Overview

India is currently 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 hinder post‑weight‑loss mobility.

Zydus Hospitals’ Response

Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad, through its Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Department, is addressing these post‑bariatric complications. The department is headed by Dr. Bijal Parikh, a plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgeon with over 30 years of experience in facial and body aesthetics.

Illustrative Cases

  • Case of a 43‑year‑old woman: Four years after bariatric surgery and a recent liposuction, she presented with loose skin on the abdomen, lateral chest, and both arms, as well as a “laughing umbilicus” – a widened horizontal slit at the navel. 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 the patient was instructed to wear a fitted compression garment for six weeks. She recovered well, regained confidence, and reported being able to dance without apprehension.
  • Case of a 65‑year‑old patient: The patient sought a neck lift and lower facelift. The surgery tightened the skin, the SMAS (superficial musculo‑aponeurotic system), and the platysma muscle, restoring jawline definition without an overly tight appearance. The patient expressed satisfaction with the firmer neck and jawline.

Surgical Technique and Aftercare

All procedures rely heavily on meticulous suturing, with absorbable internal sutures placed along natural creases to minimise visible scarring. Post‑operative care includes a six‑week regimen of pressure garments to support healing tissue and reduce swelling.

Multidisciplinary Support

Each surgery is supported by a team comprising anaesthesiologists, physiotherapists, and operating‑theatre staff, ensuring optimal intra‑operative and post‑operative outcomes.

Psychological Benefits

The press release cites studies indicating that body‑contouring after massive weight loss is associated with reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as an overall improvement in quality of life for patients satisfied with their results.

Comprehensive Service Portfolio

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

  • Radio Frequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL) and Laser Liposuction
  • Body‑contouring surgeries: tummy tuck, arm lift, double‑chin correction, thigh lifts, calf shaping
  • Facial cosmetic surgeries: face lift, neck lift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, ear deformity corrections
  • Breast surgeries: augmentation, reduction, gynecomastia 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.