The effectiveness of criteria-based, publicly funded abdominoplasty after massive weight loss: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

**Background**: With the rising incidence of obesity and bariatric surgery, there has been an increase in body contouring procedures. Abdominoplasty, following massive weight loss, has been shown to improve body image and health-related quality of life. However, the inclusion criteria for this surgery is varied, and the role for public funding is controversial. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the benefits of strict, criteria-based and publicly funded abdominoplasty following massive weight loss using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).**Methods**: This was a prospective cohort study. Patients who qualified for abdominoplasty completed a general health PROM (SF-36) and a body contouring specific PROM (BODY-Q) pre- and postoperatively at three, six and twelve months. Complications were recorded. PROM scores were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (p < .05). The study was approved by the Central Adelaide Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee [HREC/16/TQEH/133].**Results**: Twenty-three patients were included in the analysis. The mean follow-up time was four months. The body contouring-specific (BODY-Q) scores improved in eight of nine domains. The general (SF-36) scores improved in six of nine domains. The complication rate was low and minor in nature.**Conclusion**: This pilot study suggests that publicly funded abdominoplasty with specific criteria restrictions has a role in significantly improving body satisfaction and health-related quality of life in patients after massive weight loss.