Body PROCEDURES
Post Weight Loss Surgery
Following diet and exercise or a bariatric procedure you may be left with loose folds of excess skin which you’re uncomfortable with. I suggest that you make a list of priorities about your body. Start with what bothers you or effects your lifestyle the most for example, your tummy or your breasts, then when you have a consultation with me, bring your list and together we can plot out what I call your ‘surgical journey’. You may just want to have one procedure, but if you want to have more than one, it makes sense to consider and plan for this from the start.
The most common surgical procedures following big weight loss that I undertake are:
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tucks)
- Breast reduction
- Arm reduction
- Inner thigh reduction
- Upper body lift
- Lower body lift
Dr Jason Moghaddas, Specialist Physician, specialises in the management of obesity and its associated complications.
Jason is part of our extended team, consulting in my practice. He specialises in bariatric medicine, perioperative medicine, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders and general cardiology including prevention. Jason provides individualised care, guiding patients to achieve their own health goals. He works with our team to optimise your care prior to admission, whilst you’re in hospital and post operatively too, if needed.
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
There are some practical issues that those embarking on their post weight loss surgery should understand relating to the costs of surgery.
My advice is that if you don’t already have private health insurance, seriously consider getting it. Medicare has rebates for procedures relating to functional problems associated with loose skin following weight loss of >5 points of BMI. These functional issues might relate to neck and shoulder pain associated with overly large breasts, or hygiene and rashes relating to a tummy apron.
During a consultation I will assess you and if you qualify for one of these Medicare item codes, your private health insurance may also contribute to the costs associated with your surgery and hospital stay. You will need to look into this directly with various health insurers, as there are so many policies, each with its own exclusions and inclusions, but the starting point is to understand which item number/s may be applicable to you and then you can contact health insurance companies to compare them.
Unfortunately, there are out of pocket expenses which are not claimable on private health insurance; we detail these for you in writing and spend time explaining them to you.
FAQ's
Some procedures can be done at the same time, eg breast reduction and abdominoplasty, whilst others can’t, eg an upper body lift or a lower body lift. This is dependent on a large range of factors including what is anatomically possible, your health, enabling your mobility after surgery, budget, recovery time and support available.
My preference is to see patients once their weight has been stable for six months. Having said that, if you are so debilitated by large flaps of loose skin during the weight loss phase, then we can discuss some interim surgery just to let you function whilst you reach a weight plateau.
Risks & complications associated with these procedures include
All invasive surgical procedures have a degree of post-operative pain or discomfort.
Risks of anaesthesia, including allergic reaction, which (rarely) may be fatal.
Infection in the wound with resultant redness, pain and possible discharge.
Rarely, suture lines may come apart requiring prolonged dressings and secondary surgery.
Possible bleeding in the wound with swelling or bruising and possible blood stained discharge.
Very rarely a blood transfusion is required and a return to the operating room to evacuate the clot.
Delayed wound healing above the expected time which can require prolonged dressings and convalescence.
Secretions may accumulate in the lungs causing a chest infection.
Blood clots that may cause potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or stroke.
Circulation problems to the heart or brain may occur and may result in a heart attack or stroke.
Some of these complications may necessitate a prolonged hospital stay and return to the operating theatre for corrective surgery either immediately or some time after surgery.
Death is possible during or after an operation due to severe complications.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
My vision is to provide my patients with the best outcomes possible and excellent patient care.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
