Overview

India is facing a significant obesity crisis, with global estimates placing the country third worldwide for the number of adults living with obesity. While bariatric surgery offers a life‑changing option for many, it often leaves patients with excess, sagging skin that can cause chronic rashes, infections, and reduced mobility.

Zydus Hospitals’ Response

Zydus Hospitals, Ahmedabad, through its Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Department, is addressing these post‑weight‑loss challenges by offering comprehensive body‑contouring and reconstructive procedures. The department is headed by Dr Bijal Parikh, a Plastic, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in facial and body aesthetics.

Patient Case Illustrations

  • 43‑year‑old female: After bariatric surgery four years earlier and a recent liposuction, she presented with loose skin on the abdomen, lateral chest, and both arms, as well as a “laughing umbilicus.” Dr Parikh performed a circumferential abdominoplasty (extended tummy tuck) combined with targeted arm and chest contouring. The procedure used cosmetic, absorbable internal sutures that do not require removal, and stitches were placed along natural creases to minimise visibility. Post‑operatively, the patient wore a pressure garment for six weeks, recovered well, and reported restored confidence, enabling her to dance freely.
  • 65‑year‑old patient: Sought a neck lift and lower facelift. The surgery tightened the skin, SMAS layer, and platysma muscle, restoring jawline definition without an overly tight appearance. The patient expressed satisfaction with the firmer neck and jawline.

Surgical Team and Technique

Each operation is supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising anaesthesiologists, physiotherapists, and operating‑theatre staff, ensuring optimal intra‑operative and post‑operative care. The use of absorbable internal sutures eliminates the need for suture removal, and a six‑week regimen of compression garments aids healing and reduces swelling.

Psychological and Quality‑of‑Life Benefits

The release cites studies indicating that body‑contouring after significant weight loss is associated with reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms and an overall improvement in quality of life, particularly among patients satisfied with their surgical outcomes.

Full Range of Services

Zydus’ cosmetic and plastic team offers a wide spectrum of procedures, including:

  • Radio Frequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL) and Laser Liposuction
  • Body‑contouring: tummy tuck, arm lift, double‑chin correction, thigh lifts, calf shaping
  • Facial cosmetic surgeries: facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, ear deformity corrections
  • Breast surgeries: augmentation, reduction, gynecomastia correction, reconstruction, post‑pregnancy restoration
  • Hair transplantation and laser treatments for scars, moles, and pigmentation

Each case is individually evaluated, with surgical planning tailored to the patient’s anatomy, weight‑loss history, and long‑term health goals.