Impact of Postbariatric Body Contouring Procedures on Patient Body Weight and Metabolism

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment that induces substantial and sustained weight loss through restriction, malabsorption, and hormonal mechanisms that regulate appetite and energy balance. This study aimed to assess the role of body contouring surgery in enhancing long-term weight loss maintenance and improving metabolic outcomes following bariatric surgery. METHODS: This prospective comparative study was conducted at Assiut University Hospitals on 60 postbariatric (sleeve) patients aged 20 to 60 years who underwent body contouring surgery and had been stable within 5 kg for 3 months. Patients were divided into 2 equal groups. Group A: underwent postbariatric body contouring. Group B: served as the control group and did not undergo body contouring surgery. RESULTS: Group A showed significantly greater reductions in weight at 3 months () and 6 months (), and in body mass index at 3 months and 6 months () than group B. A significantly lower basal metabolic rate was observed in group A at 6 months (), with a significant decline from baseline (). While hematological, coagulation, and B-type natriuretic peptide parameters remained comparable between groups, group A demonstrated significantly better metabolic and inflammatory outcomes, including lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (), and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels at 3 months and 6 months (). Furthermore, most patients reported high satisfaction with body contouring surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Postbariatric body contouring surgery appears to be a safe and effective adjunct to bariatric surgery, contributing to sustained weight loss and improved metabolic outcomes.