Massive Weight Loss Surgery Sunshine Coast

Massive weight loss surgery is a combination of procedures offered by plastic surgeon Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk. Designed for individuals who have recently experienced significant weight loss and have reached a maintainable ideal weight, Dr Fraser-Kirk tailors his approach to each patient. After losing a large amount of weight, we often expect our bodies to return to their original shape, but in most cases, this does not happen. Skin elasticity deteriorates over time as it stretches to accommodate the extra weight, and when that weight is shed, patients find they may have excess, sagging skin in various areas on their body. Therefore, multiple surgeries may be required depending on what areas of concern an individual has. Dr Fraser-Kirk works with his patients during consultation to evaluate their individual needs and anticipated outcomes to develop a personalised surgical plan.

What can be achieved with massive weight loss surgery?

There are a multitude of benefits to having massive weight loss surgery, and this will differ for every individual based on the surgeries that may be required. Shared benefits of most weight loss procedures include:

• Removal of sagging, stretched skin
• Tightening of remaining skin
• Improved body contour and shape
• Reduction in excess fat and correction of fat distribution
• Correction of underlying muscle structures to prevent future muscle separation
• Reduced drooping and sagging of breasts and buttocks
• Lessened appearance of stretch marks

How is a massive weight loss surgery performed?

As previously stated, there may be multiple procedures required to achieve the desired outcome. All eligible procedures share similar goals in excising and removing excess skin and stubborn fat deposits to improve the body’s contours. Dr Fraser-Kirk discusses an individual’s health and weight loss journey with them to design a tailored procedure plan that considers their health and goals.

Massive weight loss procedures:

• Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck)

Abdominoplasty involves the removal of excess skin and fat around the stomach. This will require an incision made from hip to hip where a combination of liposuction and excision will remove excess fat and sagging skin. The abdominal wall muscles, which are often weak or separated after massive weight loss, will also be repaired and reinforced.

• Body Lift

A body lift targets a combination of areas experiencing skin laxity such as, the thighs, arms, breasts, buttock, and groin area. Similar techniques of liposuction and excision are used to remove the sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits. A body lift can encompass a multitude of procedures, including:

• • Breast lift with or without implants
  • Lower body lift
  • Face and neck lift (Melopasty and Platysmaplasty)
  • Upper body lift combination

• Thighplasty (Thigh Reduction)

Thigh reduction surgery targets excess skin and fat present along the inner, medial, or outer thighs. Incision placements will depend upon what areas of the thighs are to be operated on but are typically made in the groin and hip area where swimsuits may potentially hide visible scarring. The underlying tissue is reshaped, tightened, and reduced to contour the thighs. Sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits are removed using excision and liposuction.

• Breast Reduction

A breast reduction may be required if that is an area of concern. Breasts can develop excess skin due to weight loss or breastfeeding, causing them to droop and sag. They may not be in proportion to your new body shape, or they may be a source of discomfort and pain due to chafing or back pain. The excess skin and stubborn fat, including some glandular tissue, is removed through a combination of excision and liposuction made via incisions on your breasts. Size reduction will be discussed in-depth with Dr Fraser-Kirk to determine a size with your personal preferences in mind.

• Auto Buttock Augmentation

This is a procedure offered to all our patients as skin laxity often occurs in the buttock region, causing it to lose its shape and definition. A buttock augmentation is achieved using the fat grafting technique, which involves removing fat from other areas of the body such as thighs, hips, and stomach, via liposuction. The fat is then purified and returned to the buttock area. It is often a good combination if there is excess fat elsewhere to be removed.

What can I expect during recovery?

This is highly dependent on the number of procedures being undertaken. Dr Fraser-Kirk will provide patients with more in-depth details regarding recovery once the amount and type of procedures have been decided. Specific post-surgery experiences such as pain, swelling, and bruising will depend upon what procedures patients have undergone, but can heal after two to three weeks. You will generally need to remain in hospital for one to two days to monitor healing and manage the discomfort. Total recovery time is subjective to each patient but may generally take up to six weeks.

General recovery instructions:

• Take sufficient time off work – this will differ for each patient.
• Take prescribed medications and lotions.
• Wear prescribed compression garments.
• Avoid strenuous activity and movement until advised. This may be several weeks or longer.
• Attend all post-surgical appointments to monitor healing.

It is vital that individuals follow Dr Fraser-Kirk’s personalised recovery plan during this time to optimise healing and minimise scarring where possible. We believe in providing unprecedented access to a patient’s plastic surgeon, and therefore, Dr Fraser-Kirk will strive to be available for any questions or issues that may arise during the recovery period.

How much will massive weight loss surgery cost in Sunshine Coast?

Massive weight loss surgery is highly personal for each patient, and it is difficult to provide a cost until an in-depth consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk has occurred. An individual’s circumstances, including their health and wellbeing, weight loss journey, and their desired outcomes, are evaluated during consultation. This is so Dr Fraser-Kirk can tailor the possible procedures to each patient’s health and lifestyle. Costs are also subject to other factors such as surgeon fees, hospital fees, anaesthetist costs, and post-operative costs. Individuals may be eligible for Medicare or private health insurance coverage if they meet the required health criteria.

If you should have any questions regarding costs, please contact us.

What are the associated risks and complications?

Risks and complications are present with any procedure an individual may undergo. The following are risks and complications associated with massive weight loss surgery:

• Anaesthesia complications
• Allergic reactions to sutures, dressings, or antibiotics
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Fluid accumulation
• Numbness
• Persistent pain
• Visible and prominent scarring
• Blood clotting

It is crucial to follow any post-operative instructions given to you by Dr Fraser-Kirk. Following these instructions will ensure minimal scarring where possible and provide patients with the best chance for an optimal post-surgery outcome, reducing the potential for complications or risks to arise.

Book your consultation with Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk

Having a thorough consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk is an important step in determining an individual’s suitability for surgery, taking into consideration their individual needs and goals. This is so we can provide a tailored surgical plan designed to empower patients to make surgical choices that lead to satisfaction.