Our Summary

This study looks at a common complication of tummy tucks, known as seroma, which is the buildup of fluid in areas where tissue has been removed. The researchers reviewed studies on three different techniques to see if they could reduce the chances of this happening. The techniques were: leaving a layer of connective tissue (Scarpa’s fascia) intact, using a specific type of stitching (progressive tension sutures), and applying a special glue (fibrin glue).

They found 15 relevant studies involving 1824 patients. Their analysis revealed that leaving the Scarpa’s fascia intact or using progressive tension sutures significantly lowered the chances of seroma happening. On the other hand, the use of fibrin glue didn’t make a difference.

So, this study suggests that certain techniques during a tummy tuck might lower the risk of seroma, but the glue doesn’t seem to help. However, they also noted that the overall quality of the studies was not very high, mostly because they weren’t randomized.

FAQs

  1. What is the common complication of tummy tucks known as seroma?
  2. What techniques were found to lower the risk of seroma during a tummy tuck?
  3. Did the use of fibrin glue help in reducing the chances of seroma?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, it’s important to discuss these findings with your plastic surgeon before undergoing abdominoplasty. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation to help reduce the risk of complications like seroma. Additionally, following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely can also help minimize the chances of developing complications.

Suitable For

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is typically recommended for patients who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that has not responded to diet and exercise. This procedure is often performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight or women who have had multiple pregnancies and are looking to tighten and flatten their abdomen. Patients should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their medical history, goals, and concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if abdominoplasty is the right procedure for them.

Timeline

Before abdominoplasty:

  1. Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations for the procedure.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical exam and medical history review to determine if they are a good candidate for abdominoplasty.
  3. Patient receives pre-operative instructions, including guidelines for diet, medications, and smoking cessation.
  4. Patient schedules surgery date and makes necessary arrangements for recovery.

After abdominoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgery, which typically takes a few hours and involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home or to a post-operative care facility.
  3. Patient experiences swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient follows post-operative instructions, including wearing compression garments, taking pain medications, and avoiding strenuous activities.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  6. Over time, swelling and bruising subside, and the patient begins to see the final results of the abdominoplasty.

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, including the risk of developing seroma?
  2. How often do you see seroma in your patients who undergo abdominoplasty?
  3. Will you be using any specific techniques during the procedure to reduce the risk of seroma, such as leaving Scarpa’s fascia intact or using progressive tension sutures?
  4. What is your experience and success rate with these techniques in preventing seroma?
  5. How will seroma be detected and treated if it does occur after the surgery?
  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or precautions I should follow to reduce the risk of seroma?
  7. What is the typical recovery process like for patients who undergo abdominoplasty, and how does the risk of seroma impact this?
  8. Are there any factors about my individual health or anatomy that may increase my risk of developing seroma after abdominoplasty?
  9. Can you provide me with any additional information or resources about seroma and how it is managed in the context of abdominoplasty?

Reference

Authors: Ardehali B, Fiorentino F. Journal: Aesthet Surg J. 2017 Oct 16;37(10):1136-1143. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjx051. PMID: 28482000