Bariatric Plastic Surgery Makes Gains in Weak Economy
Bariatric Plastic Surgery Makes Gains in Weak Economy
According to the annual statistics of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of body contouring procedures performed has dramatically increased over the past five years. Abdominoplasty, Lower Body Lifts, and Buttock lifts have experienced a 200% gain while Thigh and Upper Arm lift experienced a 400% rise. Dr. Blane Shatkin, Chief of Staff of Memorial Hospital Miramar in Miramar, FL and member of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons(ASBPS) said, "This parallels the increased number of patients that have undergone bariatric weight loss surgery." According to Allergan, 350,000 Lap-Band bariatric procedures have been performed worldwide.
After these patient's large weight loss, loose skin remains that can only be removed surgically. The abdomen, with the skin frequently hanging down like a drape hiding the belly button and pubic area, is a major problem as is excess skin of the arms, thighs, breasts, and face. These patients seek out plastic surgeons to correct these problems. The ASBPS was founded to help meet the needs of these patients. It is composed of plastic surgeons that specialize in body contouring after weight loss.
Maria H, 42, lost 125 pounds after her gastric bypass. Her outward appearance left her disappointed and discouraged. She waited until her weight loss stabilized and then had face and body contouring. A Lower Body Lift(Abdominoplasty and Buttock Lift) and Eyelid surgery were performed as a hospital inpatient. Then, several months later, she had a Breast and Upper Arm Lift and liposuction as an outpatient. "For me, having the plastic surgery was the end of a long journey and the beginning of my new life," said Maria.
As gastric bypass and other procedures exponentially increase, so too will body contouring operations. "Even though the number of post-bariatric patients seen by plastic surgeons has dramatically risen over the past five years, I project that our members will become overwhelmed in coming years and need to be prepared to help these patients both physically and psychologically," said Dr. Shatkin.
Dr Blane Shatkin is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons (ASBPS), a society developed to meet the special needs of patients undergoing Massive Weight loss operations. Whether you have Gastric Bypass surgery or Lap-Banding procedures, Dr. Shatkin provides high quality body contouring procedures which include Lower Body Lifting, Medial Thighplasty, Brachioplasty(Arm lifts), Abdominoplasty, Liposuction, Buttock Lifts, and Breast Lifts/Augmentation. These operations when done in combination are generally done in the hospital setting usually at Memorial Hospital Miramar where Dr. Shatkin is the Chief of Staff. Please call Dr. Shatkin for your confidential cosmetic consultation at 954-384-9997.
