Bariatric Plastic Surgery

Bariatric plastic surgery is a new subspecialty that addresses the contour problems of the massive weight patient. The massive weight loss patient presents unique challenges to the plastic surgeon. The excess skin and residual fat deposits are constant reminders of the past. It is the removal of this redundant tissue that allows patients to complete the recovery process and to develop an improved body self-image. The loose skin has lost its elasticity and its excess contributes to difficulty with hygiene, skin rashes and activities of daily living. Exercise alone is not sufficient to deal with the problems of loose, hanging skin. Improvement in body contour results from the surgical removal of redundant tissue along with liposuction when indicated. Most body contouring procedures are considered cosmetic and elective.

Treatment of the torso may vary from panniculectomy and abdominoplasty to a lower body lift. These procedures are designed to remove the excess skin of the abdomen and flanks. A vertical incision is often required to adequately shape the upper abdomen when there is marked skin excess in this area. A lower body lift also addresses the fatty deposits of the lateral thighs and the buttocks.

An upper body lift treats the problems of the breasts, arms and upper back. Operations such as armlift(brachioplasty) and breast lift(mastopexy) with or without implants may be combined or performed separately. When excess skin of the upper back is removed, the surgical scars are placed in the bra line to conceal their appearance.

Finally, almost all massive weight loss patients desire correction of the residual deformities of their legs. Thighplasty is the surgical removal of excess tissue along the inner aspect of the thighs. This operation is frequently combined with liposuction to treat the lateral thighs and knees.