Bariatric Surgery
Why would I consider surgery?
Bariatric surgery is surgery typically used to assist with the residual problems following extreme weight loss. This can be related to weight loss following lifestyle changes or weight reduction surgery such as gastric banding.
Abdominoplasty is very common, but other procedures include arm reduction, thigh reduction and body lift surgery
Who benefits?
Extreme weight loss can result in skin excess that is so severe that it will simply not take up itself. Surgery can assist with these residual excesses. This is often called 'the flags' with the hanging skin of the arms. With the thighs, the excess skin may rub together and restrict exercise for example.
Bodylift is indicated where the skin around the entire lower body is excessive.
How is it done?
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and is usually performed as overnight stay surgery. The types of suregry are:
- Arm reduction
Excess skin and fat are removed in a triangular shape based at the arm pit and then running down the very inner aspect of the arm. This results in as scar based along the edge of the arm pit and then for varying lengths down the vey inner aspect of the arm, but typically not past the elbow. - Thigh Reduction
This is similar in principal to arm reduction as it simply represents the lower limb equivalent. The operation is larger from a surgical point of view, but only in that the lower limb is bigger than the upper. - Bodylift
Bodylift is the combination of abdominoplasty, lateral thigh lift and buttock lift. This results in a literal 'ring barking' of the lower body, that is then lifted to give the improved contour to the lower body.
Method
All of the procedures are performed under general anaesthetic with a consultant specialist anaesthetist.
In bodylift, after going to sleep, the position on the operating table is face down. This allows the buttock and lateral thigh lift to be performed. Once completed, the patient is turned onto their back so the abdominoplasty can complete the procedure.
Medial thigh and arm reduction are performed in the one position lying normally on the operating room table.
What can I expect?
You are typically admitted on the day of surgery having fasted from the night before.
How long does it take to recover?
Recovery time is in the order of a week for arm and thigh reduction. Bodylift is quite extensive surgery and recovery takes several weeks.
What complications can occur?
Although every endeavour is made to avoid complications, sometimes they do occur. Complications do not necessarily imply an error has occurred, they can be related to the anaesthetic or the surgery.
Surgical complications can include: bleeding and bruising, swelling, thick scars and infection. Seroma is a collection of fluid in the surgical field and can require serial aspiration in the office. Rarely, this can be chronic and require surgical correction.
Although this list indicates some examples of complications, surgery should not be undertaken until this has been discussed fully with the surgeon.
What other procedures are often performed at the same time?
It is not uncommon for all of these surgeries to be performed at the one time.
What does it cost and will private insurance help?
Exact costing is highly variable depending on your history and circumstances, the hospital used and specifics of the procedure. Item numbers can be given for some of these surgeries
Some private health insurance companies in Australia will assist with bed and theatre fees even on purely cosmetic procedures.
If a procedure can be given an item number then rebates may apply.
A cost guide can be requested from my office on +61 8 9485 1333, some of the individual cost factors can be estimated with more information. Alternatively, we can be emailed at info@cosmetic-surgery.com.au
Where can I get more information?
If you have specific questions, or wish more information on specific procedures, please don"t hesitate to contact my office for a complimentary appointment with my nurse / patient liaison officer.
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