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WEIGHT LOSS & LOOSE SKIN
Obesity rates have escalated in the U.S. One in five people are obese and less than 1% are successful losing weight. Obesity can be measured according to the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a ratio of weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. A normal BMI is 18.5-24.9, overweight is 25-29.9, obese is 30-34.9, severely obese is 35¬39.9, and morbidly obese is >40. An elevated BMI increases the mortality rate at least 2.5-fold, is associated with hypertension, diabetes, apnea, arthritis, and cancer, and has social and economic ramifications. Bariatric surgery is successful with 95% of patients losing >50% of their excess weight, 90% resolution of diabetes, and 95% improvement of hypertension.
Life after massive weight loss includes plastic surgery to remove unwanted excess skin and lift sagging areas from the tummy, breasts, legs, thighs, arms, buttock, back, face, and neck.
Optimal candidates for body contouring are:
- At their goal weight after diet and exercise or bariatric surgery
- Medically cleared for surgery by their primary care physician
- Weight stable for ideally 1-1.5 years prior to undergoing surgery
- Have a normal BMI
Patients have best results from body contouring when they have a normal BMI due to reduced risk of complications such as infection and wound breakdown. Patients should delay surgery if they are in the process of losing weight, otherwise they may need a repeat surgery. When patients are ready for plastic surgery after massive weight loss, they should contact a board certified plastic surgeon experienced with the unique body contouring procedures. These procedures are life changing and complete the patient's transformation. Best of luck to those who are planning to undergo massive weight loss, and congratulations to those who have achieved their goals!
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