The Impact of Body Contouring Following Bariatric Surgery: A Prospective Examination of Psychosocial and Medical Impairment.

Introduction: Body contouring surgery (BCS) to remove loose skin is often desired following bariatric surgery. This study prospectively examined psychosocial and medical functioning based on BCS status after bariatric surgery.

Methods: N=56 adults who sought a BCS consultation following bariatric surgery completed measures of impairment, depression, and medical (e.g., rashes, infections) and psychosocial concerns due to loose skin. Assessments were repeated at 1- and 3-month follow-ups.

Results: Most did not undergo BCS due to insurance coverage denial/finances; n = 24 (42.9%) underwent BCS. The groups with and without BCS did not differ significantly in BMI, weight loss, impairment, or depression at any assessment; however, a significantly greater proportion of non-BCS patients reported several medical and psychosocial concerns due to loose skin relative to BCS patients at follow-up assessments. Greater loose skin concerns were associated significantly with greater impairment and depression at all assessments.

Conclusions: Over half who sought BCS did not undergo BCS, mostly due to insurance/financial reasons. The BCS group had significantly fewer medical and psychosocial concerns related to loose skin at follow-ups. Greater loose skin concerns were associated with heightened levels of broad psychosocial impairments suggesting that loose skin and psychological concerns warrant greater clinical attention after bariatric surgery.

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