Abdominoplasty Patients Research Articles

Patient-reported Outcomes of Scar Impact: Comparing of Abdominoplasty, Breast Surgery, and Facial Surgery Patients.

Background:Scarring negatively impacts patient mental health, causing worsened self-confidence, body image, and social interactions, as well as anxiety and depression. The objective of this study is to evaluate the scarring impact after facial surgery, breast surgery, and full abdominoplasty for symptoms, appearance, psychosocial health, career, and sexual well-being using validated patient-reported outcome measures.Method:A total of 901 patients from five providers completed the SCAR-Q (covering symptoms, appearance, and psychosocial) and Career/Sexual Well-being assessments via phone or email where a higher score indicated a more positive scar perception.Results:Of the 901 patients, 38.1% had abdominoplasty surgery, 38.1% breast reduction, 15.3% facial surgery, 4.7% breast lift, and 3.9% breast augmentation. The differences in SCAR-Q, appearance, and symptom scores between the five procedures were statistically significant. Breast augmentation SCAR-Q scores (median = 256) and facial surgery (median = 242) were significantly higher than those of abdominoplasty patients (median = 219; P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). Duration after surgery was positively correlated with improved symptom scale scores for abdominoplasty (r = 0.24, P < 0.001), breast augmentation (r = 0.71, P = 0.015), and facial surgery patients (r = 0.28, P = 0.001), but not for other procedures.Conclusions:This study is the first to show that breast augmentation and facial surgery patients have a more positive perception of their scars in terms of appearance, symptoms, psychosocial, career, and sexual well-being impact than abdominoplasty patients. Furthermore, the data suggest that symptoms may improve over time for abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, and facial surgery patients. This study highlights the need for further follow-up, counseling, or other improvements to postoperative scar care.

Complications Post Abdominoplasty After Surgical Versus Non-surgical Massive Weight Loss: a Comparative Study.

This study aims to investigate the rate of short- and long-term complications as well as the need for operative revisions after abdominoplasty for patients following surgical versus non-surgical weight loss methods. This is a retrospective chart review that enrolled consecutive patients undergoing abdominoplasty across a 5-year period, aged 18years and above, opting for abdominoplasty after weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise alone. A total of 364 patients lost weight through bariatric surgery and 106 by diet and exercise alone. There were no significant differences in comorbidity status, but past body mass index (BMI) was higher for the surgical weight loss (SW) group (47.6 ± 10.2 and 40.4 ± 8.6, respectively; p value < 0.0001). Percent excess weight loss (EWL) was 68 ± 14.5 for the SW group and 55.7 ± 19.4 for the NSW group, p value < 0.0001. Pre- and postoperative blood hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the SW group (p < 0.05). Neither short-term complications (thromboembolic events, wound complications, or infections) nor long-term complications (umbilical deformity, delayed wound healing, or infection) and operative revisions were significantly different across both groups (p > .05). Bariatric surgery does not increase the risk of short- or long-term complications or the need for operative revision after abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty with Scarpa Fascia Preservation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Scarpa fascia preservation has been proposed to minimize complications associated with conventional abdominoplasty, but its efficacy is unclear. The purpose of this article is to determine the influence of preserving scarpa fascia on reducing postabdominoplasty complications. A comprehensive search of Medline Ovid, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane CENTRAL databases was conducted from the inception till June 2021. Eligible studies were prospective controlled studies investigating postoperative complications after scarpa fascia preservation following abdominoplasty. Stata 15.1 software was used for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included seven studies with 682 abdominoplasty patients. Abdominoplasty with scarpa fascia preservation could significantly reduce incidence of seroma (OR = - 1.34, 95% CI = - 2.09 - - 0.59, P < 0.05), length of hospital stay (SMD = - 1.65; 95% CI = - 3.50-0.20; P = 0.08), time to drain removal (SMD = - 3.64; 95% CI = - 5.76 - - 1.52; P < 0.05), and total drain output (SMD = - 401.60; 95% CI = - 593.75 - - 209.44; P < 0.05) compared with that of conventional abdominoplasty. However, it failed to achieve a statistically significant reduction in hematoma (OR=- 1.30, 95% CI = - 2.79-0.18, P = 0.08), infection (OR = - 1.03; 95% CI = - 2.17-0.12; P = 0.08), skin necrosis (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = - 1.20-2.45; P = 0.50), and wound dehiscence (OR = 0.28; 95% CI = - 0.28-0.83; P = 0.33). The seroma incidence rate was lower when a scalpel was utilized for dissection rather than electrocautery (3% (95% CI = 1-7%) versus 11% (95% CI = 5-18%)). Preservation of scarpa fascia during abdominoplasty might reduce the likelihood of postoperative seroma, length of hospital stay, time to drain removal, and total drain output. However, it did not significantly affect the incidence of hematoma, infection, skin necrosis, and wound dehiscence. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Prevalence of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Abdominoplasty Patients after COVID-19 Convalescence: An Alarming Flag.

Background:The incidence of thrombotic manifestations during aesthetic procedures may be overwhelming, as it may endanger patients’ lives. Lipoabdominoplasty is one of the precarious aesthetic treatments with risk for thrombosis. COVID-19 convalescent patients may have an abnormally high rate of thrombotic events, which should be studied further. Patients with a history of COVID-19 infection who undergo the aesthetic procedure may have a greater risk of thrombosis than non-COVID-19 patients who undergo lipoabdominoplasty.Methods:Thirty-seven patients who underwent lipoabdominoplasty were followed retrospectively for the occurrence of thrombotic events postoperatively and their relationship to previous COVID-19 infection. The study design comprised an examination of their medical records for prior COVID-19 infection, a history of thrombotic events before, during, or following COVID-19 infection, and D-dimer levels during and after COVID-19 infection. Thrombotic signs were studied in COVID-19 convalescent and non-COVID-19 patients following lipoabdominoplasty. The universal prophylactic measures for anticoagulation were followed.Results:Four patients out of 37 (10.18%) had thrombotic manifestations, with a high incidence in the COVID-19 convalescent group. The occurrence rate in COVID-19 patients was 30.7%, much higher than the global rate (0.2%). The presence of D-dimers was discovered to be abundant.Conclusion:Additional precautions should be taken to closely monitor patients with a prior history of COVID-19 infection who seek aesthetic surgery, particularly riskier procedures such as lipoabdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty in patients with body mass index up to 28 kg/m2

<h3></h3> Основными пациентами для улучшения контуров передней брюшной стенки являются женщины в послеродовом периоде с различной степенью дряблости кожного лоскута и диастаза прямых мышц живота. При этом им зачастую не требуется проведение хирургического вмешательства в обширном объеме традиционной абдоминопластики. В настоящей работе предоставлен опыт улучшения формы передней брюшной стенки у пациентов с индексом массы тела менее 28 кг/м², которым помимо традиционной абдоминопластики выполнили мини-абдоминопластику, модифицированную абдоминопластику, а также расширенную липосакцию. Проведенные исследования показывают возможность коррекции передней брюшной стенки без необходимости значительной отслойки кожно-жирового лоскута. Использование перекрестного туннелирования рыхлой соединительной ткани позволяет мобилизировать кожно-жировой лоскут и выполнять коррекцию «пограничных» состояний, когда нет показаний к проведению традиционной абдоминопластики с транспозицией пупка, а сопутствующая дряблость кожи и наличие мышечного диастаза делают одну лишь липосакцию неэффективной. Сохранение перфорантных сосудов и наложение швов с прогрессивным натяжением позволяет уменьшить количество сером и сократить реабилитационный период.

Defining Internal Tissue Closure: High-Resolution Ultrasound Evaluation of Interi-A Novel Internal Tissue Closure System.

Seroma remains a leading postsurgical complication in plastic surgery. Conventional drains are ineffective in clearing blood and fluid and closing down surgical spaces. The Interi (Internal Closure System, IC Surgical, Grand Rapids, MI) is comprised of a novel branching internal manifold attached to a self-contained portable pump with a higher, consistent, continuous negative pressure, may reduce this long-standing issue. In addition, high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) has emerged as an ideal tool to visualize structures, fluid collections, and seromas internally. This study evaluates Interi in full abdominoplasty patients utilizing HRUS to evaluate Interi's ability to evacuate blood and fluid, hold internal tissues together and document, for the first time, what internal tissue healing actually looks like radiographically. An IRB approved, Contract Research Organization reviewed retrospective study evaluated consecutive patients undergoing full abdominoplasty utilizing Interi from July 2020 through March 2021 by three plastic surgeons. HRUS visualized and confirmed the presence or absence of fluid collections and healing tissue planes during the postoperative process. Study data and all adverse events were recorded, with HRUS images reviewed by investigators and confirmed by an independent radiologist. Seventy-one Interi patients were enrolled. Mean age was 43 (range: 21-74) and BMI was 28. Seroma was confirmed clinically and through HRUS in 3/71 patients, and was associated with either clot (2) or failure to activate system (1). Interi's ability to eliminate fluid and approximate/hold surgical tissue planes together was confirmed with HRUS. No other major complications, including abscess, hematomas, or flap necrosis were observed. This novel Internal Tissue Closure System effectively evacuated blood and fluid, approximated and maintained closure of internal tissue planes in abdominoplasty patients, allowing for primary tissue healing and internal wound closure to occur. Healing tissue planes and any fluid present are easily identified on HRUS visualizing actual internal tissue healing with a simple, widely available radiographic scan.

SP7.1.2 DVT and Abdominoplasty: A Holistic 8-point protocol-based approach to prevent DVT

Abstract Aim Plastic surgery as a speciality is afflicted with one of the highest incidence rates of thromboembolic events, with abdominoplasty procedures known to assimilate the greatest rates of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Methods A total of 1078 abdominoplasty patients were enrolled onto an 8-point prophylaxis protocol with an inclusive holistic approach over a 7- year period. A 4-week smoking, HRT and COC cessation period was imposed on all patients and a maximum BMI score of 40 was required of all preoperative patients. Participants were administered with compression stockings, flowtrons and enoxaparin. Individuals with a DVT history were also required to be 1-year treatment free prior to surgery. Furthermore, the protocol necessitated post-operative deambulation of fit patients within 4 hours. Results Between 2008 and 2013, no incidence of DVT was recorded in all 1078 abdominoplasty surgery patients, indicating the potential for this protocol to lead to a significantly lower incidence than any previously published methodology. Due to the zero-incidence rate of DVT, different hypotheses of DVT proportions were tested to find out the rates that could be statistically consistent with our sample, thereby providing conservative incidence rate estimates. Conclusion This 8-point DVT prophylaxis protocol is the first non-criteria based inclusive protocol aimed at preventing abdominoplasty-associated DVT. As a result, not a single incident of DVT was recorded over the seven-year period of this study. We therefore believe that a holistic and procedure-specific approach to prophylaxis can drastically reduce the occurrence of DVT in abdominoplasty surgery.

1058 DVT And Abdominoplasty: A Holistic 8-Point Protocol-Based Approach to Prevent DVT

Abstract Aim Plastic surgery as a speciality is afflicted with one of the highest incidence rates of thromboembolic events, with abdominoplasty procedures known to assimilate the greatest rates of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Method A total of 1078 abdominoplasty patients were enrolled onto an 8-point prophylaxis protocol with an inclusive holistic approach over a 7- year period. A 4-week smoking, HRT and COC cessation period was imposed on all patients and a maximum BMI score of 40 was required of all preoperative patients. Participants were administered with compression stockings, flowtrons and enoxaparin. Individuals with a DVT history were also required to be 1-year treatment free prior to surgery. Furthermore, the protocol necessitated post-operative deambulation of fit patients within 4 hours. Results Between 2008 and 2013, no incidence of DVT was recorded in all 1078 abdominoplasty surgery patients, indicating the potential for this protocol to lead to a significantly lower incidence than any previously published methodology. Due to the zero-incidence rate of DVT, different hypotheses of DVT proportions were tested to find out the rates that could be statistically consistent with our sample, thereby providing conservative incidence rate estimates. Conclusions This 8-point DVT prophylaxis protocol is the first non-criteria based inclusive protocol aimed at preventing abdominoplasty-associated DVT. As a result, not a single incident of DVT was recorded over the seven-year period of this study. We therefore believe that a holistic and procedure-specific approach to prophylaxis can drastically reduce the occurrence of DVT in abdominoplasty surgery

Mesh Repair of Rectus Diastasis for Abdominoplasty is Safer than Suture Plication.

Background:Concerns regarding infection, extrusion, and pain have traditionally precluded the use of mesh to treat severe rectus diastasis during abdominoplasty in the United States. We describe a mesh abdominoplasty technique, and we hypothesize that the complication rate using mesh is greater than the complication rate of suture plication.Methods:Inclusion criteria for mesh abdominoplasty were patients who (1) had retrorectus planar mesh for repair of rectus diastasis, (2) did not have concurrent ventral hernia, and (3) underwent skin tailoring. Patients who underwent rectus plication with suture, and met criteria 2 and 3 above were included in a sample of consecutive standard abdominoplasty patients. The primary endpoint was surgical site occurrence at any time after surgery, as determined with review of their office and hospital medical records. Secondary endpoints included surgical site infection, revision rates, postoperative course, and aesthetics assessed with their last set of office photographs.Results:Surgical site occurrence rate was 0% of the 40 patients in the mesh group and 19% of the 37 patients in the standard group (P = 0.005); rates of soft-tissue revision were 23% in the mesh group and 27% in the standard group (P = 0.84). As to aesthetics, the mesh abdominoplasty patients had mean statistically lower preoperative scores in comparison with the standard plication group (65.8 ± 11.6 versus 70.3 ± 11.4, P = 0.0013). The mesh group had a statistical improvement to 75.9 ± 12.6 (P < 0.0001), whereas the standard plication group improved to 82.5 ± 11.4 (P < 0.0001).Conclusions:Retrorectus mesh placement in a cohort of patients with severe rectus diastasis had a complication rate lower than that seen in a cohort of patients with less severe rectus diastasis, therefore negating our original hypothesis. This was done without compromising aesthetic improvement.

Surgical approach to prune-belly syndrome: A review of our series and novel surgical technique

Surgical management of children with Prune-belly syndrome (PBS) can be divided into three categories: urinary tract reconstruction, abdominal wall reconstruction, and orchidopexy. Adequate repair of the abdominal wall by abdominoplasty at an early age, allows an adequate aesthetic appearance, but also allows a correct development of walking, breathing, defecation and urination. To present a novel surgical technique for abdominal wall reconstruction, which combines plication with complete overlap of the fascia and neoumbilicoplasty with an island flap rotated on itself. A retrospective review of the patients with PBS who underwent surgery in our center between 2009 and 2020. A new abdominoplasty technique was performed, which consists of plication with complete overlap of the fascia, as well as a neoumbilicoplasty with an island flap rotated on itself. The skin is then well freed from the rest of planes, and the plication is performed with complete overlapping of the muscle-aponeurotic plane from one side to the other. At this time, the interposition of some type of reinforcement material (mesh) may be required in the event of complete absence or insufficient presence of the fascia and muscle. Abdominoplasty was performed in four patients. In all patients, bilateral orchidopexy was performed in the same surgical procedure for intra-abdominal testicles. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 10,5 years and the average admission time was 4 days. There were no short-term or long-term complications. Average follow-up time was 7 years. All patients and their families are satisfied with the aesthetic result obtained. Abdominoplasty in patients with PBS in addition to aesthetic reconstruction, brings significant improvements to wandering, breathing, urination and defecation, improving the quality of life of the patient. Compared to the techniques described, the abdominoplasty we propose makes it possible to easily improve the abdominal wall support by means of meshes or synthetic devices if necessary and allows the evaluation and correction of cryptorchidism or other associated renal abnormalities in the same surgical act, as it allows full abdominal exposure. Likewise our modified abdominoplasty allows the creation of the new umbilicus in a more anatomical way, rectifying its natural position. In our experience, this modified surgical technique for abdominal wall repair is a novel procedure in the PBS approach, easily reproducible, which provides good aesthetic results in our series of cases.

Abdominoplasty in the Massive Weight Loss Patient: Are Aesthetic Goals and Safety Mutually Exclusive?

BackgroundThe goals of abdominoplasty in massive weight loss (MWL) patients are often functional, with a greater emphasis on safety than on aesthetic rejuvenation. As important as functional improvements and safety are, however, there may be room for increasing the aesthetic potential of abdominoplasties in these patients.ObjectivesTo determine the safety of the pursuit of aesthetic goals for abdominoplasty in MWL patients.MethodsThis is a retrospective study examining 910 consecutive female patients consisting of 3 groups: postpartum (n = 718), dietary MWL (n = 65), and bariatric MWL (n = 127). All patients were approached with a well-defined set of aesthetic goals which were pursued as needed and as feasible.ResultsThe utilization of aesthetic abdominoplasty components was similar in all groups, supporting the assertion that the groups were subjected to a similar aesthetic emphasis. Logistic regression showed that a history of bariatric MWL was an independent risk factor for multiple complications (odds ratio 2.738, P = 0.014) and that elevated body mass index (BMI), smoking, diabetes, and age were likewise independent risk factors for complications. Propensity score-matched case-control pairs showed that bariatric MWL patients were more likely than dietary MWL patients to experience multiple complications (9.52% vs 0%, P = 0.031). ConclusionsBariatric MWL patients but not dietary weight loss patients seem to have a higher risk than postpartum patients. Other comorbidities (elevated BMI, smoking, diabetes, and age) seem to be more important predictors of complications than MWL status. Select MWL patients can likely be approached with an emphasis on aesthetic goals, without increasing risks as compared with the postpartum population. Level of Evidence: 2

Commentary on: Techniques of Concomitant Abdominoplasty and Umbilical Hernia Repair: A Review.

The repair methods for umbilical hernia in an abdominoplasty patient are multiple. For instance, is it preferable to use an open or laparoscopic approach? Should mesh be used in the hernia repair? And if so, in which layer should it be placed? The authors try to answer these important questions in their review article,1 concluding that both the open and laparoscopic approaches are safe in terms of recurrence, infection rate, and preserving umbilical vascularization. However, as stated by the authors, the number of studies included in their review was small due to the paucity of available data on this particular subject. Although not specific to abdominoplasty patients, guidelines recently published by the European Hernia Society and the Americas Hernia Society state that laparoscopic repair decreases the risk of wound complications and recommend the use of laparoscopic repair in patients at high risk of wound infection.2 Abdominoplasty with or...

Local Triamcinolone Treatment Affects Inflammatory Response in Seroma Exudate of Abdominoplasty Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

As the leading complication of abdominoplasty, seroma formation might represent an inflammatory process in response to surgical trauma. This prospective randomized trial investigated whether local administration of the antiinflammatory agent triamcinolone could prevent seroma accumulation. Weekly and cumulative seroma volumes were compared between the study groups A, B, and C over a 4-week follow-up (group A, with drain, without triamcinolone; group B, without drain, without triamcinolone; group C, without drain, with triamcinolone). Aspirated seroma samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for selective inflammatory mediators. Triamcinolone significantly reduced cumulative seroma volume (n = 60; mA 845 ± SDA 578 ml, mC 236 ± SDC 381 ml, p = 0.001). The most accentuated suppressive effect of triamcinolone was observed shortly after the treatment (week 1) (mA1 616 ± SDA1 457 ml, mB1 153 ± SDB1 161 ml, mC1 22 ± SDC1 44 ml, pA1/C1 < 0.001, pB1/C1 = 0.014). Local triamcinolone administration resulted in a differential concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9 (week 1) in seroma exudate as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (mIL-6A1 1239 ± SDA1 59 pg/ml, mIL-6C1 848 ± SDC1 80 pg/ml, p < 0.001; mMMP-9A1 2343 ± SDA1 484 pg/ml, mMMP-9C1 376 ± SDC1 120 pg/ml, p = 0.001). Local administration of 80 mg of triamcinolone reduced postabdominoplasty seroma accumulation significantly. Under triamcinolone treatment, suppressed levels of IL-6 and MMP-9 in seroma fluid were observed. Notably, inflammatory marker suppression correlated clinically with a decrease in seroma accumulation. Therapeutic, II.

Autologous islanded breast enhancement by reversed abdominoplasty (AIBERA) flap

We present a surgical technique of recuperating tissue from the upper abdominal wall, based on the superior epigastric artery perforators, thereby providing tissue for autologous augmentation of the breasts in combination with reversed abdominoplasty in patients after massive weight loss. A 20-year-old woman was seen in the outpatient clinic with a large residual skin laxity of the superior abdomen following circular abdominoplasty after weight loss of 55 kg. She was dissatisfied with the appearance of her breasts and superior abdomen. Bilaterally, pedicled SEAP flaps were harvested from the epigastric region. In addition, a reversed abdominoplasty was performed. The flaps were secured in a retroglandular pocket superiorly to the anterior chest wall in order to augment the breasts. The islanded pedicled SEAP flap in combination with reversed abdominoplasty is a useful and safe technique for autologous breast augmentation following massive weight loss. In addition, the potential risk of implant-related complications is eliminated as implants are replaced by autologous tissue. Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Abdominoplasty: A Holistic 8-Point Protocol-Based Approach to Prevent DVT.

Plastic surgery as a specialty is afflicted with one of the highest incidence rates of thromboembolic events, with abdominoplasty procedures known to assimilate the greatest rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The aim of this study was to develop a prophylactic protocol to reduce the rate of DVT occurrence postabdominoplasty. Over a 7-year period 1078 abdominoplasty patients were enrolled onto a holistic 8-point prophylaxis protocol. For a 4-week period before the operation all patients were required to stop smoking, and to cease hormone replacement therapy and combined oral contraception. All patients were required to have a preoperative BMI of less than 40 kg/m2. Participants were supplied with compression stockings, external pumping devices, and enoxaparin. Individuals with a history of DVT were also required to be 1-year treatment free prior to surgery. Furthermore, the protocol required postoperative ambulation of fit patients within 4 hours. Between 2008 and 2013, no incidence of DVT was recorded in all 1078 abdominoplasty surgery patients, indicating the potential for this protocol to lead to a significantly lower incidence than any previously published methodology. Previous studies of DVT incidence were reviewd to identify rates statistically significantly similar to our sample, thereby providing conservative incidence rate estimates. This 8-point DVT prophylaxis protocol is the first noncriteria-based inclusive protocol aimed at preventing abdominoplasty-associated DVT. A holistic and procedure-specific approach to prophylaxis can drastically reduce the occurrence of DVT in abdominoplasty surgery.With over 116,000 procedures performed annually in the United States, abdominoplasty has become one of the most popular and sought-after surgeries in the plastic and cosmetic field.1 Despite its ever-increasing popularity and the advancement of techniques, abdominoplasty-as with any other surgery-has its complications, including infection, seroma, hematoma, thrombosis, embolism, scarring, and even death. Complication rates as high as 37% have been reported, with some studies reporting a 16% major complication rate.2 One of the most serious and troubling complications for both surgeon and patient is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). With over 1 million patients tested, an estimated 250,000 cases of DVT are diagnosed per year in the United States alone.

Evaluation of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in lipoabdominoplasty surgical procedure: a comparative study

Background The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a well-known regional nerve block, used for the pain control in various surgeries. There are only few studies in the literature, which have evaluated analgesic efficacy of TAP block in Abdominoplasty; A surgery in which post-operative pain is of major concern for both patient and operating surgeon. Objectives We conducted randomized control trial, to assess the efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block in Abdominoplasty patients for controlling post-operative pain. Methods Sixty patients planned for lipoabdominoplasty were randomly assigned to two groups A and B, with thirty Patients in each group. The ultrasound guided TAP block was administered in group A patients whereas no block was administered to group B. The patients in two groups were compared for demographic characteristics, pain intensity on mobilization, opioid consumption, time to first rescue analgesic dosage and nausea- vomiting incidences. Results The demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. The Group A Patients required significantly smaller mean dose of opioids and had significantly longer mean time of first request for analgesic medication. The Median VAS score on mobilization in Group A was significantly lower than Group B. Only few patients in group A experienced nausea-vomiting compared to group B. Conclusions The ultrasound guided TAP block provides effective analgesia after Lipoabdominoplasty, which allows more convenient early post-operative mobilization and decreases opioid requirement as well as its related side-effects. Hence we suggest that ultrasound guided TAP block should be considered in most lipoabdominoplasty cases for better patient experience.

Health-related quality of life in patients having undergone abdominoplasty after massive weight loss

Due to lack of validated body contouring-specific patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments, the outcomes of abdominoplasty after massive weight loss have been evaluated rather rarely and mainly using generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments. The aim of the current study was to examine, using body contouring-specific (BODY-Q) and generic (15D) HRQoL instruments, the HRQoL, and key factors related to HRQoL among patients having undergone massive weight loss and abdominoplasty. Altogether 52 patients who underwent abdominoplasty due to massive weight loss completed the BODY-Q and the 15D HRQoL instruments. The 15D scores were compared to those of age-, gender-, and BMI-adjusted control sample of the general population. The mean score of the BODY-Q Abdomen scale was 50.7 out of 100 (SD 24.4). The HRQoL of abdominoplasty patients was lower than that of age-, gender-, and BMI-adjusted general population (p = 0.001). Sleeping, discomfort and symptoms, depression, excretion, and sexual activity were the patients' main concerns. Body image and psychological well-being were strongly associated with the perceived HRQoL. The satisfaction with appearance of the abdominal area was not associated with generic HRQoL. The HRQoL of abdominoplasty patients is lower than that of general population with similar age, gender and BMI. The most important factors associated with the HRQoL of the patients were body image, psychological well-being, and physical function.

EARLY RECOVERY FOLLOWING ULTRASOUND-GUIDED TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS PLANE BLOCK (TAP) IN ABDOMINAL CONTOURING SURGERIES

Background:The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a well-known regional nerve block that is used for the pain control after various inguinal andabdominal surgeries. The most effective and well known method of administering the TAP block is under ultrasound guidance.Till now only few studies have evaluated analgesic efficacy of TAP block in Abdominoplastysurgical procedure, in which post-operative pain is a major concern for both surgeon as well for the patient. Objectives:We conducted retrospective cohort study to assess efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block, in controlling post-operative pain in abdominoplasty patients. Methods:Sixty Patients who had undergone Lipoabdominoplasty procedurewere studied retrospectively. The patients who had received TAP block were assigned as groups A and those patients who had not received any TAP block were assigned as group B, with thirty Patients in each group.The patients in two groups were compared for their demographic characteristics, pain intensity on mobilization, time to first rescue analgesic dose (visual analog scale (VAS) score ≥ 5 or on demand), opioid consumptionand incidence of nausea-vomitingepisodes during first post-operative 24 hours. Results:The patients in two groups were similar in demographic characteristics. Patients in group A (TAP block group) had required significantly smaller mean dose of postoperative opioids (Group A: 5mg Group B: 75 mg P = &lt;0.000) and hadsignificantly longer mean time of first request for analgesic medication (Group A: 8 hours 11 minutes Group B: 1 hours 20 minutes P = &lt;0.000).Median VAS score on mobilization was significantly lower in Group A(group A: 1 Group B: 5).Only Three patients in group A as compared to 18 patients in group B had experienced nausea and vomiting in post-operative period. Conclusions:The ultrasound guided TAP block provide more effective analgesia after Lipoabdominoplasty, which allows more comfortable early post-operative mobilization, decreases opioid requirement as well as opioid related side-effects, Therefore ultrasound guided TAP block should be considered in most of lipoabdominoplasty patients for better patient experience and outcome.

Modification of Rectal Myofascial Repair in Abdominoplasty for Patients with Widely Divaricated Recti

Background: To gain the best aesthetic outcome afterabdominoplasty for patients with weak abdominal wall muscleshas been the ultimate goal for plastic surgeons and patients.Myofascial repair is one of the modern techniques to have aflat abdomen and a perfect waist with accepted rehabilitativeoutcome. But as any technique, it has its benefits and drawbacks.Aim of the Study: This study aims to document and evaluatethe durability of modified myofascial repair as a method formusculoapneurotic reconstruction in abdominoplasty forpatients with moderate to severe weak lax abdomen.Patients and Methods: Thirteen patients were includedin this study for the purpose of performing abdominoplastyto treat weak lax abdomen over the period of 2 years fromJanuary 2017 to February 2019. Follow-up period for eachcase was at least 6 months for the functional outcome andpatient satisfaction.Results: Changes in spirometry values before and afteroperation were recorded and tolerated by all patients. Waistmeasures taken before and after operation showed greatimprovement. Patients satisfaction was extremely high andthere were no evidences for secondary hernias.Conclusion: Myofacial repair modification is a durablemethod to gain a good aesthetic and functional output inabdominoplasty for patients with severe abdominal laxity.

Verzicht auf Drainagen bei der Abdominoplastik – eine randomisiert-kontrollierte Studie

There is insufficient scientific evidence from randomised controlled trials to support the routine use of closed-suction drains in body contouring procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate cumulative seroma volume, length of hospital stay and complication rates in abdominoplasty patients without drains in direct comparison with a cohort receiving drains. Abdominoplasty patients were prospectively randomised in two study groups with (MD) and without (OD) placement of closed-suction drains. Patients with a BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2 undergoing horizontal or combined horizontal/vertical incision abdominoplasty were included. Scarpa's fascia was preserved during dissection. Exclusion criteria comprised simultaneous liposuction, coagulation disorders and ASA score ≥ 3. Cumulative seroma volume over a four-week follow-up period was assessed as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were complications requiring surgical revision and length of hospital stay. This trial did not identify a statistically significant difference in cumulative seroma volume between the MD (30/53) and OD (23/53) cohorts in 53 patients (MMD 493 ± SD 407 ml; MOD 459 ± SD 624 ml; p = 0.812). However, a significantly shorter average length of hospital stay was observed in the OD population (MMD 5.1 ± SD 1.4 d; MOD 4.2 ± SD 1.5 d; p = 0.023). Complication rates were equal in both study groups (nMD = 1; nOD = 1). The results of this trial do not justify routine placement of closed-suction drains in abdominoplasty procedures (horizontal or combined horizontal/vertical incision) in the pre-obese patient cohort (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2). Drain placement should be evaluated on an individual patient-specific basis.