To help support surgical planning and reduce the risk of complications, Dr Carmen recommends that patients be at a stable and appropriate weight range prior to undergoing plastic surgery. This includes maintaining a consistent Body Mass Index (BMI) that aligns with the requirements of your procedure.
It’s important to note that Dr Carmen does not offer bariatric or weight reduction surgery. However, she can assist you with weight management options and excess skin reduction surgery, following significant weight changes.
If you are currently working toward your weight goals, the resources below may offer support in preparing for surgery and maintaining your outcomes over time.
Medical Support for Weight Management
Dr Carmen Munteanu recognises that each patient’s weight management journey is unique. For those who are not yet candidates for surgical procedures such as excess skin reduction or liposuction (which are not intended for weight loss) alternative medical support options may be considered as part of a broader treatment strategy.
Dr Carmen will evaluate your overall health, medical history, and individual goals during a thorough consultation. She will determine what your weight loss options are and discuss them with you to determine what path will help you reach your goals. Her approach focuses on identifying the most appropriate methods to support weight management as part of a comprehensive care plan.
If you are exploring weight management options, please consult with Dr Carmen Munteanu to discuss your health profile and determine the most suitable strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
5 Options to Lose Weight
1. DIY Options for losing weight before surgery
Eating nutritious food and having an active lifestyle can help reduce excess weight – Below are resources that may help;
- Download the Noom App or read The Noom Mindset Book
- Download MyFitnessPal App for calorie counting and food logging.
- Try a regular meal delivery service like Dineamic, Lite and Easy, My Muscle Chef etc.
- Read the Book Magic Pill by Johann Hari – about new weightloss drugs
2. Bariatric Surgery with a Bariatric Surgeon
For individuals seeking medical support for weight reduction, bariatric procedures, such as gastric bypass surgery, may be an option. These types of surgeries are typically performed by qualified bariatric surgeons and may be suitable for patients with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) or those wishing to address weight-related medical concerns.
Cost Considerations:
The estimated out-of-pocket costs for bariatric procedures can range from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on factors such as the specific procedure, the surgeon’s fees, hospital costs, Medicare eligibility, and any private health insurance rebates that may apply.
For more information or to explore your options, you may wish to speak with your GP about a referral to a bariatric surgeon.
More information on bariatric surgeons below.
3. Medical Weight loss Support
If you’re considering support with managing your weight there are a number of healthcare professionals who may be able to assist. This includes General Practitioners (GPs) with a special interest in weight management and medical practitioners who provide evidence-based weight care services.
At Aesthetik Profile, Dr Carmen Munteanu now offers medical weight management support as part of her clinical services. This may include:
- Consultation and assessment of weight-related concerns
- Discussion of lifestyle and medical factors contributing to weight fluctuations
- Development of an individualised plan tailored to your goals and medical needs
For information about GPs or medical clinics in Melbourne offering weight-related support, speak with your usual doctor or healthcare provider, or explore available directories for specialists in this area.
- www.alevia.com.au – Medical Weight loss in East Melbourne, Caulfield North, Wantirna VIC
- www.elinaweightloss.com.au – 5 Weight loss clinics across Melbourne VIC
- www.anmg.com.au – Altona obesity clinic
- www.myweightlossclinic.com.au
- www.tfmedical.com.au – Dr Theodore Frangos in Glen Iris VIC
4. Swallowable Gastric Pill Balloon
An Allurion Gastric Balloon is a swallowable device that may be used as part of a weight management program under medical supervision. This approach is non-surgical and designed to assist individuals in managing their dietary intake as part of a structured care plan. The balloon is typically offered through specialist weight management clinics.
Some clinics report that patients may experience a reduction in body weight during the treatment period; however, results can vary significantly between individuals and depend on a number of factors, including ongoing lifestyle changes, adherence to medical advice, and follow-up care.
- Cost Estimate: Approximately $8,000–$10,000
- Availability: Generally offered by specialist weight management or obesity clinics
If you are interested in exploring this option, it’s important to speak with a qualified medical practitioner who can assess your individual needs and advise you on whether this is a suitable option for your circumstances.
Dr Carmen Munteanu does not perform this treatment but can discuss appropriate referrals or post-weight-loss procedures.
5. Get help with Online Coaching Support for Losing Weight
If you are looking for additional support in making lifestyle changes, online coaching programs may be available to help guide your efforts. These programs often provide structured support in areas such as nutrition, activity planning, behaviour change, and goal-setting.
While online coaching is not a medical treatment, it may be a helpful resource when used in conjunction with advice from qualified health professionals.
Dr Carmen’s Recommended Bariatric Surgeons and Clinics
1. Darebin Weight Loss Surgery
Comprising of an experienced team of Bariatric Surgeons, Doctors, Dietitians and Nursing staff, patients navigate through the weight reduction journey and feel supported from every angle.
- Dr Ahmad Aly – Bariatric Surgeon
- Dr Kiat Lim – Bariatric Surgeon
- Dr Don Zhang – Bariatric Medical Practitioner
2. Lap Surgery Australia
Lap Surgery Australia’s surgeons offer a diverse range of services, specifically in bariatric and general surgery. Their surgeons co-operate and assist each other with more complicated cases.
- Dr Sheryn Cheah – Bariatric Surgeon
- Dr Ara Saravanamuttu – Bariatric Surgeon
- Prof Chrys Hensman
- Dr Judy Day – GP – also available in Berwick
3. Epworth Centre for Bariatric Surgery – Dr Harry Frydenberg
Epworth Centre for Bariatric Surgery was established in 1998. It contributed significantly to the development of weight reduction surgery in Australia. They provide a full range of surgical options from sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. This group offers bariatric revision surgeries and looks after patients who need help after their initial weight loss procedure, such as inadequate weight loss, weight regain or severe acid reflux.
4. Centre for Weight Loss Surgery & Melbourne Gastro Surgery – Dr Arun Dhir
Offering a variety of weight loss surgery options including, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and revision surgery. Dr Dhir and his team also offer non-surgical options from coaching and online learning, the allurion balloon and meal cards.
Dr Arun Dhir offers a more holistic approach to weightloss surgery and performs a range of bariatric weight reduction surgery.
Further Reading – See Dr Carmen’s Weightloss Blogs
For more specific advice about losing weight before plastic surgery – please contact us.
