Body contouring surgery after massive weight loss expected to increase in UAE

The universal increase in morbid obesity and the associated development of advanced laparoscopic techniques has fuelled a rapid increase in the number of patients in the UAE opting for body contouring procedures. The enormous health benefits that the post bariatric patients receive come at the cost of redundant, loose, hanging rolls of skin and fat that act as daily reminders of their obese state. According to the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society, consequently, there are a significant number of patients in the UAE who are losing weight and presenting for body contouring surgeries. And, with the ongoing health awareness campaigns in the country, this number is expected to continue to increase.

Dr B. Venkata Ratnam, Vice President of Emirates Plastic Surgery Society, will be presenting on ‘Approach to massive weight loss patient for body contouring surgery' at the 6th International Congress in Aesthetics, Anti-Ageing Medicine & Medical Spa (ICAAM) Middle East which takes place on 6-7 December 2013 at the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Dubai UAE.

“Substantial weight loss patients here in the UAE tend to be between the ages of 30-50 and usually go for the following surgical procedures: resection of redundant skin, fatty rolls and tightening of the skin in the chest, abdomen, back , lower back, arms, thighs and other parts. Both males and females seek surgeries on their breasts as well,” says Dr Ratnam.

Statistics compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicate that 45,534 body contouring procedures were performed on massive weight loss patients in the USA in 2012.  Patients with the most pronounced contour deformities tend to be those who have lost half (or more) of their maximum weight.

According to Dr Ratnam, “Body contouring is a wonderful adjunct to bariatric surgery and completes the weight loss process for many patients. However, it is essential that these patients are approached in a concise, well-thought-out fashion with safety as the primary concern.”

Body contouring surgeries are devised to improve aesthetics, quality of life, physical, and mental health of patients. The health status of patients undergoing such surgeries is akin to the other individuals in the society; however, massive weight loss patients will have special issues related to their physical and psychological health due to the drastic transformation they experience.

This year's International Congress in Aesthetics, Anti-Ageing Medicine & Medical Spa (ICAAM) Middle East is organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions will host more than 25 exhibitors and 1,000 attendees. Running alongside the exhibition, this year's scientific CME-accredited conference agenda features two tracks: Aesthetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. This year, live fat grafting and neck lift sessions will take place on 8 December 2013 at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital in Dubai.