Quality of Life After Abdominoplasty in Women After Bariatric Surgery

Abdominoplasty and Lower Body Lift Surgery Improves the Quality of Life after Massive Weight Loss: A Prospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to assess the impact of abdominoplasty and lower body lift surgery following massive weight loss on both the general quality of life and the sexual life of patients.

METHODS

The authors performed a multicenter prospective study on the quality of life after massive weight loss using three scoring questionnaires: The Short-Form 36 questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire, and the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire. Seventy-two patients who underwent lower body lift and 57 patients who underwent abdominoplasty in three centers with preoperative and postoperative evaluation were included.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 43.2 ± 13.2 years. All categories of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 Health Status Survey questionnaire were statistically significant at 6 months, and all categories except health change were significantly improved at 12 months postoperatively. Overall, the Moorehead-Ardelt questionnaire showed a higher quality of life in general (1.78 ± 0.92 and 1.64 ± 1.03 at 6 and 12 months, respectively) and in all domains (ie, self-esteem, physical activity, social relationships, work performance, and sexual activity). Interestingly, global sexual activity improved at 6 months but not at 12 months. Some domains of sexual life improved at 6 months (ie, desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction), but only desire remained improved at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominoplasty and lower body lift improve the quality of life of patients after massive weight loss and the sexual quality of life. This should be an additional valid reason for promoting reconstructive surgery for massive weight loss patients.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Weight Control following Body Contouring Surgery: Long-Term Assessment of Postbariatric and Nonbariatric Patients

BACKGROUND

Few reports of weight maintenance following body contouring (BC) surgery present weight measurements as percentage weight change, and most of these studies do not isolate BC to specific body areas. This study analyzed weight control in the trunk-based BC population and further compared BC outcomes in postbariatric and nonbariatric patients.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive postbariatric and nonbariatric patients who underwent trunk-based BC (abdominoplasty, panniculectomy, and circumferential lipectomy) from January 1, 2009, through July 31, 2020, at West Virginia University. A minimum 12-month follow-up was required for inclusion. With BC surgery date as the reference point, percentage total weight loss was assessed at 6-month intervals for 2 years following BC and every year thereafter. Change over time was compared between postbariatric and nonbariatric patients.

RESULTS

Within the 12-year timeframe, 121 patients meeting criteria underwent trunk-based BC. Average follow-up from date of BC was 42.9 months. Sixty patients (49.6%) had previously undergone bariatric surgery. From before BC to endpoint follow-up, postbariatric and nonbariatric patients experienced a 4.39% ± 10.93% and 0.25% ± 9.43% increase in weight from baseline, respectively ( P = 0.0273). Once nadir weight loss was attained, weight regain occurred through endpoint follow-up in both groups (11.81% in the postbariatric cohort and 7.56% in the nonbariatric BC cohort; P = 0.0106).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term weight regain is common following trunk-based BC operations-specifically, in postbariatric patients. Although this should not contend with the psychological benefit of removing this excess tissue, it is important to report results with ideal weight metrics to optimally assess outcomes in this population.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Risk, II.

Augmentation mammaplasty by superolateral thoracic flap: a case report

BACKGROUND

The lateral chest wall is intimately associated with the esthetics of the breast. Patients with massive weight loss often have excess skin and fat in the lateral thoracic region causing functional, esthetic, and psychological discomfort. In addition, the breasts exhibit extreme ptosis after weight loss due to a reduction in volume and projection that is exacerbated by qualitative changes in the skin, with loss of its natural elasticity. This article describes a reliable new technique for simultaneous autologous breast augmentation and lateral thoracic dermolipectomy to provide autologous tissue for breast augmentation and simultaneous rejuvenation of the chest wall.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 30-year-old Caucasian woman who had lost 58 kg after bariatric surgery had major skin excess sequelae combined with major breast ptosis. She wanted to correct her brachial and lateral thoracic skin and fat excess, as well as rejuvenate her breasts. The lateral thoracic panicle present was harvested and transposed in the retroglandular plane to perform autologous breast augmentation with lateral thoracic dermolipectomy.

RESULTS

The patient was totally healed and complication-free at day 15. Both esthetic results and patient satisfaction were good at 6 months post-surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Superolateral thoracic flap augmentation mammaplasty during thoracic dermolipectomy is a simple and safe procedure for selected patients. Durable and natural autologous breast augmentation may be achieved in a single step without the need for a breast implant, while rejuvenating the thoracic region.

Post-bariatric body contouring surgery: analysis of complications in 180 consecutive patients

INTRODUCTION

bariatric surgery is the main treatment for cases of severe obesity and body contour surgery to correct body dysmorphia resulting from weight loss. However, these procedures are associated with a significant number of postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVE

this study aims to analyze complications in post-bariatric patients undergoing body contour surgeries and correlating them with the age and BMI of these patients.

METHODS

the current study is a retrospective study evaluating 180 consecutive patients undergoing body contour surgery after bariatric surgery within a period of three years (2014-2016). Data such as age, gender, Body Mass Index before bariatric and plastic surgeries, type of surgery performed and complications were collected, and correlated the age as well as the BMI of the patients in the pre-bariatric (PB) and pre-plastic (PP) periods with the complications presented.

RESULTS

of the 180 patients evaluated, 91.7% were females (n = 165), and the mean age was 46.3 ± 1.7 years. The most performed surgery was abdominoplasty (48.9%), followed by mammaplasty (21.1%). Some complications occurred in 26.1% of the patients with partial dehiscence (40.4%) and seroma (14.9%) being the most frequent. Patients who presented complications had a higher mean age (50.8 years) than those who presented with no complications, and major complications accounted for 2.7% of the sample.

CONCLUSIONS

a statistically significant number of surgeries progressed without complications and, when they occurred, there were minor complications in most of the sample. Complications were more frequent in older patients with some of them having a BMI over 30 Kg/m2.

A systematic review of body contouring surgery in post-bariatric patients to determine its prevalence, effects on quality of life, desire, and barriers

Many post-bariatric patients have impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to excess skin following weight loss; however, it is inconclusive whether body contouring surgery (BCS) improves this impairment. We aimed to comprehensively summarize existing evidence of the effect of BCS on the HRQoL (primary outcome) and determine the prevalence of, the desire for, and barriers to BCS (secondary outcomes). Randomized controlled trials, cohort, cross-sectional, case-control, and longitudinal studies were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central, and Web of Science. After screening 1923 potential records, 24 studies (representing 6867 participants) were deemed eligible. Only 18.5% of respondents from cross-sectional studies underwent BCS, with abdominal BCS as the most common procedure. Most participants desired BCS but listed "cost" and "lacking reimbursement" as the main barriers. Results suggest that most post-bariatric patients who underwent BCS experienced improvements in their HRQoL, which could be seen in almost every dimension evaluated, including body image and physical and psychosocial functions. Therefore, both bariatric and plastic surgeons should regard BCS not only as an aesthetic supplement but also as a vital part of functional recovery in the surgery-mediated weight loss journey and, thus, provide it to more post-bariatric patients.

Skin Changes Due to Massive Weight Loss: Histological Changes and the Causes of the Limited Results of Contouring Surgeries

PURPOSE

Outcomes of body contouring surgeries in patients who previously had obesity are limited because of the loss of skin quality. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of collagen and elastic fibers of the skin in the abdominal epigastric region of patients who had massive weight loss following bariatric surgery and compared such with the skin characteristics of patients with morbid obesity.

METHODS

This observational study compared skin fragments from the epigastric region of 20 patients who had massive weight loss due to bariatric surgery and 20 patients with morbid obesity. The morphometric analysis was performed on the collagen system using the Picrosirius/polarized light method and on the elastic system using the Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin method.

RESULTS

Reduction of thick collagen fibers (p = 0.048), increased thin collagen fibers (p = 0.0085), and increased elastic fiber density (p < 0.001) were observed in the massive weight loss group. No differences were found between the groups regarding mean age (p = 0.917) and total amount of collagen fibers (p = 0.3619). Structural dermis alterations in the massive weight loss group demonstrated collagenous remodeling, with consequent reduction of thick, organized, structured, and directed fibers in favor of thin, misaligned, and loosely arranged fibers. Weight loss was also associated with increased skin elasticity.

CONCLUSION

The morphometric changes in the collagen and elastic system scientifically explained the already established clinical perception of cutaneous alterations in patients who had massive weight loss following bariatric surgeries.

The BAPRAS screening tool for reimbursement in a postbariatric population

INTRODUCTION

Reimbursement of body-contouring surgery (BCS) is a worldwide problem: there is no objective instrument to decide which postbariatric patients should qualify for reimbursement. The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) has developed a screening tool for this purpose. In this study, we used a modified version of this screening tool in a postbariatric population and describe which patients would qualify for reimbursement using this tool.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study postbariatric patients were asked to fill in an online questionnaire based on the BAPRAS screening tool with questions regarding complaints of overhanging skin and medical history. Weight loss data were extracted from a prospective database. The BODY-Q was added to assess patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients who wanted to undergo BCS (n = 90) had higher screening tool scores and lower BODY-Q scores compared to patients who did not want BCS (n = 24). In total, 25 patients (26%) qualified for reimbursement, these patients had higher weight loss (33.5% versus 29.2%, p = 0.008), lower BMI (27.3 kg/m² versus 30.4 kg/m², p = 0.014) and more medical (4.0 versus 2.0, p = 0.004) and psychological complaints (88% versus 61%, p = 0.009). There was a significant, negative correlation between the screening tool scores and almost all BODY-Q scales.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a desire for BCS have more complaints of excess skin, which negatively impacts their well-being. With the modified BAPRAS screening tool, patients with the best weight (loss) and most medical and psychological complaints of excess skin qualified for referral and reimbursement of BCS.

Aesthetic Rhinoplasty and Nasal Obstruction: Presentation of Results of a 100-Patient Study by Using NOSE Inventory

OBJECTIVE

The current prospective study is evaluating the nasal symptoms of patients who underwent aesthetic rhinoplasty with the intranasal approach, in a long-term setting.

SETTING

There is a large amount of the literature about the technique, the possible comorbidities, the aesthetic result, the patient's psychosocial background, but it is very limited regarding the effect of the operation on nasal function and physiology and this is the setting that this study is focusing on.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The validated NOSE questionnaire (Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation) was used in 100 patients operated on by surgeons in both the public and private sectors during the period of 2009 and 2016. The results were analyzed statistically by using SPSS.

RESULTS

Classical aesthetic rhinoplasty, without functional interventions (septum or conchas reduction), was found to improve nasal obstruction symptoms postoperatively in various grades: 77% of patients improved, 10% were found unchanged, and 13% reported worsening of their symptoms. Statistical analysis revealed that, in general, the functional outcome is stable with a slight tendency to deteriorate in the following years after operation. Although both genders had improvement in their symptomatology postoperatively, females had a greater improvement than males. Smoking and allergic rhinitis did not appear to be important determinants of the outcome.

CONCLUSION

Classical aesthetic rhinoplasty appears to improve nasal obstruction symptoms, and this is stable through time. However, limitations apply.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Body Contouring Surgery and the Maintenance of Weight-Loss Following Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery leads to significant weight loss with reduced morbidity and mortality. However, excess skin as a consequence of weight loss represents a major problem, impacting upon patient's functionality with potential negative effects on weight loss.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the effect of body-contouring surgery on weight-loss maintenance following bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We undertook a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) +/- body-contouring surgery (BC). The control group (n = 61) received RYGB, the test group (n = 30) received RYGB+BC 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery. Each RYGB+BC patient was matched to two control patients for age, sex, glycaemic status, and weight on day of surgery. Per cent weight loss (%WL) was calculated at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months post-RYGB for both groups.

RESULTS

The %WL was similar at 3, 6, and 12 months post-RYGB. At 24 months, %WL was 35.6% in the RYGB+BC group and 30.0% in the RYGB group (P < 0.05). At 36 months, the RYGB+BC group maintained their weight loss (%WL 33.0%), in contrast, the RYGB gained weight (%WL = 27.3%, P < 0.05). This trend continued (RYGB+BC vs RYGB) at 48 months (%WL 30.8% vs 27.0%) and at 60 months (%WL 32.2% vs 22.7%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest patients who undergo body contouring after bariatric surgery are able to lose significantly more weight and maintain weight loss at five years of follow up compared to those undergoing bariatric surgery alone.

Long-Term Quality-of-Life Outcomes After Body Contouring Surgery: Phase IV Results for the Body-QoL® Cohort

BACKGROUND

Body contouring surgery (BCS) is becoming increasing popular for aesthetic and reconstructive purposes, particularly among patients with massive weight loss (MWL). However, data on quality of life (QoL) following the surgery are limited, especially long-term QoL.

OBJECTIVES

The authors evaluated the effect of BCS on QoL and the durability of this effect over time.

METHODS

QoL was measured with the Body-QoL® instrument at 3 time points among consecutively treated patients: the day before BCS, 1 to 9 months postoperatively (short term), and 1 to 2.7 years postoperatively (long term). Total Body-QoL scores were compiled, as were scores for the instrument's main domains: body satisfaction, sex life, self-esteem and social performance, and physical symptoms. Scores were examined for the entire study population and separately for the cosmetic and MWL cohorts.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven of the 112 patients participated in the short-term assessment and 84 in the long-term assessment. Total Body-QoL scores increased significantly (P < 0.0001), from 44.0 ± 14.1 preoperatively to 85.5 ± 17.5 short-term postoperatively and to 84.4 ± 12.7 long-term postoperatively. Scores for the 2 postoperative assessments did not differ significantly. Similar results were observed for scores on each separate domain. Although preoperative scores were lower for the MWL cohort than the cosmetic cohort (33.9 ± 15.6 vs 46.1 ± 12.8; P = 0.0002), they improved substantially after BCS, approaching scores for the cosmetic cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

QoL increases significantly after BCS. This favorable outcome remained stable throughout long-term follow-up and was true for the cosmetic and MWL cohorts.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4

Body Image and Body Contouring Procedures

Dissatisfaction with physical appearance and body image is a common psychological phenomena in Western society. Body image dissatisfaction is frequently reported by those who have excess body weight, but also is seen in those of normal body weight. For both groups of individuals, this dissatisfaction impacts self-esteem and quality of life. Furthermore, it is believed to be the motivational catalyst to a range of appearance-enhancing behaviors, including weight loss efforts and physical activity. Body image dissatisfaction is also believed to play a role in the decision to seek the wide range of body contouring procedures offered by aesthetic physicians. Individuals who seek these procedures typically report increased body image dissatisfaction, focus on the feature they wish to alter with treatment, and often experience improvement in body image following treatment. At the same time, extreme body image dissatisfaction is a symptom of a number of recognized psychiatric disorders. These include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), all of which can contraindicate aesthetic treatment. This special topic review paper provides an overview of the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and aesthetic procedures designed to improve body contouring. The review specifically focuses on the relationship of body image and body weight, as well as the presentation of body image psychopathology that would contraindicate aesthetic surgery. The overall goal of the paper is to highlight the clinical implications of the existing research and provide suggestions for future research on the psychological aspects of body contouring procedures.

[Lower bodylift after massive weight loss: Retrospective study of satisfaction, complications and quality of life. About 76 patients over 4years]

INTRODUCTION

Massive weight loss leads to important cutaneous deformities with physical and psychological repercussions for patients. Lower bodylift is a procedure, which can restore the body contour. The aim of this study is to evaluate satisfaction and quality of life in patients who underwent lower bodylift and to review the complications of these procedures.

MEANS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 76 patients who underwent lower bodylift between 2012 and 2016. We reviewed the complications of these procedures. Satisfaction and quality of life were assessed using Body-QoL questionnaire.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients were included with a mean age of 39.2years. The average body mass index was 27.6kg/m² with a mean weight of 71.2kg at the time of surgery and a mean weight loss of 48.6kg. Twenty-three patients developed one complication: 22 minor and 1 major. Forty-eight patients answered the questionnaire. Satisfaction was rated "very good" by 41 patients (85.4%) and "good" by 5 patients (10.4%). The Body-QoL questionnaire's analysis showed an improvement of quality of life socially, sexually, in the body regard and in physical symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower bodylift is the only procedure, which can restore circumferential body contour. Despite the minor complications reviewed, the degree of satisfaction of the patients is very high. The quality of life of these patients, after massive weight loss, is also highly improved by these procedures. With the worldwide development of obesity and bariatric surgery, this study demonstrated that the operation should be proposed to patients with massive weight loss to improve quality of life.

Augmentation mastopexy after bariatric surgery: evaluation of patient satisfaction and surgical results

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate patient satisfaction and surgical results obtained after mastopexy with breast implant inclusion. Methods: we conducted a prospective study of 20 consecutive female patients with a mean age of 39.9 years, submitted to augmentation mastopexy. We applied semi-directed psychological interviews pre and postoperatively. The answers to the evaluations were tabulated, categorized, and allowed patient satisfaction analysis. We evaluated surgical results through photographic analysis of three independent plastic surgeons, in the pre and postoperative periods, when scores were attributed to the following items: breasts shape, breasts volume, breasts symmetry, nipple-areolar complex position, and scar quality and extent. Results: nineteen patients (95%) referred satisfaction with the surgical results attained (p<0,001). The mean sum of the scores attributed by the three surgeons to each patient varied between 4.7 and 10, with an overall mean of 7.28. The results were considered good or great for 65% of the sample and poor for 8.4%. Conclusion: there was a 95% satisfaction rate among patients with the results obtained through augmentation mastopexy. The photographic analysis of the results obtained a mean score of 7.28, considered as a good result, albeit the weak correlation among evaluators.

Long-Term Results of Incisional Hernia Repair with Concomitant Abdominoplasty in Postbariatric Patients

The aim of the study was evaluation of long-term results after simultaneous incisional hernia repair and abdominoplasty in patients following RYGB (Roux-en-Y Gastric By-pass) and estimation of quality of life before and after this complex operation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed long-term results in 18 patients who underwent complex anterior abdominal wall surgery after massive weight loss, following previous RYGB. The patients were followed-up for at least 8 years. We compared the quality of life before and after hernia repair combined with abdominoplasty.

RESULTS

Observed wide postoperative scar in 4 persons, permanent dysesthesia in one, and flaccidity of the anterior abdominal wall in three cases. Estimation of the quality of life revealed significant improvement in functional, aesthetic and psychological aspects after complex surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Simultaneous incisional hernia repair and abdominoplasty resulted in satisfactory long-term postoperative results, which confirms the efficiency of complex anterior abdominal wall surgery in patients following RYGB after massive weight loss. 2. Surgery in patients afflicted with disfigurements of the anterior abdominal wall contributed to significant improvement in their life quality in functional, aesthetic and psychological aspects, as compared with preoperative estimations. 3. All persons confirmed positive influence of abdominal wall surgery on their possibility to take challenges in life, and fulfill plans. 4. Surgery of the anterior abdominal wall deformities, if needed after massive weight loss, should become an integral part of complex multidisciplinary treatment in postbariatric individuals.

Body Contouring After Bariatric Surgery

Individuals who undergo bariatric surgery generally experience rapid and dramatic weight loss. While the weight loss typically confers significant health benefits, an undesirable consequence is often excessive quantities of hanging, surplus skin. Some patients undergo body-contouring surgery (BCS) in order to improve health, mobility, appearance and psychological adjustment. While the majority of post-bariatric patients desire BCS in one or more body regions, a small percentage of patients receive such surgeries. Lack of knowledge about procedures, cost and (in the USA and several other countries) difficulty obtaining insurance reimbursement likely prevents many patients from undergoing BCS. Those who do undergo BCS appear to be at heightened risk for wound-healing complications. Despite these complications, the majority of patients report satisfactory BCS outcomes. The extant literature in this area provides a great deal of information about these issues; nevertheless, additional research is needed to further inform clinical management and improve patient outcomes.

Quality of life before and after cosmetic surgery

This article reviews the literature regarding the impact of cosmetic surgery on health-related quality of life (QOL). Studies were identified through PubMed/Medline and PsycINFO searches from January 1960 to December 2011. Twenty-eight studies were included in this review, according to specific selection criteria. The procedures and tools employed in cosmetic surgery research studies were remarkably diverse, thus yielding difficulties with data analysis. However, data indicate that individuals undergoing cosmetic surgery began with lower values on aspects of QOL than control subjects, and experienced significant QOL improvement post-procedurally, an effect that appeared to plateau with time. Despite the complexity of measuring QOL in cosmetic surgery patients, most studies showed an improvement in QOL after cosmetic surgery procedures. However, this finding was clouded by measurement precision as well as heterogeneity of procedures and study populations. Future research needs to focus on refining measurement techniques, including developing cosmetic surgery-specific QOL measures.

Changing Body Image and Well-Being: Following the Experience of Massive Weight Loss and Body Contouring Surgery

This paper reports on the perception of changing body image and well-being for patients who had undergone plastic surgery following massive weight loss. The exploratory, qualitative study was undertaken with 20 patients from one teaching hospital in the south of England. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and a thematic analysis of the data undertaken. The results provide important insights regarding body contouring influencing body image change and the adjustment process involved. The ability to pursue self-esteem and the accruing social benefits is emphasized in the interrelated sub themes including social acceptance, undoing depression and sexual vitality. Body contouring surgery following massive weight loss appears to facilitate improvement in body image and well-being. Adjustment to the changing body image is both empowering and challenging. Supportive educational programmes need to be developed to assist this transition to a more positive body image and appreciation; these could usefully include access to and involvement with patient support groups.

Funding for postbariatric body-contouring (bariplastic) surgery in England: a postcode lottery

Background. With the increase in bariatric surgery in the UK, there has been a substantial increase in patients undergoing massive weight loss (MWL) seeking postbariatric body-contouring (bariplastic) surgery. However, there is a wide variation of availability on the National Health Service (NHS). Aims. To (1) review the funding policies of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in England for bariplastic surgery and (2) analyse the number of procedures funded in two consecutive financial years. Methods. We sent out questionnaires to all PCTs in England regarding their funding policies for bariplastic surgery and requested the number of procedures funded in 2008-09 and 2009-10. Findings. 121/147 (82%) PCTs replied to our questionnaires. 73 (60%) excluded all bariplastic procedures. 106/121 (87.6%) PCTs had referral guidelines for plastic surgery. 46/121 (38%) PCTs provided the total number of funded abdominoplasty-apronectomy (A-A) in the two financial years: total number of A-A applicants rose from 393 to 531, but approval for funding fell from 24.2% to 19.6%. Only 3 (2%) PCTs indicated increase in their future spending on bariplastic procedures in the next 5 years, with 67% planning to decrease or unsure about future funding. Conclusion. There exists a postcode lottery for bariplastic surgery in England and we feel the need for guidelines on provision of bariplastic procedures following MWL.

[Complications and level of satisfaction after dermolipectomy and abdominoplasty post-bariatric surgery]

BACKGROUND

Body contouring surgery is in high demand following the increase in bariatric surgery. But these types of procedures are associated with high complication rates that cause long hospital stays and have a negative effect on patient satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of complications in order to optimize outcomes in these patients and find a relationship between complication rate and satisfaction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Out of a group of 175 post-bariatric patients, 72 patients underwent body contouring surgery following massive weight loss from 2003-2008. They were reviewed retrospectively for demographic data, pre- and postoperative weight status, co-morbidities and complications and reoperation rate. Patient satisfaction was evaluated.

RESULTS

a)

COMPLICATIONS

The overall complication rate was 45.8%. The most frequent were seromas (23.6%); infection (13.9%), bleeding (11.1%), hematoma (6.9%) (needing transfusions [6.9%]), skin necrosis (6.9%) and umbilical necrosis (4.2%). A total of 8 patients required reoperation (11.1%). b) Satisfaction rating: 1) very satisfied: 51.4%, 2) satisfied: 31.9%, 3) dissatisfied: 8.3%, 4) very dissatisfied: 8.3%. c) The presence of complications was significantly associated with patients' satisfaction, reoperation rate and longer hospital stays (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Post operative complications were frequent. No predictors could be found to prevent these complications and optimize patient selection and appropriate timing of surgery. Patients with complications had a significantly higher reoperation rate, longer hospital stay and more dissatisfaction. The patients' satisfaction was negatively influenced by complication occurrence and not by the aesthetic results.

Identity transformation and a changed lifestyle following dramatic weight loss and body-contouring surgery: An exploratory study

This article reports on two major quality-of-life perception changes for patients who had undergone plastic surgery following dramatic weight loss. The exploratory, qualitative study was undertaken with 20 patients from one teaching hospital. In-depth interviews were conducted, and a thematic analysis of the data was undertaken. The results provide unique glimpses of surgical consumption empowering and facilitating ‘identity transformation’, embracing improved physical function and enhanced self-esteem, confidence and quality of life, and a ‘changed lifestyle’. For a minority, identity transformation was sometimes interrupted by ‘identity lag’, posing the need for additional health-care support throughout the adjustment process. The study provides additional insight into existing quantitative studies, adding to the body of knowledge in this area.

Assessing Improvement in Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction following Body Contouring Surgery in Patients with Massive Weight Loss: A Critical Review of Outcome Measures Employed

Body contouring following massive weight loss is a rapidly expanding field in plastic surgery. However, healthcare payers are reluctant to fund such procedures, viewing them as purely cosmetic. This has resulted in a flurry of studies assessing quality of life (QoL) and patient satisfaction following body contouring surgery in this cohort of patients to establish an evidence base to support the idea that body contouring is as much (or even more) a functional procedure as it is cosmetic. However, the methods employed in these studies are seldom ideal, and hence the conclusions are unreliable. The gold standard to assess QoL and patient satisfaction is to use patient specific psychometrically validated patient reported outcome (PRO) measures. Developing such measures consists of a three-step process which includes a review of the current literature, qualitative patient interviews to determine what patients consider the most important, and expert opinion. This study aims to appraise the currently available literature on assessment of QoL and patient satisfaction in body contouring surgery patients. This will hopefully provide an understanding of methodological weaknesses in current studies and inform future investigators of the design of ideal instruments for assessing QoL and patient satisfaction in body contouring patients.

Shame and self-acceptance in continued flux: Qualitative study of the embodied experience of significant weight loss and removal of resultant excess skin by plastic surgery

This study explored the embodied experience of body change using a qualitative design. Eight previous plastic surgery patients of a London hospital took part in in-depth, semi-structured interviews 1 year post a plastic surgery procedure to remove excess skin around their abdomen, resulting from weight loss. Participant interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Two sub-themes titled ‘Shame of the hidden body’ and ‘Lack of acceptance; the future focused body’ are presented in this article. Findings are considered in relation to theories of ‘Body Shame’ and in the current cultural context.

C-reactive protein decrease after postbariatric abdominoplasty

In a prospective study, indices of glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, and systemic inflammation were monitored after an aesthetic abdominoplasty, aiming to scrutinize the possible metabolic benefits for abdominal fat removal. Premenopausal females with substantial weight loss (N=40) undergoing circumferential abdominoplasty (index group, n=20) or augmentation mammoplasty with mastopexy (controls, n=20) were recruited. All of them originally underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Variables included BMI, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, glucose, and HbA1c. Follow-up reached 20.3 ± 13.6 months for index cases and 29.5 ± 17.4 months for controls. The metabolic and inflammatory indices improved after the bariatric surgery. Subsequent monitoring indicated a stable body weight and biochemical profile in both groups. The exceptions were HDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein, which respectively increased and diminished after the abdominoplasty, consistent with an inflammatory and metabolic advantage for this operation. This is the first long-term study in a weight-stable population to point out such a pattern after abdominoplasty.

Monsplasty for women after massive weight loss

BACKGROUND

Ptosis with excess skin in the pubic area is a very common deformity in patients after massive weight loss. This deformity requires adequate surgical treatment whether combined with abdominoplasty or not. The enlarged pubogenital area may lead to psychosocial distress and impaired quality of life.

METHODS

A series of 23 women with a mean age of 39.5 years who previously underwent bariatric surgeries and later presented with pubogenital ptosis underwent monsplasty. The preoperative surgical markings and the surgical technique presented are easily reproducible. In this prospective study, the surgical outcomes were assessed by questionnaires applied to the patients, who scored the following parameters: movement dynamics, aesthetic appearance, sexual performance, improved hygiene, and use of clothing items.

RESULTS

Four of the parameters assessed (movement dynamics, aesthetic appearance, hygiene, and use of clothing items) showed clear improvement, with scores ranging from good to very good. A small percentage of the patients (13%) reported fair improvement in sexual performance.

CONCLUSION

The findings showed monsplasty to be a simple and reproducible technique with favorable outcomes and low morbidity rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors at www.springer.com/00266.

Evaluation of aesthetic abdominal surgery using a new clinical scale

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of outcomes after aesthetic surgery still is a challenge in plastic surgery. The evaluation frequently is based on subjective criteria. This study used a new clinical grading scale to evaluate aesthetic results for plastic surgeries to the abdomen. The method scores each of the following five parameters: volume of subcutaneous tissue, contour, excess of skin, aspect of the navel, and quality of the scar on the abdominal wall. The scale options are 0 (poor), 1 (fair), and 2 (good), and the total rate can range from 0 to 10.

METHODS

The study included 40 women ages 18-53 years. Of these 40 women, 20 underwent traditional abdominoplasty, and 20 had liposuction alone. Preoperatively and at least 1 year later, photographic results were analyzed and scored by three independent plastic surgeons.

RESULTS

In the abdominoplasty group, the average grade rose from 2.9±0.4 to 6.8±0.4 postoperatively. In the liposuction group, the average grade was 5.3±0.5 preoperatively and 7.7±0.4 postoperatively. In both groups, the average postoperative grade was significantly higher than the preoperative grade. The mean scores for groups A and L were significantly different, demonstrating that the scale was sensitive in identifying different anatomic abnormalities in the abdomen.

CONCLUSIONS

The rating scale used for the aesthetic evaluation of the abdomen was effective in the analysis of two different procedures: conventional abdominoplasty and liposuction. Abdominoplasty provided the greater gain according to a comparison of the pre- and postoperative scores.

Predictors of satisfaction with excess skin and desire for body contouring after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery (BS) produces rapid, massive weight loss, often leaving patients with excess skin that can be esthetically disappointing and can present barriers to physical and psychosocial functioning. Thus, body contouring surgery (BCS) is frequently sought by post-BS patients. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the frequency at which post-BS patients desire BCS and the extent to which patients are satisfied with the excess skin in specific body regions before and after contouring. Furthermore, the present study sought to identify the predictors of which patients might be most desirous of BCS. This was a study conducted at 2 academic research centers.

METHODS

Patients approximately 2 years or 6-10 years after BS were recruited and completed the Post-Bariatric Surgery Appearance Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The participants expressed the greatest dissatisfaction with the skin at the waist/abdomen and thigh regions. The most commonly contoured site was the waist/abdomen, and patients rated greater satisfaction with this body region after BCS. Few significant predictor variables were identified. A greater BMI at survey completion was independently associated with lower satisfaction with excess skin, and the time elapsed since BS predicted the desire for contouring.

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the importance of educating BS candidates about the issues with redundant skin after weight loss and the possible need for subsequent BCS. With this education, patients might have more realistic expectations concerning BS outcomes and be better positioned to seek BCS when indicated.

[Study of the benefits after body contouring surgery at the university hospital in Lille]

BACKGROUND

Cutting the excess of skin body contouring surgery in post-massive weight loss patients seems to only improve functional and aesthetic disorders. But other benefits can be determinated such as psychosocial effects. The first two are usually evaluated. The last two are rarely researched. The goal of this study is to evaluate the benefits of body contouring surgery by comparing patient satisfaction on these different aspects.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-four patients with more that 30 kg's weight loss had body contouring surgery at the university hospital in Lille between June 2004 and June 2008. Seventy-eight patients agreed to respond to a study on quality-of-life improvements after body contouring surgery which evaluated aesthetic, functional, and psychosocial aspects. The data were compared before and after the surgery to assess the benefits of the surgery in these areas.

RESULTS

All the aforementioned aspects were clearly improved with the body contouring surgery. However, the improvement in the physical aspects seems to be somehow disappointing, not living up to the patients expectations. Exactly 52.5 % of the patients wanted morphologic alteration, while the scars were well tolerated in 78.2 % of the cases. On the other hand, psychosocial discomfort was improved in ways not expected by the patients. Two new findings were remarkable: a decrease of 56.7 % in the sense of feeling depressed and an improvement in finding a job after body contouring surgery.

CONCLUSION

The psychosocial improvements represent the true benefits of body contouring surgery.

Mammaplasty with inferior pedicle flap after massive weight loss

BACKGROUND

After massive weight loss, one of the stigmas that afflict women is the remaining deformity of the breasts which become flaccid and ptotic, with an absent or flat upper pole. The authors propose the use of a well-established mammaplasty technique to fill the upper pole, reshape the breast cone, and correct ptosis with nipple-areola complex (NAC) repositioning.

METHODS

A total of 16 patients were analyzed; all underwent gastroplasty between 18 and 24 months prior to mammaplasty. The mean age was 41.6 years (range = 26-62) and the mean BMI previous to the mammaplasty was 29.2 kg/m(2) (range = 24.9-38.9). The technique included a dermo-lipo glandular flap pedicled on the inframammary fold (IMF) together with a superior flap containing the NAC.

RESULTS

All patients who underwent surgery were satisfied with the outcomes since a more aesthetic breast shape was achieved, with projection of the upper pole and correction of ptosis. Adverse events included dehiscence at the junction point of the flaps in the inframammary fold, which resolved with secondary-intention wound healing in three patients; partial necrosis of the areola in one patient; epidermolysis in one of the NACs in one patient; and infection in one of the breasts in one patient, which resolved with proper antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

When compared to the current mammaplasty techniques performed in formerly obese patients, this is a good surgical option because it uses tissues adjacent to the breast itself and does not require silicone prosthesis for breast augmentation. The patients reported increased self-esteem and improvement in their quality of life.

Collagen and elastic content of abdominal skin after surgical weight loss

BACKGROUND

Collapsed skin folds after bariatric weight loss are often managed by plastic procedures, but changes in dermal composition and architecture have rarely been documented. Given the potential consequences on surgical outcome, a prospective histochemical study was designed. The hypothesis was that a deranged dermal fiber pattern would accompany major changes in adipose tissue.

METHODS

Female surgical candidates undergoing postbariatric abdominoplasty (n=40) and never obese women submitted to control procedures (n=40) were submitted to double abdominal biopsy, respectively in the epigastrium and hypogastrium. Histomorphometric assessment of collagen and elastic fibers was executed by the Image Analyzer System (Kontron Electronic 300, Zeiss, Germany).

RESULTS

Depletion of collagen, but not of elastic fibers, in cases with massive weight loss was confirmed. Changes were somewhat more severe in epigastrium (P=0.001) than hypogastrium (P=0.007). Correlation with age did not occur.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Patients displayed lax, soft skin lacking sufficient collagen fiber network. (2) Elastic fiber content was not damaged, and was even moderately increased in epigastrium; (3) Preoperative obesity negatively correlated with hypogastric collagen concentration; (4) Future studies should pinpoint the roles of obesity, and especially of massive weight loss, on dermal architecture and response to surgery.