Cosmetic Procedures After Massive Weight Loss Surgery: A Guide for Prospective Patients

Abstract

In the United States, bariatric surgery has become the gold standard treatment for patients struggling with obesity and its severe sequelae. Often, after bariatric surgery, massive weight loss (MWL) occurs, leaving patients with cutaneous deformities such as excess tissue and redundant skin. As such, MWL patients struggle with cosmetic and functional impairments that hinder their quality of life, self-esteem, and body image. Here, we present the first guide to cosmetic surgical procedures available to patients following MWL to improve aesthetic and functional results after bariatric surgery. The guide features several body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty, liposuction, body lift, brachioplasty, thighplasty, flankplasty, mastopexy, and facelift. This guide serves to educate patients about the surgical options they can elect after bariatric surgery in order to achieve their cosmetic and functional goals. Physicians or other medical staff may also use this guide as an aid for counseling MWL patients. Each surgical procedure is highlighted for the reader to understand its goals, expected outcomes, and patient-perceived cost-effectiveness. The guide seeks to be transparent about all benefits, risks, and options available to these MWL patients. Ultimately, the purpose of this guide is to inform post-MWL patients about their options for cosmetic procedures and to assist them in this critical health decision-making process.

Keywords: bariatric medicine; bariatric surgery severe obesity; body contouring after weight loss; cosmetic procedures; cosmetic surgeon; morbid obesity revisional bariatric surgery; weight reduction.