Post Weight Loss Skin Reduction / Body Contouring

Losing a significant amount of weight is a major achievement that can enhance your health, outlook, appearance and overall wellbeing. However, for many people, after losing this weight they are left with heavy sagging skin around their arms, thighs, abdomen, buttocks, breasts and neck. Unfortunately, despite exercise and dieting, patients find that they cannot rid themselves of the extra skin. In addition, the excess skin may cause various problems such as difficulty with hygiene, clothing and medical issues such as sores, rashes and infections. The only way to improve this situation is to remove the excess skin by having body contouring surgery.

Mr Huq is highly skilled at body contouring surgery and can help you to achieve a more firm and fit appearance. He will listen to your concerns and provide you with a tailor made plan to help you achieve your goals.

What are the Body contouring procedures?

The mainstay of body contouring surgery is the abdominoplasty and this is usually combined with some of the procedures described below. Mr Huq will advise you on which surgeries will be beneficial for you based on your individual needs. These procedures include:

Breast lift : Breast lift may be performed with or without breast augmentation (implants) or breast reduction. This will help to restore the breast to a more youthful shape.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck : This procedure involves removing the excess skin around the abdomen and tightening of the abdominal muscles. Patients that have this procedure have a high satisfaction rate and improved levels of confidence.

Lower body lift : This procedure involves treating the sagging abdomen, waist, buttocks, hips and thighs in a single procedure. Excess skin is removed by making an incision around the body’s circumference.

Thigh lift : This procedure involves removing excess skin from the upper, middle, and inner thigh around the area from the groin towards the knee. It can help to refine the shape of the leg into a more youthful appearance.

Arm lift or Brachioplasty : This procedure involves removing excess skin from the upper arms. An incision is made from the underarm and extended towards the elbow. Patients who have this procedure find it easier to find clothes that fit.

Am I a good candidate for body contouring surgery?

The ideal patients for body contouring surgery following weight loss fit the following criteria:

• Stable weight (for over 6 months)
• Healthy and free from cardiac disease and diabetes
• Are non-smokers
• Have a positive attitude, realistic expectations and are mentally prepared for the surgery and the recovery process
• Committed to proper nutrition and healthy eating habits

What is the recovery time following surgery?

The recovery time will depend on the type of surgery you have had. Mr Huq will carefully explain to you what the recovery process will be like and when you can safely go back to work. However, in general you should plan to take off a minimum of 2 weeks off if you are doing a desk-based job. It is also recommended that you have someone to stay with you for the first week to help you with your daily activities.

What are the risks of surgery?

As with any surgery, body contouring procedures involve certain risks. Mr Huq will explain these risks to you so that you are able to make an informed choice regarding your surgery. Some risks include:

• Bleeding and infection
• Lumpy scars
• Asymmetry