Sometimes diet and exercise might not be helpful in losing weight and one might have to go under the knife to get rid of the lard. But a weight loss surgery, like bariatric surgery or spot reduction isn t for everyone. If one needs to go to that extreme to lose weight, you need an expert opinion. Ideally, a doctor or a cosmetic surgeon would suggest what is the best weight loss method, when done invasively, taking into account various parameters like BMI, health issues, body morphology, etc. So, even if one is eager to go for a bariatric surgery to lose weight it might not be possible without a doctor s approval.
The other cosmetic procedure that people widely opt for is body contouring which encompasses procedures like liposuction or various tucks for spot reduction. However, even if you want to undergo a cosmetic procedure an expert opinion is needed. Here, Dr Sameer Karkhanis Cosmetic Surgeon, Centre for Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mumbai tells us the difference between bariatric surgery and body contouring. Here is how both the procedures differ:
Body contouring (liposuction and various tucks) is a cosmetic procedure done for people who are overweight and would like to get back in shape whereas a bariatric surgery is done for people who are morbidly obese with metabolic problems and severe health issues like uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnoea etc., which could be life-threatening. A bariatric surgery is usually suggested to people not just for aesthetic purposes but to bring their health conditions like blood sugar levels, blood pressure in control. People who fail to get their weight under control despite diet and exercise and suffer from the consequences of diabetes, blood pressure, etc are chosen for bariatric surgery. On the other hand, body contouring is a cosmetic procedure which might not address the other health issues caused due to excess weight.
For people who have a BMI of 40 or higher, with or without health problems or have a BMI of 35 or higher with health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnoea are considered ideal candidates for a weight loss surgery. In general, body contouring is offered for adults whose weight loss has stabilized, which means they have reached a plateau with their modest efforts and are unable to attain any more fat loss. Before offering any kind of tucks or liposuction the doctor will check if the person has any medical conditions that could impair healing or increase the risk of the procedure. If there are any medical conditions that could be interfering with the same, body contouring will be avoided at any cost.
Bariatric surgery results in drastic weight loss and leads to an excess of loose skin. Plastic reconstructive surgery is required to address the loose skin and a contouring is done post-bariatric surgery to avoid this problem. However, in a cosmetic procedure like contouring, this problem of loose skin can be avoided.
There are certain things that one needs to follow post these two procedures to get best results and ensure that the results are long-lasting. Post body contouring, patients have to wear pressure garments 24x7 for a month and restrict heavy exercises for about two to three weeks following the surgery, depending on the extent of the surgery. Post-bariatric surgery there are a lot of lifestyle changes one has to adhere too. Proper medications, diet changes, regular exercises have to become a part of one s life else all the physiological changes that happen post surgery can get reversed.
These are the basic differences between bariatric surgery and body contouring. However, if you wish to go under the knife to deal with your weight issues consult a doctor first to know if you are eligible to go for one.
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