News briefs from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® is the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the most widely read plastic surgery journal in the world. It provides information on the latest techniques and developments in all areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, focusing on innovative surgical advances and new clinical findings. Divorced, Young Women Most Likely to Have Plastic Surgery After Massive Weight Loss

After major weight loss, many patients want to further hone their body by having body contouring plastic surgery. This study looked at demographic factors that influence patients’ desires for plastic surgery following massive weight loss. According to the study, the majority of post-bariatric surgery patients want body contouring. In addition, younger, divorced women who had minimally-invasive gastric bypass surgery had the strongest interest. Almost 67,000 body contouring procedures after massive weight loss were performed in 2007, according to the ASPS.

(Study title: Temporal and Demographic Factors Influencing the Desire for Plastic Surgery after Gastric Bypass Surgery)

Does Obesity Affect Patient Satisfaction with Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction in overweight patients can be a difficult challenge for plastic surgeons. A higher body mass index can be associated with greater post-operative complications and poor cosmetic results. This study found that obese women were as likely to be generally satisfied with their breast reconstruction as normal weight patients. For those who had reconstruction using their own skin (TRAM flap), as opposed to a breast implant, body mass index had no effect on satisfaction. The study concluded that for overweight patients, the quality-of-life benefits from breast reconstruction outweighed the surgical risks. More than 57,000 breast reconstructions were performed in 2007, according to the ASPS.

(Study title: The Impact of Obesity on Patient Satisfaction with Breast Reconstruction)

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons