Background

Body contouring surgery (BCS) to remove loose skin is frequency desired and sought following bariatric surgery. There is a dearth of research, however, examining BCS outcomes following bariatric surgery. This study prospectively examined psychosocial and medical functioning based on BCS status after bariatric surgery.

Methods

Participants were 57 adults who sought a BCS consultation following bariatric surgery. Following the consultation, participants completed questionnaires measuring general impairment, eating-disorder psychopathology, depression, body image, and medical concerns (e.g., rashes, infections) associated with loose skin. Assessments were repeated at 1- and 3-month follow-ups.

Results

Of the 57 who sought BCS after bariatric surgery, 25 (43.9%) underwent BCS. Insurance coverage denial/finances was the primary reason for not undergoing BCS. The groups with and without BCS did not differ significantly in BMI, general impairment, or eating-disorder psychopathology at any timepoint. By the 3-month follow-up, the non-BCS group had significantly higher depression scores and body image concerns, medical concerns, and impairment due to loose skin than the BCS group.

Conclusions

Over half who sought BCS did not undergo BCS, with the majority attributed to insurance/financial reasons. BMI, general psychosocial impairment, and eating-disorder psychopathology did not differ based on BCS. By the 3-month follow-up, however, the group unable to undergo BCS had significantly higher depression scores, as well as body image concerns, medical issues, and functional impairment specifically due to loose skin than the group who underwent BCS. Greater efforts to treat loose skin and associated problems after bariatric surgery are needed.