P5. Racial Differences in Accessibility to Bariatric Surgery and Post Bariatric Body Contouring Surgery

PURPOSE: A notable gap persists in understanding accessibility and utilization of bariatric and post-bariatric body contouring surgery. This study aims to analyze racial disparities in access to bariatric and post-bariatric body contouring surgery and evaluate postoperative outcomes among racial groups. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from 2013 to 2023 using the TriNetX Database to identify patients eligible for bariatric and post-bariatric body contouring surgery. Patients were stratified by racial groups. Statistical analysis was performed for data analysis. RESULTS:174,390 bariatric surgeries and 106,573 post-bariatric body contouring surgeries were performed from 2013 to 2023. As compared to White counterparts, all racial groups (Black, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and American Indian) had lower odds of undergoing bariatric surgery (all p<0.05). Black, Asian, and Native Hawaiian patients had lower odds of undergoing post-bariatric body contouring procedures (all p<0.05), while American Indian patients had no difference as compared to White counterparts [OR 0.998, CI (0.417, 2.392)].Postoperative outcomes for Black patients demonstrated significantly higher risks of death, dumping syndrome, reoperation, and wound infection, compared to White patients. CONCLUSION: Significant racial disparities exist in access to bariatric and post-bariatric body contouring surgeries, with minority populations less likely to undergo these procedures and experiencing adverse postoperative outcomes. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce healthcare disparities that may exist in Plastic Surgery. Odds of undergoing post-bariatric body contouring surgery