Reading Dr. Kim’s article left me with an optimistic view for patient well-being after cosmetic procedures. Dr. Kim performed a retrospective review of 188 patients who had abdominoplasties, with and without liposuction and/or abdominal plication.
He found that many patients experienced substantial weight reduction following the procedure, with continued weight reduction over the ensuing years. This is an important study and offers a glimpse into the patient’s self-image. Many patients appear to appreciate their operative improvements — and then improve upon them.
The notion that this surgery can be a starting point for better health and physical improvement may well be valid.
The Other Side of the Story
But there’s another point that needs consideration.
If the patient experiences substantial weight loss after surgery, won’t that change the ultimate result? The skin can get looser and somewhat wrinkly.
Though no patients in Dr. Kim’s study required abdominoplasty revision, many patients might not be as happy with their results as they were before.
Rapid Weight Loss and the “Ozempic Effect”
In today’s weight-loss world, GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro) — as well as other interventions — can create rapid weight loss, often referred to as “Ozempic face,” “Ozempic body,” or even “Ozempic breasts.”
It would be tragic for patients if their excellent surgical results deflated over time.
My strong advice to patients is to make sure they are near their chosen weight prior to surgery.
This preoperative period is also a great opportunity to ensure that hormone levels are appropriate and optimized for recovery.
The Metabolism “Black Box”
Weight is often determined by caloric input and energy output. But it’s that black box of metabolism that can have a tremendous effect on overall body size and weight distribution.
Many patients rightly claim that, despite a rigid calorie-restricted diet and consistent exercise, they simply cannot lose weight.
They are telling the truth.
It’s up to us — as physicians — to help figure it out.
