How can I qualify for a pro-bono surgery, to remove all of this layer of excess skin from having 6 c-sections? (Photo)

Question

I am 45 yr old women, I had my first pregnancy when I was 14, I was unable to have them vaginal, so all of my pregnancy after that all were c-section, since I've gotten older I've stopping smoking cigarettes and been trying to lose weight, all the dieting and exercise is not getting rid of this belly, my doctor has put me on Phentermine 37.5mg to help me get this weight down, I've been on the pills since December 1st 2014, I feel now that my body is used to them, they're not helping any more.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photos.  You may want to consider contacting a local university that has a plastic surgery training program.  Here in the Triangle area of North Carolina both Duke and UNC Chapel Hill offer these programs. As long as you're ok with having surgery performed by a resident or "trainee" under the guidance of an attending plastic surgeon you should do fine.  Also that's wonderful to hear you've stopped smoking as smoking inhibits the body's ability to heal quickly after surgery.  Best to you.  -Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

David Finkle, MD · Answer

A panniculectomy is what is needed.  This is just a removal of the overhanging skin and fat in an obese individual.  A tummy tuck is too high a risk procedure with the history of smoking and obesity.  Contact a local university to see if they offer free or discounted fees in exchange for being a teaching case.Good Luck!

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD (retired) · Answer

All Board Certified Plastic Surgeons were trainees (Residents) at one time.  Plastic Surgery Residents typically have 5 years of surgery training before becoming trainees in plastic surgery.Check the university training programs in Texas. There are some fine programs in your home state.

Thomas Guillot, MD (retired) · Answer

You can contact a local medical school that has a plastic surgery residency. They may be able to help you with your condition.

How can I qualify for a pro-bono surgery, to remove all of this layer of excess skin from having 6 c-sections? (Photo)

Answers (4)