Evaluation of the weight loss patient presenting for plastic surgery consultation.

Patients presenting for plastic surgery consultation after massive weight loss require a thorough preoperative evaluation that takes into account the complex medical and psychosocial issues associated with obesity. A number of factors must be considered, including type of weight loss procedure, nutritional deficiencies, body mass index at the time of consultation, and unresolved cardiovascular and pulmonary problems. This assessment will help identify issues requiring more detailed evaluation, provide an accurate risk profile, allow for optimization of active disease states before surgery, and increase patient safety.