Massive Weight Loss Increases The Risk Of Complications In Follow-Up Procedures
Patients who lose more than 100 pounds with the help of bariatric surgery are more likely to experience complications in future surgeries.
Las Vegas, NV, October 27, 2014 (Newswire.com) - A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal collected a sample of 450 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery to lose a significant amount of weight. Of the sample, 124 of the patients lost 50 pounds or more. All of these patients proceeded to pursue a body contouring procedure down the line.
The body contouring procedures chosen were designed to remove the extra sagging fat and skin tissue that remains after major weight loss. These procedures included breast lifts, arm lifts, body lifts, tummy tucks, breast reconstruction, thighplasty, and even liposuction.
During the study, the patient outcomes of these follow-up body contouring procedures were monitored and compared. The goal was to identify risk factors and and the probability of patients to experience health issues and complications after the follow-up surgery.
It was found that patients who lost more than 100 pounds, no matter the method of weight loss, were at a much higher risk of developing complications in any follow-up procedure. If the weight was lost with the assistance of a bariatric procedure, then that risk increased even more.
The complications that were experienced included infection, delayed healing, ruptures, and even reddening of the skin. It is believed that this can be due to a patient’s altered nutritional habits following weight loss and bariatric surgery.
Dr. Kenkel, the holder of the Distinguished Professorship in Wound Healing and Plastic Surgery explained that new patient dietary habits often include eating less than 1,000 calories per day. That means the patients are taking in less protein and other nutrients that play a key role in the body’s regenerative functions.
Without the right vitamins and nutrients, the body becomes less able to promote skin healing, collagen production, and the generation of new blood vessels.
To remedy this, Dr. Kenkel and other researchers are conducting nutritional assesments to be able to administer protein and vitamin supplements that will help patients heal without excessive complications.
For more information about bariatric and body contouring surgeries, contact Reynolds Plastic surgery at 702.410.9800.
