Other Surgery

Post-Massive Weight Loss Surgery

(Body Contouring after MWL)

 

Post-massive weight loss surgery is body contouring surgery that is performed to deal with the loose tissues left following such weight loss. Dramatic or substantial weight loss can result from bariatric surgery (gastric bypass or laparoscopic gastric band) or strict diet and exercise regimens. Following massive weight loss of several stone (several kilograms), many patients are left with loose hanging skin and soft tissues around various areas of the body. Although the patient feels better, is generally healthier, more physically active and in particular they have an improved body contour while clothed, most have enormous problems with unsightly loose tissues in the form of an abdominal apron, saggy thighs, bat wings or bingo wings, deflated and droopy breasts, saggy buttocks, loose neck and frequently rolls on the back.

Plastic surgery is performed both to improve your appearance and to alleviate your symptoms. Such body lift surgery can make you feel better about yourself and boost your confidence following the considerable achievement of dramatic weight loss. Some people feel demoralised that despite great weight loss they remain unable to fit into smaller clothes due to excess skin. Post-massive weight loss surgery will address this issue.

The specific surgical treatments available for body contouring after massive weight loss are listed under the individual operations for different body areas. They all involve the removal and tightening of excess skin with sculptural tissue contouring leading to a smoother, more youthful and more natural appearance. They include:

  1. Abdominoplasty/ Apronectomy

  2. Arm Lifts (Brachioplasty)

  3. Lower body Lift (belt lipectomy; circumferential abdominoplasty; circumferential dermolipectomy)

  4. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

  5. Combined Breast Lift & Enlargement (Augmentation-mastopexy)

  6. Thigh Lifts

  7. Buttock Lifts

  8. Neck lift / facelift

  9. Upper body Lift (a combination of arm lift & breast lift that also removes the excess tissues on the sides of the rib cage).

  10. Combinations of the above.

 

It is important that:

  • you have stopped losing weight i.e., your weight has reached a “plateau” comfortably maintained for 6 months.
  • you are in good general health: blood counts, healthy diet,
  • you prioritize your main concerns as it is not feasible to perform all the rejuvenation surgeries at the same time. Professor Malata usually recommends a maximum of 2 of the above procedures at one sitting & he will guide you regarding the best combinations for you.
  • Timing between procedures is a minimum of 3 months.

Advantages of combined surgery after massive weight loss

  • One operation; one GA, one recovery period.

  • May have a financial incentive

 

Disadvantages of combination surgery post-MWL

  • Bigger operations

  • Time off work

  • Increased risks: surgical & anaesthetic

  • Difficult to concentrate on one specific procedure

  • More difficult to achieve excellent cosmesis

  • possibly more expensive in the long run.

 

As in any cosmetic surgery, there are benefits, risks and the final results are not guaranteed. The chance of complications following labia minora reduction depends on the type of operation and other factors such as your general health. Professor Malata will explain how the risks apply to you. Detailed postoperative instructions will be discussed during consultation and a procedure-specific handout given to you by Professor Malata.