Preeti Pandya:
Dr. Preeti T. Pandya is regarded as one of the leading board-certified and gold-medalist Plastic & cosmetic surgeons in Delhi & NCR. With over 20 years of surgical expertise, Dr. Preeti Pandya has transformed the lives of thousands through advanced cosmetic, reconstructive, and hair restoration procedures. Her approach blends artistry with medical precision, ensuring results that are natural, balanced, and confidence-boosting.
Also Read : Finding the Best Abdominoplasty Specialist in Delhi