Bariatric Surgery next Steps; Body Contouring.

Congratulations! You have successfully achieved your weight loss goal by undergoing bariatric surgery. You look and feel better and are more active than you have ever been in your entire life. However, because of the sagging skin, your confidence level is not as high as you would like it to be.

You are not alone. 

Although bariatric surgery is a life-saving option, many people refuse to give it a go for fear of how they would look after it. On the other hand, patients who have undergone the surgery may be far from satisfied with the results due to excess skin. Aside from being an aesthetic issue, excess skin also poses some health concerns such as rashes and infections.

The good news is that there are many options available to remove the extra skin and give your body a better post-weight loss shape. In this article, we explore Body Contouring which is commonly known as Plastic Surgery.

Why Does My Skin Sag?

The simple answer is skin elasticity which is responsible for keeping the skin firm and tight.

When you gain weight, your skin naturally stretches to accommodate the extra fat being stored by your body. The more weight you gain, the more the skin stretches. Excess stretching is what causes the skin to lose its elasticity.

When the average person loses weight, their skin snaps back taking the form of their new body shape. However, when you shed weight quickly, through bariatric surgery or through exercise and diet, your skin is unable to keep up and conform to the new shape of your body. This results in loose (sagging) skin which is an aesthetic issue for many.

The result of this is decreased confidence due to failure of the surgery to meet your body expectations.

What is Plastic Surgery?

Also referred to as body contouring or post-bariatric surgery, plastic surgery is a procedure where body form, shape, and appearance are improved to give you your desired result. Through a combination of reconstructive and aesthetic techniques, sagging areas of the body are tightened and shaped to give a more balanced appearance.

The procedures available include: 

• Tummy Tuck
• Liposuction
• Arm Lift
• Thigh Lift
• Body Lift Surgery

After massive weight loss, plastic surgery can be a contributing factor to your increased comfort and self-confidence through the removal of the sagging skin and excess fat.

What makes a good candidate for plastic surgery?

You are a good candidate for plastic surgery if: 

• You have experienced drastic weight loss from bariatric surgery, diet, or exercise 
• You have sagging skin in multiple areas I.e face, arms, neck, breasts, thighs
• Your weight has stabilised following bariatric surgery, diet, or exercise. This may be 18 months or more following your surgery

Although it is useful for those who have undergone a form of bariatric surgery, you do not have to be obese to be considered for plastic surgery.

Is Plastic Surgery Available in Kenya?

Vitality Fountain Clinic located at 14, Riverside Drive, is the first facility in Kenya to offer high-quality plastic surgery procedures. Your operating Doctor is Dr. Tilman Stasch who is an internationally qualified aesthetic, plastic, reconstructive, and hand surgeon. With over 15 years of training and experience, he will work with you after your weight loss surgery, to give you the body that you desire.

In Summary

Your weight loss journey does not end with bariatric surgery. Over time, you may notice that you have excess sagging skin which may be affecting your confidence and self-esteem. If this is the case, plastic surgery is for you. The procedures are offered by Dr. Stasch who is internationally qualified and has over 15 years of experience and training in the area.