Bulimic patients may seek procedure
Patients with bulimia nervosa may seek surgical removal of fat as a substitute for purging and other behavior, warns the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in Arlington Heights, IL.
Approximately 20% of women in the United Sates suffer from bulimic symptoms. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating, followed by induced vomiting, misused laxatives, or other acts to prevent weight gain. The weight of bulimic patients is generally within five pounds of normal.
To avoid performing surgical removal of fat on bulimic patients, ask questions that will reveal any history of amenorrhea, binge eating, weight fluctuations, dieting behavior, misuse of laxatives, or any other purging, the society suggests. Also, determine whether the patient has a reasonable self-image and realistic expectations.1
Reference
1. Willard SG, McDermott BE, Woodhouse LM. Lipoplasty in the bulimic patient. Plast Reconstr Surg 1996; 98(2):276-278. *
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