Our practice has seen an increasing number of patients present for completion body contouring following successful bariatric surgery (such as gastric bypass or gastric banding). As a result of significant weight loss, patients who have had successful bariatric surgery are left with loose folds of skin over then arms, breast, chest, abdomen, back and thighs. These are often unsightly and can also pose problems with hygiene.
A combination of procedures such as brachioplasty (arm tightening), thigh lift, breast lift and abdominoplasty can be performed to remove loose skin folds and restore a more normal body contour.
Professor Deva insists on a thorough consultation to address the benefits and risks of utilising a one stage versus a multi -staged procedure in approaching this. Combination procedures usually require a longer in-hospital stay and home nursing care following discharge. Compression garments are utilised for a 6 week period following surgery to encourage minimisation of bruising and swelling and to encourage skin tightening following surgery.