13 novembre, 2006 16:28
A Dangerous Concept: Childhood Obesity and Liposuction
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons Express Concerns With Patient Safety,
Long- Term Effects and Psychological Factors
NEW YORK, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) announced today that there is no scientific evidence to support the safety or efficacy of large-volume lipoplasty
(liposuction) for weight loss in obese children. Further, the Society noted that liposuction is not an effective treatment for obesity in any patient-adult or child. The statement was issued in response to recent media reports of an obese 12-year old female who underwent large-volume lipoplasty.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that (lipoplasty) does not have the same health benefits (e.g., reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes or benefits to metabolism) as diet and exercise. It does not address the important lifestyle and diet issues necessary for long term weight loss success. The best liposuction candidates are close to their ideal body weight and have discrete fat deposits that, when treated, will result in a positive change in contour, not obese patients looking for weight loss
"This treatment plan sends a dangerous message to our young people, that plastic surgery is a cure for being overweight. That is simply not the case," said J. Peter Rubin, MD, of the Aesthetic Society's Body Contouring
Committee and Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at University of Pittsburgh. "I would question the ability of a 12 year old girl to fully appreciate the scope of possible complications and make a reasonable decision about an elective cosmetic procedure."
"Childhood obesity is one of our nation's growing health problems and there are a number of widely accepted treatments for children and adolescents who struggle with their weight. Liposuction and abdominoplasty
are not among them," said Dr. David Sarwer, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Human Appearance and Director of Clinical Services at the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders and noted authority on the subject. "There is no evidence to suggest that these procedures lead to improvements in health conditions affected by obesity. Hopefully, the media attention surrounding this story
does not lead other adolescents and their families to think that liposuction and abdominoplasty are accepted treatments for obesity."
"The Aesthetic Society is committed to excellence in education and patient safety," said James Stuzin, MD, President of ASAPS, "the use of large-volume lipoplasty without the data to support its safety and efficacy
in childhood obesity goes against our mission."
Most experts agree that for appropriately selected younger patients, cosmetic plastic surgery can have a positive impact, but only after they have reached physical development and only if they are psychologically healthy. However, all patients need to:
* Explore risks and expected recovery times: Teens and their parents should understand the risks of surgery, postoperative restrictions on activity, and typical recovery times.
* Assess physical maturity: Operating on a feature that has not yet fully developed could interfere with its growth, or negate the benefits of surgery in later years.
* Explore emotional maturity and expectations: As with any patient, the young person should appreciate the benefits and limitations of the proposed surgery, and have realistic expectations.
* Check credentials: State laws permit any licensed physician to call themselves a "plastic" or "cosmetic" surgeon, even if not trained as a surgeon. Look for certification by the American Board of Plastic
Surgery. If the doctor operates in an ambulatory or office-based facility, the facility should be accredited. Additionally, the surgeon should have operating privileges in an accredited hospital for the same procedure being considered.
About ASAPS
The 2300-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the only plastic surgery organization devoted entirely to the advancement of cosmetic surgery. ASAPS is recognized throughout the world as the authoritative source for cosmetic surgery education. U.S. members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Canadian members are certified in plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Toll-free referral line: 888.ASAPS.11 (272.7711). Web site: http://www.surgery.org.
