Is Bariatric Surgery: Plastic and Reconstructive Procedures Explained?

Bariatric surgery is a term that encompasses a variety of procedures performed on people who are obese. The primary aim of these surgeries is to achieve weight loss by modifying the gastrointestinal tract to reduce nutrient intake or absorption. But is bariatric surgery considered plastic and reconstructive surgery? This is a common question, and the answer is not as straightforward as it might seem. While bariatric surgery itself is not classified as plastic or reconstructive surgery, these types of procedures often go hand-in-hand with bariatric surgery. Let’s delve deeper into this topic.

Understanding Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery includes procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. These surgeries work by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold or by causing malabsorption of nutrients, or by a combination of both gastric restriction and malabsorption. Bariatric surgeries often lead to significant weight loss and help improve many obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more.

Role of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Bariatric Surgery

While bariatric surgery itself is not a plastic or reconstructive procedure, these types of surgeries often come into play after significant weight loss has been achieved. After losing a large amount of weight, many patients are left with excess, sagging skin that can cause discomfort and dissatisfaction with appearance. This is where plastic and reconstructive surgery comes in.

Body Contouring After Weight Loss

Body contouring after massive weight loss involves a variety of plastic surgery procedures that remove excess skin and fat while improving the shape and tone of underlying tissue. These procedures may include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), lower body lifts, breast lift, arm lift, and others. The goal is to restore the body’s appearance to a more normal state after significant weight loss.

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is performed to correct functional impairments caused by burns, traumatic injuries, congenital and developmental abnormalities, infection or disease, or cancer or tumors. While reconstructive surgery is typically performed to improve function, it may also be done to achieve a more typical appearance of the affected area. After bariatric surgery, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to address issues caused by significant weight loss and excess skin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while bariatric surgery itself is not considered plastic or reconstructive surgery, these types of procedures often play a crucial role in the patient’s journey towards improved health and body image. It’s important for patients considering bariatric surgery to understand this aspect and to discuss potential post-surgery procedures with their healthcare provider.