Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked at whether preserving a layer of tissue in the lower abdomen called the Scarpa fascia helps to reduce complications after a tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty). These complications include excess fluid (seroma) and bleeding.

The researchers looked at data from various sources, including several databases and other studies. They compared cases where the Scarpa fascia was preserved during the surgery with those where it wasn’t.

They found that preserving this layer of tissue significantly reduced the occurrence of seroma, the time until the surgical drain could be removed, the amount of fluid that the drain collected, and the length of the hospital stay. However, it didn’t affect the chances of bleeding, infection, or the stitches breaking.

The conclusion of the study is that preserving the Scarpa fascia during tummy tuck surgery can help reduce certain complications and should be recommended. However, it doesn’t seem to affect the risk of other complications like bleeding or infection.

FAQs

  1. Does preserving the Scarpa fascia during abdominoplasty reduce post-surgery complications?
  2. How does the preservation of the Scarpa fascia affect the occurrence of seroma and the length of hospital stay after a tummy tuck surgery?
  3. Does preserving the Scarpa fascia during abdominoplasty affect the risk of bleeding or infection?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about abdominoplasty is to discuss with their surgeon the option of preserving the Scarpa fascia during the surgery. This may help reduce the risk of complications such as seroma and potentially lead to a smoother recovery process. It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with the surgeon about all aspects of the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is typically recommended for patients who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. This procedure is often recommended for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, women who have had multiple pregnancies, or individuals who have excess skin and fat due to aging.

Patients who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery, and are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the procedure are good candidates for abdominoplasty. It is important for patients to have a stable weight and not plan on significant weight loss in the future, as this can affect the results of the surgery.

Additionally, patients who have a significant amount of excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, are non-smokers, and have good skin elasticity are also good candidates for abdominoplasty. It is important for patients to discuss their goals and expectations with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if abdominoplasty is the right procedure for them.

Timeline

Before abdominoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations for the surgery.
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure the patient is a good candidate for surgery.
  3. Preparing for the surgery by following pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as avoiding certain medications and fasting.
  4. The surgery itself, which typically involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the abdominal muscles.

After abdominoplasty:

  1. Recovery period, which includes pain management, wearing compression garments, and following post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon.
  2. Monitoring for complications such as seroma, bleeding, infection, and wound healing issues.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to assess healing progress and address any concerns or questions.
  4. Long-term results, which may include improved abdominal contour, reduced excess skin and fat, and increased confidence and satisfaction with appearance.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about abdominoplasty include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty?
  2. How will the surgery be performed and what techniques will be used?
  3. Will the Scarpa fascia be preserved during the surgery? What are the potential benefits of preserving this tissue?
  4. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the healing process?
  5. What are the expected results of the abdominoplasty surgery?
  6. What are the limitations of the procedure and are there any alternative treatments to consider?
  7. How many abdominoplasty surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the associated risks?
  9. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or attend follow-up appointments?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before and after the surgery to optimize my results and minimize complications?

Reference

Authors: Xiao X, Ye L. Journal: Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2017 Jun;41(3):585-590. doi: 10.1007/s00266-017-0784-4. Epub 2017 Jan 27. PMID: 28405750