Foreword

Individuals who lose weight either through diet and exercise or surgical intervention physically feel better. However, rather than having their efforts rewarded and looking better, most have to deal with excessive folds of lax skin all over their body.These individuals are now seeking surgical removal of excess folds in order to restore their self confidence and body image. Our specialty has responded well to this growing demand.The need is not limited to one country or one continent. Obesity is a worldwide epidemic!

Body contouring following bariatric surgery and massive weight loss has become one of the most rapidly growing fields within plastic surgery. The techniques which have rapidly evolved over the past few years are now established and have a record of safety and efficacy.

In this timely publication Dr. Bishara Atiyeh and Michel Costagliola, who are themselves leaders and contributors in this field, bring a truly international group of authors together from all across the globe. Each and every one is an innovator, who has contributed to rapid advances in this most exciting field.

Because traditional or classical body contouring procedures are not suitable for the massive weight loss patient’s, procedures described in this book were developed. Procedures which maximize the removal of excess and unwanted skin whilst preserving volume and restoring contour. Patient safety with minimization of surgical risk is paramount for any operative procedures and is particularly so in this group of patients who may well be under nourished and otherwise at high risk. The issue of patient safety is addressed well by these experts and an entire chapter is devoted to this subject.

I commend the two editors and all the contributors for this comprehensive, beautifully illustrated, well written volume which will further advance the art and science of recontouring following massive weight loss.