Reshaping the body after obesity surgery helps patients maintain a healthy weight for longer, according to a study of 94 obese patients.
Reconstructive surgery boosts the benefits of weight loss surgery. This is shown by a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, held in Chicago (Illinois, United States). Weight loss is maintained better in patients who have benefited from body contouring, the researchers conclude.
A team from the Henry-Ford Hospital in Detroit (Michigan, United States) followed 94 patients for 2.5 years. 47 of them underwent obesity surgery and body reconstruction (breast lift, tummy tuck, procedures on the arms, thighs or buttocks) which involves removing the excessive folds of the skin caused by the rapid loss weight. Before and after the intervention, the participants’ BMI was regularly recorded. “Among the patients who benefited from a reshaping surgery, the BMI fell on average by 18.4 (…) against a statistically significant drop of 12.45 in those who did not undergo another operation”, concludes Dr. Donna Tepper, lead author of the study.
Limit weight gain
Researchers do not discuss what explains this difference in weight loss. But they point out the benefits of it: it reduces the risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Completing bariatric surgery with plastic surgery would also solve a massive problem in this discipline, as Dr Tepper points out: “Even with the advances we have made in technique and safety, long-term success can still be expected. be limited by recidivism. There is a high incidence of patients regaining weight after the operation. “
These results are encouraging, but follow-up should continue, say the authors of this study. An observation at 5 years will make it possible in particular to determine which plastic interventions are the most beneficial in maintaining weight loss.
.
