With more people undergoing weight loss surgery such as Lap Band and gastric bypass, we are seeing a large increase in the number of body contouting procedures we are doing following these procedures. Loose skin needs to be removed and other areas benefit from tightening, and people who lose large amounts of weight benefit greatly from these sorts of procedures. However, a new study reports that only a small percentage of massive weight loss patients seek out this sort of follow-up care. This is a loss, because many are missing out on the improved shape they were seeking in the first place.

Following is a report from the plastic surgery society on this issue:

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 recent review study.

“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 the recent study’s 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 chair of Post Bariatric Tinquire 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.” For these patients, plastic surgery indeed does offer genuine benefits.
Body contouring procedures which include extended tummy tuck, 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. At our center, we also often Beverly Hills liposuction to help remove some remaining fatty areas. And despite the findings of this study, in our case we are seeing more and more of these patients coming to see us for plastic procedures. Despite our location, we do more than just celebrity plastic surgery and these sorts of procedures are an example of this.