A Tight Circumcision may Become Loose with Weight Gain
Question for Dr. Reed:
I have lost 42Lbs., from 260 down to 218, on the way to 175. There is absolutely no increase in apparent length. The glans was the only part visible, and it still is. It appears that the fat pad has just sagged and replaced some of the original blubber with sagging skin and flabbier blubber. I presume this will not improve as the rest of the weight comes off, because it appears to actually be just a little worse now than when I started.
I suppose plastic surgery could correct this. Do you do this in your office, what does it cost, and would Medicare cover it?
Hi “Headout”
Congratulations on your weight loss. As we age we lose lower abdominal and pubic skin elasticity. So there is often a blousing effect of the skin which doesn’t help your perceived outward length. The sheer weight of the fat that had existed also drags skin downwards. Providing more skin at the base of the penis tends to translate into at times an uncircumcised state. This is best seen when we are standing in front of a full length mirror. Also remember, pubic fat is called “privileged fat” and is often the last to “melt” when you diet.
To check on the benefit that dermatolipectomy might offer, take both hands and lift your lower abdominal and pubic skin with any contiguous fat mass. See if you like that look. The other alternative to regain a circumcised look is simply to redo your circumcision but the dermatolipectopmy is certainly cosmetically more appropriate in my opinion.
If you do the lift, this would give you some idea of how you may fare with a dermatolipectomy (removal of skin and underlying fat).
Headout, your many contributions to our message board are fully appreciated.
Harold M. Reed, M.D.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:39 am
When I reached 43 it seemed overnight I gained 20 lbs. Over the past yrs. I’ve tried everything; dieting; exercise but nothing worked. My biggest problem area is my stomach