title: Does the degree of ptosis predict the degree of psychological morbidity in bariatric patients undergoing reconstruction?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is proven therapeutic benefit in bariatric surgery for obese patients. Successful bariatric surgery will result in massive weight loss and ptotic skin, which can cause significant functional and psychological problems. As the incidence of bariatric surgery increases, so will the demand for plastic surgery. Currently, there is no evidence-based indication for massive weight loss body contouring, and therefore there is no standardized provision.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, multicenter, observational study of outcomes in 75 patients undergoing bariatric and plastic surgery procedures at two clinical sites was performed to determine whether the degree of ptosis can be determined by the type (malabsorptive or restrictive) of bariatric surgery and if the extent of disfigurement has an impact on psychological morbidity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Massive weight loss body contouring is not purely aesthetic surgery, but it leads to functional and psychosocial benefits. This study has given preliminary data on which anthropometric measurements and their thresholds lead to the greatest benefit from massive weight loss body contouring. From this study, the fourth quartiles of the anthropometric measurements xiphisternum to pubic symphysis (≥91 cm), umbilicus to pubic symphysis (≥38 cm), and hip circumference (≥143 cm) were statistically significant in crossing the psychometric tolerances from within the normal range to pathological psychology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates that there is a statistically significant, quantifiable correlation among type of bariatric surgery, degree of ptosis, and psychological morbidity in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. This pilot study could provide the basis for evidence-based guidelines for plastic surgery referral.
authors.affiliation: Livingston, United Kingdom From St. John's Hospital.
authors.forename: Nada
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Al-Hadithy
authors.forename: Hosakere
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Aditya
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss