Does Body Contouring Decrease Long-Term BMI?

Have you recently lost a significant amount of weight, and worry about maintaining your weight loss over time? A recent study found that body contouring may help post-bariatric patients control their long-term weight. The team at South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, who often work with post-bariatric patients, discuss the study here.

A research team, led by Dr. Tali Freidman, found that post-bariatric patients that had body contouring plastic surgery were more likely to maintain a lower Body Mass Index than patients that did not have the plastic surgery. Dr. Freidman and her team presented their findings at Plastic Surgery The Meeting, the annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of body fat, calculated using height and weight. The higher the BMI, the more body mass a person carries. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates an individual is overweight; a BMI of 30 or more indicates an individual is obese.

The study looked at individuals that had adjustable gastric banding, which is known as the safest, yet least effective of the weight loss procedures. Thirty to fifty percent of gastric banding patients regain part or all of their weight within two to four years of surgery.

According to the authors of the study, the key to keeping weight off after gastric banding could be body contouring surgery.

More about Body Contouring Plastic Surgery

After rapid, significant weight loss, many bariatric patients are left with loose, wrinkly skin that obscures their new shape. This skin is cosmetically unappealing; it can also become easily irritated or infected.

Body contouring is designed to remove loose skin and perfect the body’s shape. South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery offers procedures that treat excess skin on the arms, thighs, abdomen, breasts and entire trunk. Tighter skin helps to show off a leaner physique and completes the total body makeover.

Why might plastic surgery possibly affect an individual’s BMI? The authors of the study suggest that body contouring patients are able to see and feel the results of their weight loss more clearly. This provides much-needed motivation to eat healthy meals and work out regularly. Patients that do not have body contouring, and struggle with loose, wrinkly skin, may lack the confidence or motivation to follow healthy habits.

Learn More about Body Contouring Plastic Surgery

If you have lost a significant amount of weight from bariatric surgery or non-surgical methods, and are left with loose, wrinkly skin, South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery can help. Contact us today by calling (954) 565-7575.