Lower Body Lift Surgery

Body Contouring After Weight Loss Due to Bariatric Surgery or Life Style Changes

Findings of a study on bariatric surgery ( weight loss surgery) by Royal College of Surgeons of England released last month has reported that it can transform lives and also prevent huge financial burden on the NHS from obesity related illnesses.  Review of medical literature shows that there is a major increase in bariatric surgery procedures.  Once these patients have lost their weight then often they are left with excessive amounts of skin which may cause problems.  Body contouring is carried out by plastic surgeons to deal with these problems.

Loose hanging skin can be unsightly and also cause functional problems.  Large amount of excess skin can cover the pubis and groin.  Excoriation can occur in this area due to sweating.  Similarly excess skin can hang off arms, chest, back and thighs.  Medial thigh excess skin is a problem as it rubs against the other side.  Patients feel that in spite of losing weight they cannot fully benefit from it as this excess skin restricts them and is also a cause of social embarrassment.  Plastic surgery can help these patients.

Body contouring surgery is a major undertaking which must not be taken lightly.  These patients could be malnourished and therefore careful pre-operative assessment of their nutritional status is carried out.  In spite of this body contouring surgery carries high risk of complications which the patient must be made aware of.  Most of these complications are related to wound healing problems and are discussed in details with patients.

Body contouring procedures are usually done in two to three sessions.  The first session could be lower body lifting.  This involves a circumferential abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck).  This lifts up the pubic area, lateral thigh and the buttocks, getting rid of excess skin in the abdomen and back.  Next stage can be an upper body lift.  In ladies it involves a breast up lift and removal of excess skin in the front and back.  In males the excess breast skin is removed.  In both, this can be combined with an arm lift.  Finally in the third stage the inner thigh skin is removed.  Most of the scars are placed in areas so they are hidden beneath underwear.   Liposuction is a very useful tool which is used to remove excess fat and shape the body in these patients. These operations carry a very high patient satisfaction rate.

All of this surgery is offered at Sthetix Cosmetic Surgery clinic and is carried out by NHS trained plastic surgeons in a very safe and effective environment.  For further information and discussing this directly with the surgeon please make an appointment on 0151 669 1114.