For Immediate Release: June 3, 2004

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Ninety-four percent of plastic surgeons responding to a survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) report that in the past five years the number of people seeking body contouring plastic surgery procedures following massive weight loss (MWL) has dramatically increased in their practices.

More than 52,000 body contouring procedures following massive weight loss were performed in 2003, and an increase of 36 percent is projected in 2004. According to a proprietary ASPS survey, plastic surgeons are being inundated with patients seeking these procedures. ASPS members report the demand is also driving growth in other areas of their cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery practices.

Survey Highlights

  • 94 percent of responding ASPS members say the number of patients seeking surgery following massive weight loss (MWL) has grown exponentially in the last five years.
  • 79 percent of responding ASPS members currently perform body contouring procedures following MWL.
  • 85 percent of responding ASPS members see one to two MWL patients each week.
  • 77 percent perform surgery on MWL patients each month.
  • The majority, 59 percent of responding ASPS surgeons, have developed a collaborative relationship with bariatric surgeons.
  • Body contouring surgery is not performed immediately after bariatric surgery. Eighty percent of members surveyed perform plastic surgery between 12 and 18 months after bariatric surgery.
  • The three most common surgical procedures performed are abdominoplasty, breast surgery and brachioplasty (upper arms). These are followed closely by middle thigh lift and, to a lesser degree, facial rejuvenation.

As the demand for plastic surgery following massive weight loss continues to grow, refined techniques and new technologies will continue to be developed. ASPS members strongly support ongoing education and information as a means to further improve patient outcomes.