A weighty problem!

Q: I’ve been refused a tummy tuck as currently I am 25 kilogram overweight. What’s the point of offering surgery to help get rid of the fat, when the surgeon won’t do it because you’re too fat?

A: Dr Peter Dixon says: Surgery is worthwhile when the benefits out weigh the risk. Patients who are overweight by 25 kilogram are at greater risk of complications with anaesthesia, chest infections, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism. Additionally there is an increased risk of infection and wound healing problems.

Although it would be perfectly possible technically to do an abdominoplasty, the risks involved would make most surgeons reluctant to undertake the procedure.

Liposuction is not an appropriate alternative. Without a change in balanced diet and exercise regime there is no reduction in risk factors.

Some patients are unable to reduce their weight, without an initial ‘helping hand’. A lap banding procedure may be the first step to an improved figure.