Post Bariatric Surgery Abdominoplasty and Thigh Lift

Abstract

Obesity is a major health problem worldwide and has reached an epidemic proportion in the Western society. Evidence continues to accumulate that obesity is a major risk factor for many diseases and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The universal definitions of overweight and obesity have been established using body mass index (BMI equal kilograms of body weight/height [m 2] squared). For adults a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight and a BMI of 30 or greater is defined as obese. As a result of the obesity pandemic, more and more individual are seeking bariatric surgery for weight loss and resolution of conditions related to obesity. As the numbers have risen to greater than 200,000 cases per year, the number of post-bariatric massive weight loss patients presenting to the plastic surgeon for body contouring to address excess skin laxity is increasing. After the massive weight loss following bariatric surgery, about 90% of patients tend to display the negative effects secondary to the large amount of redundant skin. In addition to the aesthetic problems, this leads to functional problems, dermatoses and difficulties in carrying on personal hygiene.