METHODS: A survey was designed to acquire post-bariatric patient data including age, weight-loss parameters, income and insurance coverage, the extent of preoperative counseling performed by their bariatric surgeon regarding body-contouring options, referrals to plastic surgeons, body-contouring procedures performed, and outcome satisfaction. The survey was mailed to 501 patients who underwent bariatric surgery by a single surgeon between 2004 and 2010. Attempts were made to contact non-responders via telephone.
RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight patients responded (25.5%). One hundred four (82.3%) were female. Mean respondent age was 45.7 years (range, 20-74). Fifty-seven (44.5%) completed a college education. Over half of all respondents reported an annual household income <$50,000. Insurance covered 96.1% of bariatric procedures. Thirty (23.4%) report discussing body-contouring surgery with their bariatric surgeon, either preoperatively or postoperatively. Fifteen (11.7%) were referred for consultation with a plastic surgeon, while only 9 (7.0%) underwent any body-contouring procedure (2 reduction mammoplasties and 7 abdominoplasties/panniculectomies). The most frequent reasons cited for not undergoing plastic surgery were expense (33.0%) and lack of awareness regarding surgical options (35.8%). Fifty-six (43.8%) report that although they were not given information regarding body-contouring plastic surgery, they would consider inquiring about it now. Approximately half of all respondents report that they might have chosen to undergo body-contouring surgery had they received more information beforehand.
CONCLUSION: As a result of insufficient pre- and post-operative counseling, the majority of bariatric surgery patients are unaware of the multitude of body-contouring procedures available. Furthermore, a large subset of these patients demonstrate an interest in further pursuing such options but are unable to afford them. Additional efforts towards improving patient (and surgeon) education regarding post-bariatric body-contouring options are warranted. Therefore, we as plastic surgeons must ensure that we reach this underserved demographic.