The Shape of Things to Come

By: Stuart McKirdy
Created on 16th February 2010

Leading plastic surgeon Stuart McKirdy works with his wife Lindsey, a plastic surgery nurse specialist. Here he explains the process involved in body contouring surgery following dramatic weight loss

There are various side effects to dramatic weight loss, whether as a result of dieting or bariatric surgery. One of the most common issues affecting people in such situations is excess skin and fat. As well as low self-esteem, this can cause physical problems such as skin irritation and chaffing and affect day-to-day activities like finding clothes to fit.

Body contouring involves a series of surgical procedures designed to restore your body's appearance. Because large parts of the body can be affected by weight loss, surgical improvements can involve major operations. The scale of surgery will differ from person to person, with some requiring more major
procedures resulting in extensive scarring.

Deciding to have an operation is a major undertaking, and when the surgery is to solve a non-life threatening problem that decision can be even more difficult. You must be prepared physically and emotionally and be completely informed of the risks as well as the benefits. These risks can include chest infections, blood clots, wound infections and permanent abdominal scarring.

This case study details a lady who came to see us after losing seven stone through dieting and exercise. She initially underwent a breast reduction and uplift and then went on to have an abdominoplasty.

Case Study

Name: JK
Age: 42
Occupation: Shop assistant

What prompted you to have the treatment?

Having lost so much weight, I felt the final part of the achievement was to start feeling good about myself. Stuart McKirdy performed my breast operation and I was so delighted I consulted him for my tummy tuck. His opinion was that I was an ideal candidate as I had lost weight through diet alone and kept it off for 18 months.

How was the experience?

Stuart made me feel relaxed from the moment I walked in. He gave me information about the risks and benefits and followed this up with a letter. There was never any pressure and I could see Stuart as many times as I
needed at no extra cost before I made my decision. All this really prepared me and allayed any potential fears. The surgery took four and a half hours and I was in hospital for three days. Stuart visited every day to check on my
progress. Only when I was medically fit was I discharged and Lindsey rang me the next day to check on my recovery.

What were the immediate results?

The results were apparent as soon as I looked down after surgery. My tummy was swollen and had dressings on but I could see that it was flat. It took a total of three months before the final results could be seen.

Are you happy with the results?

It has completely changed my life and made me feel more confident.