How the Increase in Weight Loss Surgeries Correlates to an Increase in Plastic Surgery
The number of people choosing weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass has increased dramatically in recent years. A number of causes contributed to this increase: improved technologies, flexible pricing, and the rise of insurance companies shouldering a portion of the cost.
These surgeries help patients lose weight quickly, but there is one significant side effect: sagging skin. This is often the result of rapid weight loss. To deal with it, patients increasing choose plastic surgery procedures such as tummy tucks, thigh lifts, and arm lifts.
Common Procedures
Across the country, post-weight loss patients represent the fastest-growing segment of plastic surgery patients. These patients are typically seeking help with sagging skin at their abdomens, arms, breasts, and thighs. Their reasons are not only cosmetic. This extra skin may also be uncomfortable and even painful.
Plastic surgeons perform a number of body contouring procedures to improve their patients’ comfort and appearance. These include:
Approximately 25 percent of weight loss surgery patients end up electing to undergo plastic surgery. The number is high enough that many plastic surgeons hope to become a part of the conversation before weight loss surgery takes place. This would help give patients a realistic expectation of their post-weight loss bodies. It also helps set a timetable for when plastic surgery should occur. Too soon in the process, meaning while the patient’s weight is still changing, and the patient will likely require a second surgery. Ideally, patients undergoing body-contouring procedures have maintained their weight for at least three months.
If you recently lost a great deal of weight, or are planning a weight loss surgery and would like to learn more about contouring procedures, schedule a consultation to learn more about what to expect and which procedures are right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years have you been a practicing plastic surgeon?
My first year out of residency was in 2005
Describe your philosophy and approach to cosmetic enhancement and treatment of patients
Philosophy: Superior advice predicated upon evidence-based medicine, innovative insight, and efficient execution.
Treatment goals: Create a natural-appearing, balanced aesthetic enhancement that complements the patient’s unique features.
What’s most important to you when treating patients?
Comfort and security: We strive to achieve the ultimate customer experience. In surgery, much like professional sports, talent typically prevails. Championships however, are won by the teams who subscribe to organizational excellence. Accordingly, with good surgical planning and sound judgment, the majority of routine surgeries follow fairly predictable outcomes. Hence, customer service makes the experience complete. That’s what ultimately differentiates you as a surgeon from the masses. And that is our goal: to exceed our clients expectations.
What does a consultation with you entail?
Initially, patient information is gathered including photographs, salient medical history, and aesthetic goals. Next, I perform a comprehensive consultation utilizing videos and interactive patient education software. Following the consultation, the patient reviews the surgical procedure, peri-operative plans, and financials with the surgical consultant.
What steps does your office take to augment comfort?
We offer several features to augment comfort: A VIP waiting area, complimentary beverage menu, and Wi-Fi connectivity, and complementary usage of iPads.