PLASTIC SURGERY AFTER BARIATRIC PROCEDURES CAN KEEP WEIGHT OFF

When an obese patient undergoes bariatric surgery to induce rapid weight loss, more often than not, the patient’s skin is slow to adjust to the patient’s leaner physique. The result is a considerable sagging of skin around body parts that were previously larger. A study recently showed that patients who underwent a Beverly Hills facelift and more after their bariatric procedure were able to avoid recidivism and remain fit. In an article for Headlines & Global News, details of the study were discussed, as well as its impact on the cosmetic surgery industry.

Adjusting to lean and mean

Thanks to their improved physical appearance, bariatric patients were more inclined to maintain a healthy lifestyle compared with those who didn’t get the bariatric surgery.

FOR THE STUDY, RESEARCHERS FOLLOWED 94 PATIENTS WHO UNDERWENT BARIATRIC SURGERY AT HENRY FORD FROM 2003 THROUGH 2013. ABOUT 47 OF THESE PEOPLE OPTED FOR BODY RE-CONTOURING PROCEDURES. THESE INCLUDED FACE OR BREAST LIFT, SO-CALLED “TUMMY TUCK” OR LIFTS OF SAGGING UPPER ARMS, THIGHS OR BUTTOCKS. THESE SURGERIES ARE GENERALLY CONDUCTED TO REMOVE INELASTIC EXCESS SKIN AND TISSUE AFTER SUBSTANTIAL WEIGHT LOSS AND TO RESHAPE OR RE-CONTOUR THEIR BODIES.

“OF THE PATIENTS WHO UNDERWENT CONTOURING SURGERY, THE AVERAGE DECREASE IN BMI WAS 18.24 AT 2.5 YEARS, COMPARED TO A STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT 12.45 AT 2.5 YEARS FOR THOSE WHO DID NOT HAVE FURTHER SURGERY,”…

Immediate results, instant motivation

Plastic surgery professionals, like Dr. Davis Nguyen, MD, are quick to point out that patients who experience tangible results are easily inspired to do what is right to maintain their look. Many patients near Los Angeles and West Hollywood, who were transformed practically overnight, know in the back of their mind that the results of their Beverly Hills face lift could disappear just as fast. They had no trouble making the lifestyle shift from sedentary to active, and maintaining a nutritious diet.

Long term testing needed

The above results are from a short-term study. Researchers are optimistic that for as long as five years down the road, plastic surgery would still yield positive results for post-bariatric patients, giving them the positive self-image, confidence, and overall well-being they were in search of for so long.

(Source: “Plastic Surgery After Bariatric Procedures Can Help Keep The Weight Off, Study Finds” 13 October 2014, HNGN)