Body contouring after weight loss
A type of surgery aimed at full body contouring after weight loss is called post-bariatric surgery. This surgery involves dissection of the redundant skin in the absence of the excess subcutaneous fat. Rapid weight loss is usually observed at face, shoulder, arm, chest, tummy, buttock and thigh regions. A patient can loose weight rapidly but the skin is unable to tighten just as fast. In such situation post-bariatric surgery is helpful.
Post-bariatric surgery comprises a number of measures:
- Face and neck lift Rapid weight loss leads to sagging of the face skin. Folds appear under the chin, cheeks become sunken. This procedure helps restore skin vitality, face shape and remove folds. It is performed by making incisions in the almost invisible points and hairy part of the head.
- Correction of the thighs and tummy, trunk and buttocks. All these procedures are included to one large abdominoplasty complex intended to remove saggy skin and stretch marks. A procedure on thighs is outpatient but it is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made in the groin region to access the fat tissue. In the course of correction of the external thigh part cross-shaped incisions are made at the top of buttocks.
- Lifting of saggy skin of arms and shoulders. It is performed by means of incisions made on the inner part of the forearm. The redundant skin is dissected and removed. At the same time liposuction is carried out.
- Weight loss has strong influence on the breast. It becomes saggy and looses its natural shape. Implants are used to correct it. In some cases nipples are corrected as well because of areola shape change.
- Complex of body contouring after weight loss also includes panniculectomy plastic surgery. The purpose of this procedure is to remove only redundant skin and fat. Muscle tissue is not affected by it. This is the key difference from abdominoplasty. Thus, it is possible to correct the saggy belly resembling an apron. Panniculectomy is performed under general anesthesia.
- Belt lipectomy is also known as a lower body lift (belly, waist, thighs, and buttocks). It helps to remove the excess fat, loose skin around abdomen, shape a thin waist. During the procedure incisions are made around the belly and the lower back.
Preparation to post-bariatric surgery:
Preoperative preparation includes all standard tests: biochemical blood and urine tests, EXC, X-ray examination. Ultrasound is ordered depending on the body part to be corrected. Blood of a patient is checked for hidden infections, such as AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis, etc.
The blood clotting ability and Rh factor are determined. Additional consultations are held with a general practitioner, endocrinologist, vascular surgeon and anesthesiologist. During an examination it is important to detect and exclude possible contraindications. If a patient has any current diseases and takes medicines a doctor should be informed about it.
Shortly before surgery a diet is prescribed to facilitate body detoxification. Within a scope of preparation to the procedure a patient’s intestines are purged and the urinary bladder is emptied a few hours prior to its start.
Surgery/procedure duration: 1-2 hours
Anesthesia: general anesthesia
Postoperative period:
Most procedures do not require a long stay at the clinic. If no complications are observed a patient is discharged from the clinic in 2 or 3 days after plastic surgery. Average recovery period is 3 to 4 weeks. At this time it is necessary to wear compression garments. It helps to prevent swelling and reduces load on the operated muscles.
Along with it a doctor can prescribe antibacterial therapy to prevent infections. Final correction results become visible in 4-5 months. By that time all scars will heal, damaged muscles will gain the desired shape, skin elasticity will be restored.
