Effect of Compression Garments on Post-Abdominoplasty Outcomes: A systematic Review of the current Evidence

Abstract

IntroductionIt is commonly believed that using abdominal binders or compression garments (CGs) after an abdominoplasty could encourage fluid to drain, which would prevent fluid from building up at the surgical site and reduce the risk of seroma and other similar problems. ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of the use of abdominal binders or CG on the post-operative outcomes following abdominoplasty. DesignSystematic review MethodPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to select relevant studies from 2004 to 2024. Data from the included studies were extracted to assess the quality and risk of bias using a modified Jadaad score. Main outcomePost-operative seroma formation Secondary outcomeVentilatory function, intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and subcutaneous edema were the outcomes of interest. ResultsOnly 5 trials totaling 130 patients were included in this review. Utilizing post-operative CG following abdominoplasty showed a non-significant tendency to decrease seroma development, ventilatory function, and subcutaneous edema. The limited evidence available also suggested that using post-operative CG increases IAP. ConclusionWeak evidence supports the beneficial use of abdominal binders following abdominoplasty. LimitationsLow-quality scientific evidence available from the scant data and low caliber of the literature support the use of CG post-abdominoplasty. Therefore, unified outcome reporting and rigid randomized clinical trials are necessary to obtain valid data.