Experts: Increase In Weight Loss Surgery Fueling Plastic Surgery Trend
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – New numbers show that plastic surgery is becoming more common for people who have completed a significant weight-loss journey.
Ann Hansen lost a total of 170 pounds through diet and exercise.
"I thought after all this hard work and blood and sweat and tears that I would have this fairy-tale ending at the end of the weight loss journey and I didn't," Hansen said.
The 54-year-old was left with sagging skin so she had plastic surgery on her arms, abdomen and breasts.
"At the end of the day, when I got undressed, I was always reminded of who I used to be," she said.
New numbers from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show Hansen is not alone. Procedures related to massive weight loss, such as tummy-tucks and lifts of the thigh, upper arm and breast, are increasing.
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"There's been a rise clearly in the past several years in bariatric surgery," said Dr. Jennifer Capla, a plastic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Experts say that the increase in weight loss surgery is fueling the plastic surgery trend.
In 2014, nearly 45,000 patients who lost large amounts of weight had plastic surgery to reshape their bodies.
"What I hear from patients all the time is until they've actually had their plastic surgery, their journey is not complete," Dr. Capla said.
Hansen feels the plastic surgery completed her transformation.
"I had so much more confidence and I was just so pleased with everything," Hansen said.
Doctors said patients who invest in plastic surgery after massive weight loss and more likely to keep the pounds off.
