New study about tummy tuck
While
body contouring has been considered a purely aesthetic procedure, a new
report found that the plastic surgery procedure could promote maintenance of
a healthy weight following gastric bypass surgery.
The study, led by researchers out of the University of Geneva, Switzerland,
outlined the ways in which removing excess skin and fat greatly improves the
lifestyle of those who undergo major weight-loss surgery.
Long-lasting results
By
observing a group of 200 patients for more than seven years, the researchers
were able to determine that body contouring resulted in longer-lasting
weight-loss results.
The doctors divided the group into two subgroups - 98 patients who underwent both gastric bypass and body-contouring surgeries, and 102 patients who only had a gastric bypass procedure.
According to the researchers, patients who had excess skin and fat removed lost 100 pounds within the two years following the gastric bypass procedure.
After seven years, the patients dropped to an average 176 pounds, while those who only received the gastric bypass surgery weighed an average of 200 pounds. According to the researchers, patients who underwent body contouring were also less likely to regain the weight over time.
Only about 4% of the body-contouring patients returned to their initial body weight, while 11 % of the patients who did not undergo the procedure regained their weight.
Body contouring surgery is imperative
An
abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck," is focused on removing a significant amount
of skin and fat around the stomach, but it can also be used in combination
with other body contouring procedures that remove skin and fat from the
arms, thighs, buttocks and breasts.
Due to the fact that these procedures are typically considered aesthetic, they are not covered by health insurance plans nor are they mandatory for patients who had gastric bypass surgery.
However, Dr. Ali Modarressi, head of the research, suggests that the study
shows that the procedure should be an essential step following a gastric
bypass to ensure that the patients have the fullest quality of life.
"Since plastic surgery after massive weight loss is mandatory for quality of
life improvement and weight loss maintenance in many patients, body
contouring must be considered a necessary surgery for those who have
achieved massive weight loss," Modarressi reports.
While the report suggests that body contouring has major health benefits, it might not be the right choice for everyone.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with poor health status, heavy smokers, and even those who do not follow healthy diets should stop smoking.
