Body contouring after massive weight loss

BECAUSE of their role in dealing with aesthetic problems after massive weight loss, plastic surgeons must understand the principles and expected benefits of bariatric surgery procedures—as well as the characteristics and potential medical risks of patients undergoing these procedures, according to the new review by Drs Bruce Wolfe and Erin Gilbert of Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.

It’s especially important for plastic surgeons to understand the concepts and outcomes of bariatric surgery procedures, as there is a fastgrowing population of patients seeking body-contouring surgery.

Body contouring refers to several different types of plastic surgery procedures. such as lower body lift, upper arm lift, and abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”), done to remove excess fat and skin in patients after massive weight loss.

In general, body contouring should be delayed until weight has stabilised for at least three months—which may take a year or longer after surgery, according to Drs. Wolfe and Gilbert. They emphasise the need to carefully screen patients for ongoing medical issues such as diabetes, heart disease or obstructive sleep apnea.

“Given the increasing incidence of morbid obesity and the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in treating this disease, it will likely continue to increase in popularity,” Drs. Wolfe and Gilbert conclude. They believe that the growth of bariatric surgery may increase even further as the overall safety profile continues to improve. In addition, the number of adolescent patients undergoing surgical treatment for obesity is likely to increase as future studies verify the safety of bariatric surgery in this age group. (Newswise)