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Erschienen in:
01.02.2014 | Original Paper
Massive weight loss after bariatric surgery and the demand (desire) for body contouring surgery
Erschienen in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Ausgabe 2/2014
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Background
Massive weight loss after bariatric surgery can cause physical, functional, hygienic, and psychological problems and can also have impact on the quality of life. Reconstructive body contouring surgery can provide a solution for these problems. The number of patients seeking contouring surgery is far greater than the actual number of surgical reconstructions performed. The aim of this study was to register the demand for reconstructive surgery, take an inventory of the complaints, and index body satisfaction after massive weight loss.
Methods
This retrospective study is based on questionnaires filled out by 237 patients between 2007 and 2010 after undergoing a primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Results
This study showed a desire for reconstructive plastic surgery after massive weight loss in 28.3 % of the patients. These patients can in turn be divided into patients who received surgery (6.8 %), patients on the waiting list (5.5 %), and patients rejected by their insurance company (16 %). Ninety percent of these patients reported functional problems caused by excess skin, and 52 % experienced psychological distress after the massive weight loss. Patients were bothered most by their abdomen and breasts. Men were generally more satisfied than women (50 and 41 %, respectively).
Conclusions
Body contouring surgery reduces physical and psychological complaints after massive weight loss and positively influences quality of life. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the approval and rejection criteria of health-care insurance companies.
Level of evidence: III, risk/prognostic study