Posted: 13/10/2014
A recent study suggests that patients who have had plastic surgery to re-shape their bodies after bariatric procedures are able to maintain significantly greater weight loss than those who do not have surgery. The study followed 94 patients who underwent bariatric surgery from 2003 to 2013. Of those, 47 subsequently had body re-contouring procedures. The average decrease in BMI for those 47 was 18.24 at 2.5 years compared to a statistically significant 12.45 at 2.5 years for those who did not have further surgery.
A number of body contouring and fat removal techniques are now available. Most of the newer techniques target body fat using energy, typically delivered as heat or cold, to damage and shrink fat cells. These procedures are not intended for people who are obese, but rather for people who have had bariatric surgery or those who are normal weight and generally fit but still have some specific areas of fat that diet and exercise have not eliminated.
The most recent fat reduction device to the market is UltraShape, which is a long awaited breakthrough in body contouring. It is promoted as being pain-free with no downtime and proven to reduce waist circumference in an even, regular manner. UltraShape is a non-invasive procedure that selectively targets fat cells. Using ultrasonic technology, a focused ultrasound beam is sent into the problematic fatty area to destroy the fat cell. A sophisticated optical tracking guide protects surrounding tissue to ensure that the new body contour is smooth and uniform. By destroying the fat cell, the body’s circumference is reduced for a slimmer body shape.
Elise Bevan, a solicitor in the clinical negligence team at Penningtons Manches LLP, said: “One of the main concerns patients have with fat reduction procedures, whether surgical or nonsurgical, is whether they will end up with lumps or irregularities after the procedure. We act in clinical negligence claims for clients who have undergone fat reduction procedures and have been left with abnormal body contouring and asymmetrical bulges. UltraShape boasts that its expert tracking and guidance system as well as 3D mapping of the body will reduce the risk of these problems.
“Before you opt for body contouring surgery, there are some important issues to keep in mind. Body contouring surgery is not suitable to remove excess fat alone. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and body contouring techniques may be required. There will be many incisions made and you must be prepared for extensive scarring. It is important that your weight loss is stabilised and therefore if you have had weight reduction surgery, your plastic surgeon should work closely with your doctor to determine when it is appropriate for you to begin body contouring. Finally, results do vary by individual and technique used so make sure you take the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons with your surgeon beforehand.”
The clinical negligence team at Penningtons Manches can advise on the options available to individuals who are concerned by the outcome of body contouring surgery and will provide initial advice and information without charge. Please call 0800 328 9545 or email clinnegspecialist@penningtons.co.uk
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