Actual Bitar Institute Patients
Body-Contouring-After-Weight-Loss is a comprehensive management approach that takes into consideration this population’s unique physical, aesthetic, medical, and psychological concerns. Plastic Surgeons forge a close relationship with the patient, the Bariatric Surgeon, Nutritionist or Internist to ensure optimal management. They also utilize Cosmetic Surgery procedures that have been modified to address the unique characteristic of a weight-loss patient’s skin excess. These procedures are often combined to address concerns of the face, torso and extremities. Most patients have multiple procedures to address their concerns in one to three stages depending on their baseline weight and the degree of skin laxity.
While patients obviously have less skin, a slimmer silhouette and feel better after body contouring surgery, the long-term effects of these procedures have not been well documented. The effect of body contouring surgery on a bariatric patient’s body image, quality of life and potential for weight gain has only recently been further clarified in the medical literature. A recent study published in the Journal of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery showed a significant and sustained improvement in most body image associated psychosocial parameters. Patients documented improved body image and quality of life up to 7 years after their body contouring surgery. The study group’s success in keeping off their excess weight after body contouring was also significantly improved compared to a control group of bariatric patients who did not have body-contouring surgery. While these findings have been known to specialists in Body-Contouring-After-Weight Loss for some time, objective documentation of these benefits to weight loss patients is quite encouraging. Body-Contouring-After-Weight-Loss has nothing to do with vanity…its about improving body image, quality of life and medical wellness.
George Bitar, MD, FACS is an award-winning, board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon, the Founder and Medical Director of Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Virginia. He specializes in the latest surgical and minimally invasive techniques to scar management and reduction. Dr. Bitar is involved in groundbreaking research and education in plastic surgery and has authored numerous articles, abstracts, and chapters.
