New Study Finds Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery Improves Quality of Life

FAIRFAX, VA, December 20, 2012 (Press-News.org) Dr. Mitchel Krieger isn't surprised by the findings of a new study showing improved quality of life for patients who undergo body contouring procedures following bariatric surgery. Dr. Krieger, who co-authored Bariatric Plastic Surgery: A Guide to Cosmetic Surgery After Weight Loss, says the study's results reflect the trends he and his partner, Dr. Andrew Goldberg, witness at their plastic surgery practice near Reston.

"This study confirms what Dr. Goldberg and I have seen during our years of treating post-weight loss surgery patients in Virginia," Dr. Krieger says. "Namely, that it's vital to include reconstructive surgery as a component of treatment of morbid obesity."

The study, published in the November 2012 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, was conducted by a team of Dutch physicians who scientifically measured the quality of life of a group of patients whom they followed for more than 7 years.

"What they found," Dr. Goldberg says, "is that the loose skin left after massive weight loss results in feelings of unattractiveness and embarrassment, which have a negative effect on the patient's quality of life."

While bariatric surgery is a valuable tool to combat morbid obesity, Dr. Krieger and Dr. Goldberg point out that the resulting loose skin can lead to a new set of issues, including hygiene problems as well as physical and emotional discomfort. The study found that satisfaction with weight loss surgery decreased over time because of these.

"Our practice offers a variety of options for weight loss surgery patients who want excess skin removed, including tummy tuck, thigh lift, buttock lift and even face lift and neck lift procedures," Dr. Krieger says. "In addition to tightening loose skin, we can fine-tune any remaining bulges with liposuction at our Virginia practice."

Both plastic surgeons are board-certified and offer a full range of procedures for cosmetic surgery patients from Arlington, Reston and throughout Northern Virginia. Dr. Krieger's interest in the needs of post-weight-loss-surgery patients prompted him to organize a social group, Beauty After Weight Loss, which holds quarterly meetings and provides an informative blog, along with other free support services. In addition, both Dr. Krieger and Dr. Goldberg have made numerous presentations on the subject.

Dr. Andrew Goldberg and Dr. Mitchel Krieger are board-certified plastic surgeons serving Fairfax County, Virginia, and the surrounding area. Dr. Goldberg received his medical degree from University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. He has been performing plastic surgery in Virginia since 1991. He specializes in aesthetic and complex reconstructive surgical procedures, including breast and body contouring. Dr. Krieger earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College and completed his internship and general surgery residency in San Francisco. He specializes in aesthetic surgery and has co-authored a book on post-bariatric plastic surgery.

Website: www.virginiaplasticsurgery.com