Skin manifestations after bariatric surgery.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Metabolic Surgery
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Skin manifestations are common in morbid obesity and can change after bariatric surgery (BaS).
• Limited data exists on specific skin findings exclusively in post-BaS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between successful weight loss post-BaS and the prevalence of specific cutaneous abnormalities.
• To evaluate metabolic and biochemical changes in relation to weight loss success after BaS.

Main Methods:

• Seventy post-BaS patients were assessed for cutaneous abnormalities.
• Patients were categorized into successful (>=50% excessive body weight loss) and non-successful (<50% EBWL) weight loss groups.
• Pre- and post-surgery laboratory values were compared.

Main Results:

• Successful weight loss was linked to a lower prevalence of acanthosis nigricans, keratosis pilaris (KP), and pebble fingers.
• Higher alopecia prevalence was noted in the successful group.
• Successful weight loss correlated with improved metabolic profiles, including decreased glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, and liver enzymes, but also a decrease in vitamin B12.

Conclusions:

• Bariatric surgery-induced weight loss improves metabolic profiles and certain skin conditions.
• Successful weight reduction leads to better dermatological outcomes.
• Nutritional monitoring and supplementation may be necessary post-surgery.