Question:
Embarassing question! For those who have had a panniculectomy or tt...

my second appointment with the plastic surgeon (pre-op) for my panniculectomy is tomorrow. Since I started out so heavy, I know in another year or so I'll probably have to have a tummy tuck. Here's my embarassing question: Would is be inappropriate for me to ask the doc to 'pull up' my pubic area? I've seen pics of people who haven't had it done and after losing a lot of weight (Im down 170+) mine droops badly...looks deformed. Is this a whole other procedure? SHould I even ask him? HELP!!!! Thanks    — Pamela P. (posted on September 30, 2002)

September 30, 2002
i dont think its inappropriate to ask the surgeon i have heard of people getting that done. You want to be happy with yourself and your new body, so ask the surgeon anything you like, im sure he has heard it all!! good luck, also where are the pictures of those that have had it done, i would like to see them as i am thinking of having the procedures done myself...
   — Deanna Wise

September 30, 2002
Me, me! I had it done too when I had my panniculectomy! My 'mons pubis' as it is called looked like the snout of a bull walrus, but not any more!!! Be prepared however, right after the surgery, until I got used to it, it felt like wind was blowing in places that hadn't even seen the light of day in years. It never hurts to ask...Good Luck to you!
   — merri B.

September 30, 2002
My doctor lifted the area too. However, he stated that he could also do plastic surgery on the area to decrease the amount of fat in the mons pubis and make it thinner. I haven't had that done and I don't know if I will or not.
   — Patty H.

September 30, 2002
I did not hesitate for oneminute to inquire about this very issue. I was discussing a lower body lift combined with a full abdominoplasty. he said he would do a little lipo in that area and then lift it with the rest of my lower body. Definitely inquire about lipo. Even if it gets lifted along with your TT, you'll want all the fat that's deposited there to be lightened up a bit. Good Luck!
   — PaulaM

September 30, 2002
Pamela, don't be embarrassed. If its important to you its important. Before my doing my tummy tuck (by the way I was very heavy too) I spoke with a lot of people who had their tummy tucks done while heavy. The most common complaint was they weren't happy with their crotch (mons pubis) so I made sure to ask. Because of the massive nature of my reconstruction they had to leave the tissue above & below my pannus in order to maintain a good blood supply. Consequently I'll be going back for a "touch up" to have those areas done with lipo. I won't know until he examines me at the time whether or not he'll have to do a scar revision and pull up my crotch area when he lipos there. In any case I made sure I knew what to expect before surgery and even though I did feel somewhat embarrassed I made sure I looked at pictures and discussed that area with him.
   — Shelly S.

October 1, 2002
I'm going for my tt on the 10th and one of the first things I asked my plastic surgeon was what he could do with the "cootchie!" He will be liposuctioning it and lifting it. he assured me that it will be lovely when done. I've lost 180 pounds and he estimates he'll take 20 pounds off with the surgery. Ask your surgeon, he will do what ever it takes to make you feel good.
   — Anna F.