Author and Made In Chelsea star, Louise Thompson, has discussed her possible future plans to undergo surgery relating to her IBD, known as 'Barbie Butt Surgery'. While this may sound similar to a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) or like it would be done for cosmetic reasons, it's something entirely different.
"So I believe I will still have a bumhole [...] You know with a Barbie the hole is just like a smooth section, a smooth crack, and then her legs are like 'eeh, eeh, eeh'," Louise (who said last April that having a stoma bag fitted following a traumatic birth saved her life) joked, while talking to her partner Ryan Libbey on their podcast He Said, She Said. "I'll still have a bum crack, cheeks will still be there."
Louise also explained that "they'll remove anything left from that bottom area, so my remaining rectal stump and a little bit of large intestine, and then they will sew up the bottom so there's a void there."
According to Colostomy UK, 'Barbie Butt Surgery' in more medical terms involves having the rectum and anus removed, and sewn shut. It is a type of major surgery and sometimes offered to those who have colorectal cancer, as well as patients with severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Following the surgery, a permanent stoma or ileostomy bag is required.
In a caption accompanying a clip from her podcast, Louise wrote that she likes to speak candidly about her health issues so that others feel they can discuss their own issues more freely with friends and family.
"So many people get embarrassed about this sort of stuff and lots of them happen to be directed to me," she wrote. "It’s not like I’m sat here showing you the inside of my small intestine that’s been pulled outside, but I do like to divulge the little that I’ve learnt about science and also my own personal experience."
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Talking about her possible future operation, Louise suggested it could come sooner rather than later.
"For me it feels like my hand may be forced sooner than most people's because my IBD seems to be pretty prolific. I don't think that's the wrong use of the word given my bum is highly productive... productive in producing a LOT OF AWFUL THINGS," she wrote in her caption. "I guess Ryan's question [of] will I still have a bum crack is quite full on. I'm not going to suddenly have no line separating a big lump of muscle and fat like a Barbie?! So maybe it's deceptive."
What is Barbie Butt Surgery?
Despite what the name, this is a major operation and it can take some time to recover, explains Dr Rachel Ainley from the charity Crohn's & Colitis UK. "[Barbie Butt Surgery] is a procedure where the rectum and anus are removed and closed. The rectum is the last 6 inches of the large intestine."
It can be tough for people to process that they need such a serious operation, the expert adds, but support is out there. "If you’re reading this and you’re worried about yourself or anyone close to you who lives with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, the Chron's and Colitis UK website has lots of helpful information and we have a helpline offering support."
The impact of celebrities like Louise Thompson speaking out about her own health issues has had a positive impact on raising awareness, Dr Ainley also notes. "Since Louise first spoke about her stoma last year, we’ve had so many people get in touch with us here at Crohn’s & Colitis UK to tell us how much her experience has resonated with them. People never used to talk about Crohn’s, Colitis, stomas or other bowel surgery much, so when celebrities speak up about their experiences it has the power to help those with invisible conditions to feel seen.
"It can take some time to get used to life with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, but it shouldn’t stop you doing the things you enjoy. Lots of people with Crohn’s and Colitis tell us their surgery has been life-changing, and many wish they’d had it done sooner."
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
