| (press release from ASPS) ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. -
Thousands of people successfully lose significant weight each year. After
massive weight loss, many people are unaware that their skin may not conform
to their smaller body and unfortunately the “perfect” body is still a dream.
Previously, people who had excess skin surgically removed were left with
visible and thick scars. New techniques described in the March issue of
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), modified existing methods and
created new approaches to achieve a cosmetically pleasing contour of the
upper arm, one of a number of procedures post-bariatric patients may need.
“Severe weight loss, following bariatric surgery to treat morbid obesity, is
a major cause of upper arm contour deformities,” said Berish Strauch, MD,
ASPS member and author of the study. “Many of these patients who lose 150 or
more pounds develop a contour deformity similar to a bat’s wing that extends
from the elbow across the armpit to the chest wall. Unfortunately, many
patients have been reluctant to undergo a brachioplasty, where the arm is
reshaped, due to problems that result with current techniques. By modifying
these techniques, we’ve been able to decrease patients concerns and create a
satisfactory outcome for the patient.”
In addition to a brachioplasty (upper arm surgery), people who have severe
weight loss undergo multiple plastic surgery treatments to contour the skin
to their new body. Common plastic surgeries include buttock, thigh, upper
arm and lower body lifts as well as tummy tucks. The number of people who
have had gastric bypass surgery jumped last year to more than 103,000,
according to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, leading to a
significant increase in demand for these procedures.
According to Dr. Strauch, patients undergoing upper arm surgery were often
displeased with their surgical outcome because they could see the scar.
Previously, plastic surgeons placed the scar between the bicep and tricep on
the arm, an extremely visible spot. This study recommends that surgeons move
the scar halfway back to the underside of the arm where it is less visible
to the patient.
Also, patients were dissatisfied with scars that did not heal optimally,
according to Dr. Strauch. Previous techniques did not take into
consideration the pull on the skin when an arm is flexed and extended.
Building on a rubber band principle, the modified technique uses an s-shaped
scar, running the length of the upper arm, which allows the scar to expand
and contract with the arm’s movements and to heal better. Over time, the
scars were thinner, softer and less noticeable.
Another benefit of the modified techniques described in the study is that
the skin of the armpit concaves. By performing a Z-plasty, a special
incision and repair technique, the tissue settles into the armpit as it did
naturally prior to weight loss or surgery.
“There isn’t anything better than making patients feel wonderful about
them,” said Strauch. “Recognizing the long journey of losing significant
weight for my patients, it’s an incredible feeling to watch them look in the
mirror for the first time after contouring surgery and observe the
excitement in their faces.”
ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the
world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic
surgery. ASPS represents physicians certified by The American Board of
Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Canada.
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