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Body Contouring After Bariatric Surgery
Author(s) -
Ellison Jo M.,
Steffen Kristine J.,
Sarwer David B.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.2408
Subject(s) - reimbursement , medicine , extant taxon , body contouring , weight loss , surgery , general surgery , intensive care medicine , health care , obesity , evolutionary biology , economics , biology , economic growth
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. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.