Post-bariatric Abdominoplasty Research Articles

Experience in Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty for Patients with Significant Weight Loss: A Prospective Study.

Abdominoplasty is a critical aesthetic and functional procedure for individuals who have undergone massive weight loss. Numerous techniques have been proposed to optimize aesthetic results while minimizing complications. This prospective study examined 500 patients who underwent abdominoplasty during body-contouring procedures between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021 at a tertiary center. The Skin-Adipose Tissue-Muscle (SAM) protocol was employed to analyze the operative strategies and complication rates and compare them with the existing literature. Furthermore, patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes were measured one year post-operation using a comprehensive four-point questionnaire evaluated by the patients themselves and two independent surgeons. Participants had an average age of 34.8 years and a mean BMI of 31.1 kg/m2. The surgeries included 328 full abdominoplasties and 172 T-inverted abdominoplasties. Notable complications included wound infection (4%), wound dehiscence (8.6%), tissue necrosis (0.6%), seroma (8.4%), and hematoma (2.6%). A higher BMI was correlated with an increased risk of complications and lower patient satisfaction. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 18 software. The increasing prevalence of obesity highlights an urgent need for more bariatric surgeries and subsequent abdominoplasties to mitigate the effects of massive weight loss. A crucial link between elevated BMI and a heightened risk of postoperative complications, emphasizing the necessity for standardized surgical protocols tailored to individuals with higher BMI, was noted. Innovatively, future studies must further investigate the intricate dynamics between BMI and surgical risks. Exploring and establishing uniform, adaptive surgical guidelines promise to revolutionize patient care by significantly reducing complications and enhancing recovery and satisfaction following abdominoplasty.

The use of Fibrin Sealants in Reducing Drain Output in Abdominoplasty: Is it Useful?

BackgroundAbdominoplasty is a common surgical procedure in which excess abdominal skin and fat are reduced to improve body contouring. Fibrin sealant has been proposed to reduce postsurgical bleeding and exudation. In this study, we evaluated whether there was a significant statistical difference in surgical output between the use of fibrin glue and its nonuse in abdominoplasty surgery, specifically in reducing bleeding and exudation. Material and methodsA retrospective chart review of 68 postbariatric abdominoplasty patients (58 females, 10 males) was performed. We divided the patients into Group A (30 cases, 44%), in which we used fibrin sealant, and Group B (38 cases, 56%), in which we did not use fibrin glue. We calculated the total amount of liquid in suction drainages until the day of their removal. Statistical analysis included the independent t-test with a significance level of 0.05. ResultsThe average drainage output in Group A was 620.0 ± 375.0 mL, whereas in Group B, it was 500.0 ± 290.0 mL. Results indicate an insignificant correlation between the use of fibrin glue and the amount of liquid in the surgical drains (t = 1.52, p = 0.13). The result is not significant at p <.05 according to the independent t-test. ConclusionThe use of fibrin sealant surely has a high value in all surgical branches to reduce postoperative complications, but in our study, we did not find any advantages in its use for reducing surgical drain output in abdominoplasty patients.

BS O09 Bariatric Medical Tourism - a false economy. A case series of complications and the impact on the NHS

Abstract Background Increasing numbers of patients from the United Kingdom are going abroad for treatment, in order to avoid lengthy NHS waiting lists for primary weight loss surgery and to circumvent restrictions on cosmetic operations, post-bariatric surgery. News media often report individual patient stories about post-operative complications. Patients are increasingly accessing NHS emergency services when these occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on both patients and the NHS from treatment of complications associated with Bariatric medical tourism. Methods A retrospective case study was performed between July 2022-June 2023 at East Surrey Hospital, the nearest hospital to London Gatwick Airport. The study included all patients who presented as an emergency with complications associated with bariatric or post-bariatric procedures performed outside of the UK. Data was collected via electronic patient records, including patient demographics, BMI, original operation, complications, investigations, treatment and length of stay. A cost analysis was performed for each patient’s ‘in-patient’ stay using the ‘NHS Payment Scheme (2023/24)’. Further cost analysis of ongoing community intervention was not performed. Results A total of 15 patients were identified in this time frame. 13 (86.6%) were female with mean age 40 years (range 27-54). Mean BMI was 35 (range 29-44). The most common original operation was post-bariatric Abdominoplasty (46.6%), followed by Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (26.6%). 14 (93.3%) patients had their original operation performed in Turkey. Time to emergency presentation ranged from 7-365 days. 66.7% of complications were graded Clavien Dindo score 3 or above. 8 (53.3%) patients required multiple admissions. The average length of stay was 7.5 days (range 1-37). The cost per patient to the NHS averaged at £6857.14 (£600-£28,625). Conclusions This study shows that medical tourism has a significant impact on NHS services, costing over £100,000 in our hospital alone, in one year. Common factors in this patient cohort included poor pre-operative optimisation, continued smoking, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and delayed presentation once complications occurred. Given that medical tourism is increasing, public health education about the risks should increase. Such efforts may mitigate the cost impact on the NHS. It is time for a national registry for international complications and a UK governance strategy is implemented.

The preoperative risk factors for hematoma development following postbariatric abdominoplasty: a retrospective analysis of 178 patients

The preoperative risk factors for hematoma development following postbariatric abdominoplasty: a retrospective analysis of 178 patients

Factors influencing the changed Quality of Life after postbariatric Abdominoplasty

The improvement of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) via post-bariatric tightening operations and their effects on long term weight stability is considered to be ensured. This study investigates the relevancy of influencing factors. For the data analysis, the HRQoL was ascertained before and after the abdominoplasty using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire. In addition, the occurrence frequency of bloating-symptoms was recorded. It was checked whether this occurrence was related to a rectus plication simultaneously performed with the abdominoplasty. Inclusion criterion was obesity ≥ I° prior to the weight loss. Exclusion criteria were a postoperative, newly manifested and serious disease, as well as a pregnancy during the observation period. The results were compared to the German population (standard). The postoperative HRQoL was significantly improved as far as the physical healthscale (KSK) is concerned (preOP: 40,19 ± 12,27; postOP: 47,72 ± 9,89; p < 0,001). Preoperatively, the KSK and the PSK (psychological health scale) were statistically significant below the value of the normal population (KSK: p < 0,001; PSK: p < 0,01). There were no significant differences postoperatively (KSK: p = 0,051; PSK: p = 0,118). Patients on which an additional rectus plication was performed (n = 9) suffered significantly more often from bloating-symptoms than patients without this surgical step (n = 21) (p < 0,05). Patients with bloating-symptoms < 4/W (vs > 4/W) had a significantly better vitality (< 4/W: 61,09 ± 24,95; > 4/W: 34,29 ± 21,49; p < 0,05) and a better general health (< 4/W: 68,04 ± 23,23; > 4/W: 44,71 ± 27,8; p < 0,05). Compared to the standard, patients with bloating-symptoms > 4/W had a poorer vitality (p < 0,05). Based on the analysis, a postoperative improvement of the HRQoL in the formerly obese can be assumed. It can also be predicated that there is a postoperative adjustment of the HRQoL compared to that of the German population. Furthermore, a rectus plication that is performed in addition to the abdominoplasty more frequently leads to bloating-symptoms, which, in turn, worsen the HRQoL. The diagnosis of a depressive disorder is a good predictor for a worse HRQoL outcome.

Post-bariatric Abdominoplasty: Identification of Risk Factors for Complications.

The aim was to evaluate the complication rate after abdominoplasty procedures performed in a high volume post-bariatric center and to identify predictors of complications. A retrospective analysis was performed and included all abdominoplasty procedures performed between January 2011 and December 2019. Complications classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were documented and potential risk factors were statistically evaluated. A total of 898 patients were included. Overall complication rate was 29.8%. Type I complications (minor wound problems) occurred in 15.8% (n = 140). Type II complications requiring medical intervention occurred in 10% (n = 90). Five patients had deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism; others received antibiotic treatment for wound infections. In total 42 type III complications occurred in 36 patients, with re-intervention for wound problems (n = 16), seroma (n = 16), umbilical necrosis (n = 4), and bleeding (n = 6). The weight of tissue resected (p < 0.001), the interval between bariatric and body contouring surgery (p < 0.05), preoperative BMI (p < 0.05), male gender (p < 0.05), diabetes mellitus type 2 (p = 0.05), and smoking (p < 0.05) were important predictors for developing complications. In this large retrospective post-bariatric abdominoplasty series, the overall complication rate is low compared to other published series as a consequence of our completely standardized approach and technique. Our analysis shows a significant linear correlation between the amount of skin tissue resected and postoperative complications. Moreover, the longer the interval between bariatric surgery and abdominoplasty, the higher the complication rate. High preoperative BMI, diabetes mellitus type 2, smoking, and male gender were identified as independent significant risk factors for complications.

Analgesic effect of magnesium sulfate during total intravenous anesthesia: randomized clinical study

Introduction and objective: Opioids have usually been used as intraoperative analgesic components, regardless of the many adverse effects they are associated with, such as nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, and hyperalgesia. Several approaches have been investigated to reduce doses used, and magnesium sulfate has been shown to be a valuable analgesic adjunct. The main objective of the present trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate as the chief intraoperative analgesic, and the secondary objectives were to assess propofol consumption, postoperative analgesia, and intraoperative hemodynamic stability. MethodsIn this prospective, double-blind trial, 50 patients scheduled to undergo post-bariatric abdominoplasty under general intravenous anesthesia were divided into two groups, to receive remifentanil or magnesium sulfate as intraoperative analgesic. Fentanyl 1 µg kg-1 was the rescue analgesic. ResultsAmong the patients in the group receiving Magnesium Sulfate (MSG), 64% did not need supplemental analgesia and none of the patients in the Remifentanil Group (RG) required fentanyl. MSG patients showed propofol consumption 36.6% higher (guided by the Bispectral Index – BIS). MSG patients consumed significantly less ephedrine (mean ± SD) than RG patients, respectively 1.52 ± 4.38 mg and 10 ± 10.39 mg, p < 0.001. Mean values of blood concentrations of magnesium were comparable to values previously described in the literature. ConclusionMagnesium sulfate is a safe and effective option for intraoperative analgesia, when avoiding or decreasing opioid use is required.

Influence of closed incision negative-pressure therapy on abdominal donor-site morbidity in microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Closed incision negative-pressure therapy (CINPT) has been shown to shorten the time to heal in post-bariatric abdominoplasty and to lower seroma rates in cosmetic abdominoplasty. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of CINPT on donor-site morbidity following abdominal-based free-flap breast reconstruction. We reviewed medical records from 225 women who had undergone 300 microsurgical free-flap breast reconstructions from the abdomen from November 1, 2007 to March 31, 2019. Patients were grouped according to wound therapy, including 127 patients in the standard of care group and 98 patients in the CINPT group. Primary outcomes were minor (non-operative) and major (operative) surgical site complications. Secondary outcomes were time to drain removal, in-hospital length, and scar quality. Analysis of patient demographics showed an equal distribution with regard to the age, smoking status, prevalence of diabetes mellitus, preoperative chemotherapy, and previous abdominal surgery in both groups. Significantly more patients with obesity (29.6 vs. 15.8%; p= .01) and bilateral breast reconstruction (40.8 vs. 27.6%; p= .04) were included in the CINPT group. Compared to standard of care, the CINPT group had a lower incidence of major surgical site complications (26.0 vs. 11.2%; p= .001). There was no difference in minor surgical site complications and secondary outcomes between groups. The CINPT represents a reliable tool to reduce surgical site complications on the abdominal donor-site in abdominal-based free-flap breast reconstruction.

The Impact of Post-bariatric Abdominoplasty on Secondary Weight Regain After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), implies a considerable weight loss during the first two years after surgery. Excess skin due to rapid weight loss might affect self-esteem, decrease quality of life and be a hindrance to physical activity. Removing excess skin might reduce secondary weight regain. Among plastic surgeons, a BMI <30 kg/m2 is usually required to have abdominoplasty (AP). Many RYGB patients never reach this threshold even if they have a considerable weight loss and experience practical as well as emotional problems due to excess skin. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of abominoplasty on weight development until five years, among patients who did and did not achieve a nadir BMI <30 kg/m2 during the first two years after RYGB. Data on 645 patients from a single center RYGB-quality register from 2004 to 2013 with baseline and follow-up data were analyzed. Post-bariatric AP was publicly funded if medically needed. Weight regain (WR) from nadir weight to five years was analyzed as percentage WR of maximal weight loss. Nadir BMI was available in 633 (98.1%) patients, and BMI after five years in 553 (85.7%) patients. The 233 patients with nadir BMI <30 kg/m2 who underwent AP regained 17.8 (±16.1) % of their maximal weight loss at five years compared to 24.2 (±19.7) % in 185 patients not having AP (p < 0.001). The 27 patients with nadir BMI > 30 kg/m2 within two years after RYGB who underwent AP regained 12.9 (±19.3) % compared to 31.4 (±24.7) % in 188 patients without AP (p < 0.001). This procedure was more common among women than men, as 224 (46.4%) women, and 36 (22.2%) men underwent AP. Abdominoplasty was associated with reduced secondary weight regain after RYGB in this study. Whether this is caused by increased bodily satisfaction and better physical function, or a biological response to reduction of adipose tissue remains unclear. If removing abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue prevent secondary weight regain and increase the robustness of bariatric surgery, this should be offered as part of the standard treatment after bariatric surgery.

Commentary on: Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty: Analysis of 406 Cases With Focus on Risk Factors and Complications

Commentary on: Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty: Analysis of 406 Cases With Focus on Risk Factors and Complications

Comments on "Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty: Analysis of 406 Cases with Focus on Risk Factors and Complications".

Comments on "Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty: Analysis of 406 Cases with Focus on Risk Factors and Complications".

Response to "Comments on 'Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty: Analysis of 406 Cases With Focus on Risk Factors and Complications'".

Response to "Comments on 'Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty: Analysis of 406 Cases With Focus on Risk Factors and Complications'".

Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty: Analysis of 406 Cases With Focus on Risk Factors and Complications.

Post-bariatric patients present a surgical challenge within abdominoplasty because of residual obesity and major comorbidities. In this study, we analyzed complications following abdominoplasty in post-bariatric patients and evaluated potential risk factors associated with these complications. The authors sought to determine the complications and risk factors following abdominoplasty in post-bariatric patients. A retrospective study of patients who underwent abdominoplasty was performed from January 2009 to December 2018 at our institution. Variables analyzed were sex, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, surgical technique, operative time, resection weight, drain output, and complications. A total of 406 patients were included in this study (320 female and 86 male) with a mean age of 44.4 years and a BMI of 30.6 kg/m2. Abdominoplasty techniques consisted of traditional (64.3%), fleur-de-lis technique (27.3%), and panniculectomy without umbilical displacement (8.4%). Overall complications recorded were 41.9%, the majority of these being wound-healing problems (32%). Minor and major complications were found in 29.1% and 12.8% of patients, respectively. A BMI value of ≥30 kg/m2 was associated with an increased risk for wound-healing problems (P = 0.001). The frequency of total complications was significantly related to age (P = 0.007), BMI (P = 0.004), and resection weight (P = 0.001). Abdominoplasty technique tended to influence total complications. This study demonstrates in a fairly large sample of post-bariatric patients (n = 406) that abdominoplasty alone can be performed safely, with an acceptable complication rate. Age, BMI, and resection weight are shown to be significant risk factors for total complications. The role of surgical technique needs to be evaluated further.

Anchor-Line Abdominoplasty with Scarpa Fascia Preservation in Postbariatric Patients: A Comparative Randomized Study.

The number of bariatric surgeries for the treatment of morbid obesity has increased, and there is growing demand for postbariatric abdominoplasty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of Scarpa's fascia preservation on total drainage volume, time to drain removal, and seroma formation in anchor-line abdominoplasty. A total of 42 postbariatric patients were randomly assigned to two groups and underwent anchor-line abdominoplasty. Scarpa's fascia was not preserved during abdominoplasty in one group (n = 21) but was preserved in the other group (n = 21). A suction drain was left in place untilthe drainage volume was less than 30ml/24h. Seroma formation was assessed by abdominal ultrasound on the twentieth postoperative day; only fluid collections greater than 30ml were considered seromas. The time to drain removal was shorter, and the total drainage volume was lower in the fascial preservation group than in the fascial dissection group. However, no difference in the seroma formation rate was observed between the groups. Scarpa's fascia preservation decreased the drainage volume and the time to drain removal but not the rate of seroma formation. 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.

New Approach for Post-bariatric Abdominoplasty with Extended Vertical Resection: A Prospective Cohort Study.

As the number of bariatric surgeries has increased, so has the demand for post-bariatric abdominoplasty. The aim of this study was to describe a new approach to anchor-line abdominoplasty for the treatment of post-bariatric surgery patients. This prospective, longitudinal, single-center study was conducted with 20 women, 23-47years of age, with a body mass index < 30kg/m2, who had undergone gastroplasty. The vertical amount of tissue to be excised was estimated preoperatively by the pinch test. The amount of tissue to be removed by transverse resection was determined intraoperatively. Patient satisfaction with the body contour result was assessed. Patient self-assessment showed that 85% of patients were very satisfied, 10% were satisfied, and 5% were not very satisfied with the surgical results. There were no cases of flap necrosis or surgical wound dehiscence. The described technique resulted in improved body contour, good scar quality, and a high level of patient satisfaction. 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 .

Intravenous iron sucrose versus oral iron administration for the postoperative treatment of post-bariatric abdominoplasty anaemia: an open-label, randomised, superiority trial in Brazil

Anaemia and iron deficiency are common after post-bariatric abdominoplasty, which can involve removal of large areas of skin with associated blood loss. Because the oral absorbability of iron is reduced after bariatric surgery (through reduced intake, reduction of gastric acid secretion for conjugation of iron, and separation of the iron-absorptive areas of the duodenum and jejunum), it has been hypothesised that postoperative intravenous iron supplementation might be used to treat anaemia and iron deficiency in patients submitted to post-bariatric plastic surgeries. We aimed to assess whether intravenous iron administered postoperatively in post-bariatric abdominoplasty could result in increased blood haemoglobin concentrations compared with oral iron supplementation. In this open-label, randomised, superiority trial, we recruited women aged 18-55 years undergoing post-bariatric abdominoplasty at two public tertiary referral hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. Eligible women had been treated for previous obesity with bariatric surgery using the vertical banded gastroplasty technique with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass by laparotomy; had grade III contour deformity via the Pittsburgh rating scale; and had a post-bariatric body-mass index (BMI) lower than 32 kg/m2, with stabilised weight loss for at least 6 months. Women were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive postoperative iron supplementation with two intravenous infusions of 200 mg of iron sucrose (intravenous group) or 100 mg of iron polymaltose complex orally twice a day for 8 weeks (oral group). The primary outcome in both groups was blood haemoglobin concentration at postoperative day 56 after abdominoplasty, with a minimum clinically relevant difference of 1·5 g/dL. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01857011, and the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry, number RBR-2JGRKQ. The trial is completed. From April 7, 2014, to June 27, 2016, 102 post-bariatric patients were assessed for eligibility. 56 patients were eligible and were randomly assigned, with 28 allocated to each group. Mean baseline haemoglobin concentration was slightly higher in the oral group than in the intravenous group (12·71 g/dL [SD 1·06] vs 12·24 g/L [1·09]), and by post-operative day 56 was 12·54 g/dL (SD 1·18) and 12·80 g/dL (0·81), respectively (mean difference of 0·26 g/dL, 95% CI -0·28 to 0·80; p=0·009 in favour of the intravenous group). The minimum clinically relevant difference in concentrations was not reached. No adverse events were recorded in the intravenous group, whereas in the oral group, constipation was recorded in five (18%) patients, diarrhoea in three (11%), and nausea in one (4%) patient. Postoperative intravenous administration of iron increased haemoglobin concentrations at 56 days post-operatively and reduced iron deficiency, without adverse events. Although superiority of intravenous iron was not shown, intravenous administration might be useful in post-bariatric patients, especially in those who have body-contouring treatment involving a second surgery within a short period of time. Larger trials, and trials using higher intravenous doses of iron, are needed to further assess the potential efficacy and safety of intravenous iron administration after post-bariatric plastic surgery. The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).

Intravenous iron in post-bariatric abdominoplasty anaemia: a pragmatic approach

There is a paucity of data addressing the use of different iron preparations for the treatment of patients with anaemia in the postoperative period after bariatric surgery and abdominoplasty. This cohort of patients is deemed at higher risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia and associated complications. Iron deficiency is common in these patients because of several factors, including lack of iron intake, reduction in gastric acid secretion, and impaired iron absorption of the duodenal and jejunal segments as a consequence of bariatric surgery. In The Lancet Haematology Juan Carlos Montano-Pedroso and colleagues 1 Montano-Pedroso JC Bueno Garcia E Alcântara Rodrigues de Moraes M Francescato Veiga D Masako Ferreira L. Intravenous iron sucrose versus oral iron administration for the postoperative treatment of post-bariatric abdominoplasty anaemia: an open-label, randomised, superiority trial in Brazil. Lancet Haematol. 2018; 5: e310-e320 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (10) Google Scholar report the results of a randomised controlled trial that assessed the effect of oral iron polymaltose versus intravenous iron sucrose in patients with anaemia after bariatric and abdominoplasty surgery. Intravenous iron sucrose versus oral iron administration for the postoperative treatment of post-bariatric abdominoplasty anaemia: an open-label, randomised, superiority trial in BrazilPostoperative intravenous administration of iron increased haemoglobin concentrations at 56 days post-operatively and reduced iron deficiency, without adverse events. Although superiority of intravenous iron was not shown, intravenous administration might be useful in post-bariatric patients, especially in those who have body-contouring treatment involving a second surgery within a short period of time. Larger trials, and trials using higher intravenous doses of iron, are needed to further assess the potential efficacy and safety of intravenous iron administration after post-bariatric plastic surgery. Full-Text PDF

Closed Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy (ciNPT) Reduces Minor Local Complications in Post-bariatric Abdominoplasty Body Contouring: a Retrospective Case-Control Series.

Over 30% of the US population is obese and nearly 300,000 patients undergo bariatric surgery every year. Patients seeking body-contouring procedures face a staggering rate of surgical complications caused by obesity-associated systemic and local factors impairing wound healing. Closed incision negative-pressure therapy (ciNPT) systems could improve surgical outcomes in these patients. Here, we tested this hypothesis in a retrospective case-control series of post-bariatric patients undergoing an abdominoplasty. We reviewed the clinical data of 11 post-bariatric patients (average BMI 34) who had undergone an abdominoplasty followed by either standard post-operative wound treatment (control) or ciNPT (at 125mmHg for 8days). Data (follow-up 90days) was analyzed, measuring the time to heal of wounds (primary end-point), the rate of local surgical complications, and the quality of scars (Vancouver Scar Scale, VSS) (secondary endpoints). No discomfort was associated with the use of ciNPT. Surgical wounds healed two times faster in patients treated with ciNPT compared to controls (time-to-dry: 10.8 ± 5days vs. 23 ± 7). ciNPT was associated with a significantly lower rate of minor local complications (0%) compared to controls (80%), leading to shorter hospitalization, less dressing changes, and lower costs for the care of wounds with minor complications. One patient in the ciNPT group developed a major local complication (hematoma). The VSS demonstrated a higher quality of scars in the ciNPT group at a 90-day follow-up. ciNPT might reduce the rate of minor local complications in post-bariatric patients undergoing body-contouring procedures, improving surgical outcomes and treatment costs.

Analysis of Complications in Postbariatric Abdominoplasty: Our Experience.

Abdominoplasty is one of the most popular body-contouring procedures. It is associated with a significant number of complications: the most common ones are seroma, hematoma, infection, wound-healing problems, and skin flap necrosis. From January 2012 to December 2014, 25 patients (18 women and 7 men) (mean age: 51 years) underwent abdominoplastic surgery at the Plastic Surgery Section, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Italy. All patients reported a weight loss between 15 kg and 47 kg. All of the of 25 patients were included in the study; minor and major complications were seen in 17 (68%) and 8 (32%) patients, respectively. The percentage of complications in our patients was as follows: 9 patients with seroma (36%); 4 patients with wound dehiscence with delayed wound healing (16%); 3 cases with hematoma (12%); 2 patients with postoperative bleeding (8%); 1 patient (4%) with an umbilical necrosis; 1 patient (4%) with a deep vein thrombosis; 3 patients with infected seroma (12%); and 2 patients with wound infection (8%). There were no cases of postoperative mortality. The aim of this study is to analyze our complications in postbariatric abdominoplasty.

Quality of Life after Postbariatric Abdominoplasty in Females: Interest of Age, Current Weight and Weight Loss

Background: Aiming to analyze whether abdominoplasty might benefit quality of life of postbariatric females with redundant abdominal skin folds beyond the first year, a clinical investigation after 2-4 years was designed. Despite being a reputed and popular procedure after massive weight loss, results are still debated. It was hypothesized that sustained improvements in quality of life, independent of previous anti-obesity gastroplasty, would be demonstrated. Methods: This was a prospective study in a female cohort. Patients (N=22) were submitted to abdominoplasty with the age of 42.7 ± 9.1 years and body mass index/BMI of 27.2 ± 2.7 kg/m2, about five years after bariatric Rouxen- Y gastric bypass. The interview occurred after an additional 32.0 ± 8.2 months. Results: All post abdominoplasty indices of quality of life were benefitted, with emphasis on body contour, sexual activity and dressing. Despite frequent surgical wound complications (40.9%), most were minor and patients had few complaints about their scars. More than 90% would undergo the operation again, or recommend it to a friend. Major weight loss, or low BMI at the time of abdominoplasty, signaled better sexual and dressing scores. Sexual score was more increased in younger participants. Conclusion: This paper suggest that abdominoplasty in ex-obese patients increased quality of life, related to the following domains body contour, mobility, hygiene, dressing, and sexuality.