Body Reshaping After Major Weight Loss (Post-Bariatric Surgery) in Bangalore
Medically reviewed by Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
After major weight loss, from diet or bariatric (weight-loss) surgery, many people are left with loose, hanging skin. Post-bariatric body contouring removes that skin and fat and tightens the tissue underneath. At Contura Clinic, Bangalore, Dr Sreekar Harinatha combines procedures such as a body lift, tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift and breast lift, often in stages. Surgery is planned once your weight has been stable.
Which procedures are included?
| Area | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Tummy | Tummy tuck |
| Waist, hips, buttocks and thighs together | Lower body lift (all round the body) |
| Thighs | Thigh lift |
| Upper arms | Arm lift |
| Breasts | Breast lift, with implants if volume is lost |
| Male chest | Gynecomastia surgery with skin tightening |
| Leftover fat pockets | Liposuction |
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults whose weight has been stable for at least 6 months, usually 12–18 months after bariatric surgery
- People in good health, without conditions that slow healing
- Non-smokers
- People with realistic goals who are committed to a healthy lifestyle
If you are still losing weight, the skin will sag again. Rapid weight gain can stretch it.
One surgery or in stages?
Post-bariatric contouring is often done in stages, for example the lower body first and the arms and breasts later. The plan depends on how much loose skin you have, your goals and your surgeon's advice about safety.
At a glance
| Anaesthesia | Usually general anaesthesia. IV or local sedation for smaller procedures |
| Surgery time | 2–3 hours per stage; a full body lift takes about 4–6 hours |
| Hospital stay | Day care or one night, depending on the procedure |
| Wound healing | 7–14 days, then stitches removed if needed |
| Back to work | A few weeks |
| Final result | 1–2 years or more |
| Cost | Starting from ₹1,20,000 plus GST |
Recovery
- Start walking early, but avoid bending, straining and lifting for days to weeks.
- Sleep with your knees raised on pillows, and avoid standing fully upright at first after a tummy tuck or body lift.
- Drains and elastic bandages may be used for a short time.
- Most people return to work and normal activities in a few weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and hard exercise until your surgeon says so.
- Numbness and firmness improve with time.
What are the risks?
Bleeding, infection, fluid build-up, slow or poor wound healing, skin loss, blood clots, wide or uneven scars, numbness or changed skin sensation, and anaesthesia risks. Your surgeon will explain how these apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
How long after bariatric surgery can I have skin removal?
Wait until your weight has been stable for at least 6 months. This is usually 12–18 months after bariatric surgery.
Can all areas be done in one surgery?
Sometimes, but it is often safer to do it in stages. Your surgeon will plan the order and spacing of each surgery.
When will I see the final results?
The change is visible almost immediately, but swelling and scars take 1–2 years or more to settle fully.
Related pages: Tummy tuck · Thigh lift · Arm lift · Breast lift
About the doctor
Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery, CMC Vellore), DNB (Plastic Surgery). Karnataka Medical Council Reg. No. 68989. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Contura Clinic, Kalyan Nagar. Best Paper Award at the IMCAS conference, Taipei, 2016, for his gynecomastia technique. Author of The Male Breast and over 40 papers in indexed journals. Member of IAAPS, IMA and the European College of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.