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 Lift, breast lifts, and buttock lifts experienced a 200% gain while thigh and upper arm lift experienced a 400% rise. This parallels and is due to the increased number of patients that have undergone bariatric weight loss surgery. According to Allergan, manufacturer of the Lap-Band® bariatric procedure, 350,000 of these devices have been placed worldwide. Nearly 100,000 bariatric procedures, of either the LAP-Band or bypass variety, were performed last year in the Unisted States alone. Many of these were also more extensive gastric bypass procedures as well.

After these patients' 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 faces. These patients seek out plastic surgeons to correct these problems. The American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons(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.

Cheryl, who lost 125 pounds after her gastric bypass had an outward appearance left her disappointed and discouraged. She waited until her weight stabilized and then had face and body contouring. A Lower Body Lift (an Abdominoplasty and Buttock Lift) and Facial 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 like crossing the finish line with my weight loss journey," said Cheryl.

As gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® 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, it is projected that these numbers will become overwhelming in the coming years by these patients seeking cosmetic improvement.