Surgery After Massive Weight Loss Before & After Case 16

This 35 year-old health care worker lost about 100 pounds  following a gastric sleeve. She developed the typical changes following massive weight loss including loss of volume of her breasts with some sagging, as well as loose skin of her abdomen with remaining pockets of fat, which compounded the changes she experienced from childbirth. Once her weight remained stable she sought Dr. Michael Diaz, Melbourne and Orlando FL plastic surgeon for a mommy makeover procedure.

During her consultation, Dr. Diaz listened to all of the patients concerns. A detalied physical examination matched her concerns with her physical findings. She had some loss of breast volume which could be improved with a breast augmentation. Her breasts were a little low so Dr. Diaz and this patient discussed possibly performing a simultaneous breast lift. In order to avoid the additional scars required of a breast lift, she chose to perform the breast augmentation using smooth round silicone gel "gummy bear"  implants through a dual-plane approach. Dr. Diaz also uses the Keller Funnel short scar breast surgery delivery device, which allows the implants to be placed using a shorter scar. A tummy tuck and liposuction would also be performed to improve her abdomen.

Her surgery was performed smoothly. Because she was a healthcare worker, special antibiotics were used to help prevent the chance of an unusual hospital acquired infection. First her breasts were augmented using smooth round 375cc Moderate Plus silicone gel implants in the dual plane pocket. The tummy tuck and liposuction then completed the surgical procedure.

Dr. Diaz performed the liposuction using the SAFELipo® technique. Dr. Diaz is Melbourne, Fl first and only plastic surgeon to offer SAFELipo® SAFELipo® is a fat removal technique originated by Dr. Simeon Wall of  Shreveport, Louisiana. SAFELipo® is a comprehensive body reshaping technique that combines the benefits of liposuction, fat shifting, and fat grafting.  Because it does not use laser or ultrasound, this technique avoids the thermal damage to skin layer.

SAFE-Lip® stands for fat Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization:

  Separation – without generating heat fat cells are loosened

 Aspiration – suction (aspiration) is used to gently remove fat cells.

 Fat Equalization – Contour irregularities are improved by leaving behind a layer of fat grafts when indicated.

Any surgical procedure including SAFELipo® carries inherent risk, which Dr. Diaz outlines during the preoperative evaluation. Dr. Diaz is very enthusiastic about the results he has achieved using this technique.

She recovered well at home. She was seen by our home visiting nurse the night of her procedure to make sure all was in order and that her needs were met. She resumed her normal activities soon after and returned to work after 2 weeks. Her and her husband are thrilled with how this procedure accentuated an improved her naturally curvy silhouette.