Psychological Well-being After Body Contouring Surgery: Hormonal and Surgical Predictors.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Psychology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Body image concerns and psychological distress often follow massive weight loss.
• Excess skin after weight loss can cause physical discomfort and impact self-perception.
• Body contouring surgery is sought to address these physical concerns and may offer psychological benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between body contouring surgery and changes in psychometric scores.
• To identify predictors of improved psychological outcomes after body contouring.
• To evaluate the impact of body contouring on appearance anxiety and mood.

Main Methods:

• Patients undergoing body contouring were assessed using Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), PHQ-9, and GAD-7.
• Scores were categorized into low-risk (LRG) and higher-risk groups.
• Hormone levels (active ghrelin, GLP-1, leptin, spexin, peptide YY) were measured; logistic regression analyzed predictors of LRG status.

Main Results:

• Postoperative status showed a significant association with LRG membership for PHQ-9 (nearly fourfold increase in odds) and AAI (nearly fivefold increase in odds) 6-10 weeks after surgery.
• Active ghrelin (AG) levels had the strongest positive association with GAD-7 LRG membership.
• Nineteen of forty patients completed 6-10 week postoperative assessments.

Conclusions:

• Body contouring surgery is linked to short-term psychological improvements, indicated by higher odds of being in a low-risk group for depression and anxiety.
• The study highlights the mental health benefits of surgical reshaping, positively influencing psychological well-being.
• Nutrient-stimulated hormones may also modulate psychological well-being post-surgery.