By Dr Nombulelo Metuse, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Leading a healthy lifestyle not only impacts our physical health but also our mental health, and part of that sense of well-being is feeling comfortable and happy with our body aesthetically too. Whilst there are a number of things each of us need to do in order to look and feel our best, many people - women, men and younger patients too in extreme cases - are turning to body sculpting to help them achieve their desired look.

Body sculpting, or body contouring, is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes or alters the appearance of a person’s body and can be used to target areas of fat, skin, or muscle that are unresponsive to diet and exercise or in some cases, for those who have worked really hard to lose surplus weight but are left with the aftereffects of a massive physical change which can include things like excess skin.

As a plastic surgeon, I believe that body sculpting can be incredibly beneficial for individuals eager to improve their appearance. Through body sculpting, the goal is to help patients achieve the body they have always wanted with procedures that can be tailored to their specific goals and needs.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits of body sculpting, there are numerous health benefits as well. When carried out correctly, body sculpting can help improve posture, reduce back pain, and even enhance athletic performance.

Body Sculpting procedures after massive weight loss

Massive weight loss is an incredible accomplishment that requires immense commitment and dedication. However, the journey is often incomplete without plastic surgery to minimise the sometimes-unavoidable physical after-effects. Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight may experience loose skin, residual fat, and other issues that require additional medical intervention. Plastic surgery can assist in alleviating these issues and help individuals who have successfully lost weight feel more confident in their appearance.

The massive weight loss journey is a long one and can involve multiple surgeries but to safeguard the patient’s health and mental well-being, each patient must undergo an in-depth assessment which addresses each individual’s particular set of needs and circumstances.

When meeting with a patient for the first time it is important to assess the psychological aspect as I believe you must treat the root of the problem before performing surgery. For example, if overeating / comfort eating is the cause of weight gain, we must first address why the patient is self-medicating with food. It would be irresponsible to perform body sculpting surgery if there was a high possibility of the patient regaining all the excess weight again after body sculpting surgery because the proper psychological assessments and therapies were not carried out.

In some cases, when a patient has lost weight and undergone body sculpting surgery, it can cause tension in their relationship because their partner is insecure about their new way of dressing and drastically changed appearance which can attract a lot of positive attention.

Weight loss options before surgery

It is vital that patients work on getting rid of unwanted body weight before surgery and fortunately there are plenty of options to help achieve massive weight loss before undertaking a procedure.

The healthiest and most effective option is a combination of diet and exercise. By following a diet of healthy food choices and committing to regular physical activity, you can burn fat, build muscle, and start to see real results. There are countless nutrition plans and exercise regimes to choose from, so it’s important to find one that works for you and your lifestyle that will be sustainable.

Another option for clinically obese patients is a medical weight loss program. These programs are often supervised by a medical professional or nutritionist who can provide an individualised eating and exercise plan that takes into account the patient’s lifestyle, medical history, and other factors. This can include dietary counselling, prescription medications, and other treatments to help them reach their weight loss goals.

Bariatric surgery

If a more extreme course of action is required, bariatric surgery could be a solution. This type of surgery can help a patient lose a significant amount of weight quickly, but it’s important to understand the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure. Post bariatric cosmetic surgery is not a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Bariatric surgery is designed to help people who are severely overweight or obese. It involves reducing the size of the stomach and intestines, and sometimes, bypassing part of the small intestine. This helps people to eat less and absorb fewer calories, leading to weight loss. Bariatric surgery can also help reduce the risk of developing certain health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Post bariatric cosmetic surgery can help to improve body shape and contour, and also boost self-confidence. It can also help to reduce skin sagging, which is a common side effect of weight loss and can include facial procedures such as neck lifts or eyelid lifts.

Overall, bariatric surgery and post bariatric cosmetic surgery can be a great way to improve your health and physical appearance. If you are considering this type of surgery, it is important to discuss your options with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.

Body sculpting can also be useful in addressing issues that are not directly related to diet, for instance, many people suffer from excess skin following pregnancy. For the most part, body sculpting can be used to improve the patient’s overall appearance through various procedures liposuction which will alleviate cellulite, lift breasts or thighs and reduce sagging underarm skin, also known as “bat wings”.

Loose Skin Removal

Loose skin can occur as a result of extreme weight loss, and it can be particularly bothersome due to its visibility. Loose skin can be removed through a variety of methods, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), brachioplasty (arm lift), and thigh lift. The procedure will vary depending on the individual and their needs.

Cellulite Management Post-Massive Weight Loss

Minimally invasive and non-invasion surgical equipment can be used to address cellulite after massive weight loss.

Breast and Thigh Lift

After weight loss, the breasts and thighs may hang lower than previously due to the loss of body fat. These procedures are designed to restore sagging breasts and reshape the thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours.

With rooms in the @Sandton Lifestyle Hotel Medical & Surgical Suites, patients have the option of checking into the hotel for the duration of their recuperation. By doing so, they may take advantage of the hotel's amenities, which results in a distinctive fusion of wellness, holistic relaxation, and aesthetic beauty.

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About Dr Nombulelo Metuse
Fields of Interest: Abdominoplasty, Acute and Chronic Injuries, Blepharoplasty, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reconstruction, Breast Reconstructive Surgery, Breast Reduction, Browlift, Cleft Lip & Palate, Cysts, Eyelid Surgery, Facelift Surgery, Facial Aesthetic Surgery, Keloids, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Nasal Reconstruction, Otoplasty, Scar Revision Surgery, Tummy Tuck, Tumours

Qualifications:     MMED Plastic Surgery (UP), FC Plast Surg (SA), MBChB (Medunsa)