Born in Agordo, Italy, Franco Favretti graduated as an M.D. from the University of Padua in 1972, going on to qualify as a general and thoracic surgeon. Today he is Head of Surgery at Vicenza Regional Hospital, Italy.
Since performing laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery as early as 1991, Professor Favretti has performed over 5000 surgery procedures.
He is a pioneer of new procedures and techniques and in 2009 for Healthier Weight he performed the first single incision (SILS) placement of a gastric band through the tummy button which now represents the gold standard in gastric banding throughout the world.
Internationally renowned, he has given over 120 lectures and masterclasses worldwide and regularly performs live procedures in front of audiences in Italy, Spain, USA, Mexico, Venezuala, Switzerland, France and Belgium.
He teaches at the European University of Laparoscopic Surgery, France and the Italian School of Laparsocopic Surgery