Increasing Bariatric Procedures, Health Benefits Expected to Lead More Patients to Body Contouring

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Bariatric
surgery to treat morbid obesity is poised to become the most prevalent
major surgery in the United States. However, while most bariatric patients
consider plastic surgery to re-contour their bodies after losing weight,
less than 15 percent of patients will actually have it, according to a
Safety and Efficacy Report in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R), the
official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
(ASPS).

“Bariatric surgery is a useful tool for treating obesity and many
patients benefit from completing their weight loss journey with plastic
surgery every year. However, the data shows that more patients could be
helped by these procedures,” said Alan Matarasso, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon
and lead author. “Major obstacles to surgery for patients include cost,
difficulty in receiving insurance coverage and reluctance to have
additional surgery.”

After massive weight loss many patients develop large amounts of loose,
sagging skin. Left untreated, the excessive skin can be physically
restrictive, lead to chronic infections, and cause psycho-social health
related issues.

“This is serious surgery that may involve multiple procedures performed
over many months, significant recovery time and a financial commitment;
however, the benefits are incredibly positive,” said Peter Rubin, MD,
chair, ASPS Post Bariatric Task Force. “Removing excess skin is not only
necessary to achieve optimal body shape, but it’s also helpful in improving
overall health and quality-of-life. Because of these benefits and the
rising number of bariatric procedures being preformed, we expect to see a
continued increase in the number of patients who have these procedures.”

Body contouring procedures which include extended tummy tucks, lower
body lifts, arm lifts, thigh lifts, and breast lifts are commonly used to
remove the excess skin. In fact, nearly 66,000 body contouring procedures
after massive weight loss were performed last year, up 18 percent since
2004, according to ASPS statistics.

The report details the following helpful tips for those considering
body contouring after massive weight loss:

– Maintain a stable weight for three consecutive months. If you are still
losing weight it can negatively impact your healing and recovery.

– Be as close to your goal weight as possible.  Being at your ideal
weight will give you more surgical options, is safer, and will provide
a better result.

– Have a surgery plan with your plastic surgeon. You may need multiple
surgeries to achieve your desired result. In fact, for some, your
entire body may need to undergo contouring. You should work with your
plastic surgeon to decide what order to have your body contouring
procedures, which procedures you should have, and when to have them.

– Ensure their nutrition intake is adequate. Many patients are unable to
digest well or do not enjoy eating protein after bariatric surgery.
Protein is essential as it helps to reduce blood clots and promote
healing.  Weight-loss surgery may also alter the body’s absorption of
certain fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin K.  It may be necessary
for you to take certain dietary supplements to maintain proper
nutrition.

– Have a good diet and exercise routine. There is no substitute for the
healthy lifestyle you need to adopt to maintain your outcome after
plastic surgery.

– Have realistic expectations.  It is difficult to achieve perfect
symmetry during body contouring in complex cases.  Your age, the extent
of loss of skin elasticity, and areas of the body affected are factors
that have an impact on the outcome.  Be sure to get a clear explanation
of what your procedure(s) will entail and be prepared for the
possibility of necessary revision surgeries.

For referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons call 888-4-PLASTIC (475-2784) or
visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org and also learn more about cosmetic and
reconstructive plastic surgery.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of
board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000
members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information
source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more
than 90 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United
States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The
American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Canada.

SOURCE American Society of Plastic Surgeons