While the vast majority of people are satisfied with their appearance following massive weight loss, most describe issues with excess skin and desire body contouring surgery, according to anew study in the journal Clinical Research.
The study, entitled “After Massive Weight Loss: Patients’ Expectations of Body Contouring Surgery,” involved mailing a questionnaire to 425 patients who had undergone gastric bypass surgery between 2003 and 2009. Fifty-nine percent of the patients completed and returned the survey, which addressed issues of body image, quality of life, and expectations regarding body contouring surgery.
The Problem: Excess Skin
Excess skin usually accompanies massive weight loss from bariatric surgery and presents several challenges to post-bypass patients. According to the results of the study, 90 percent of women and 88 percent of men who had experienced massive weight loss rated their appearance as satisfactory, good, or very good. However, 96 percent of all patients developed excess skin, which causes inflammation and itching, as well as difficulties in playing sports and finding clothes that fit appropriately.
The Solution: Body Contouring Surgery
Post-bariatric surgeries such as tummy tucks, body lifts, arm lifts, thigh lifts, and breast lifts can address these challenges by removing the excess skin. In light of the challenges that they faced, 75 percent of women and 68 percent of men reported that they desired body contouring surgery. Their hopes were that the surgery would result in improved appearance, greater self-confidence, and a better quality of life.
The results of this study on body contouring after weight loss accord with what many plastic surgeons experience every day. Weight loss through bariatric surgery is often the first step to attaining desired results, as many patients can attest. If you’re considering bariatric surgery to help with your weight loss, or you’re curious about body contouring surgeries, be sure contact an experienced plastic surgeon who can outline the options available.
