Supplements should be used before body contouring surgery

14/11/2008

Plastic surgeons have warned that patients seeking body contouring need to identify malnutrition first.

Writing in the December issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons member Dennis Hurwitz, said that he would not work with patients unless they went on a preoperative regime of nutritional supplements.

He commented: "Body contouring procedures for massive weight loss patients are major operations with large incisions in many areas that demand a lot of the body during the healing process.

"By carefully monitoring nutritional deficiencies preoperatively and supplementing the patient with the necessary nutrients, minerals and vitamins, I have seen a significant decrease in complications and improved postoperative healing."

A study found that complications developed in 66 per cent of patients who did not receive supplements.

However, the number was reduced to 19 per cent after they were introduced.

Body contouring is often used by patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess skin.

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