Lipoplasty in the bulimic patient

Recent cases in our Eating Disorders Clinic suggest that patients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa seeking surgical fat removal may be exhibiting a variant of the purging behavior seen in bulimic patients. These same patients exhibit historical or concurrent abuse of laxatives and/or diuretics or self-induced vomiting in a pathologic attempt to obtain or maintain an idealized body image. This paper presents two case studies that illustrate the bulimic patient's compulsive quest for lipectomy with unrealistic expectations that surgical alteration of the body will be an emotional and physical panacea. Plastic surgeons must be cautioned regarding this potential manifestation of bulimia nervosa and the dangers inherent in colluding with the patient in a pathologic request for surgery. It is important for plastic surgeons to recognize appropriate use of lipectomy as an alternative to traditional purging behavior in the bulimic patient.