Our Summary

The research conducted a study on patients who had a tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) to identify what factors might make a person more likely to experience complications from the procedure. The study ran from 2013 to 2016 and included 235 patients from Brugmann University Hospital. The researchers looked at various potential risk factors including gender, obesity (having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher), smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, having had abdominal surgery before, weight loss, other surgeries performed at the same time, liposuction, muscle separation correction, and how long surgical drains were left in place.

The study found that nearly half of the patients experienced complications. These complications were classified into three categories: major ones requiring another surgery within 15 days, minor ones that could be treated locally, and aesthetic complications that were corrected at a later date.

The study found that being obese, having lost weight, having other surgeries at the same time, and leaving surgical drains in place for more than 3 days significantly increased the risk of complications. Also, combinations of risk factors, such as smoking and having had previous abdominal surgery, significantly increased the risk.

The study concluded that tummy tuck surgery has a high risk of complications, especially for obese patients and those needing additional procedures. Currently, there are no clear guidelines for surgeons to select the best candidates for this surgery. However, the identified risk factors should be taken into account and discussed with the patient before deciding on surgery.

FAQs

  1. What were the significant risk factors for complications in abdominoplasty procedures according to the study?
  2. What percentage of patients experienced complications after undergoing abdominoplasty in the study conducted at the Brugmann University Hospital?
  3. According to the study, how does the combination of active smoking and previous abdominal surgery affect the risk of complications in abdominoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about abdominoplasty is to maintain a healthy body weight and lifestyle before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, discussing any previous abdominal surgeries, smoking habits, and the duration of suction drains with the surgeon can help them make informed decisions about the surgery. It is important for patients to understand the potential risks and benefits of abdominoplasty before undergoing the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended abdominoplasty are those who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, often resulting from significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. Additionally, patients with a BMI≥30, active smokers, individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure, those who have had previous abdominal surgeries, and those who have experienced muscle diastasis may also be candidates for abdominoplasty. It is important for patients to be informed of the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure, such as infections, blood clots, and poor wound healing, to make an informed decision about undergoing abdominoplasty.

Timeline

  • Before abdominoplasty:
  1. Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if they are a suitable candidate.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations, including medical history, physical examination, and possibly lab tests.
  3. Patient may be advised to quit smoking and lose weight before the surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
  4. Surgical date is scheduled and patient receives pre-operative instructions.
  5. Patient undergoes abdominoplasty procedure, which involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tightening the abdominal muscles, and repositioning the belly button.
  6. Patient wakes up from anesthesia and is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home.
  • After abdominoplasty:
  1. Patient experiences pain, swelling, and bruising in the abdominal area, which can be managed with pain medication and compression garments.
  2. Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks to allow for proper healing.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, including proper wound care and follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
  4. Patient may experience complications such as infection, seroma (fluid accumulation), or wound healing issues, which may require additional treatment.
  5. Patient may undergo a second intervention if major complications arise within the first 15 days after the surgery.
  6. Patient may require additional procedures to address aesthetic complications or achieve desired results.
  7. Patient gradually sees improvement in the appearance of their abdomen as swelling resolves and scars fade over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty?
  2. Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty based on my medical history and current health status?
  3. What experience do you have performing abdominoplasty procedures?
  4. What is the recovery process like after abdominoplasty?
  5. How long will it take for me to see the final results of the procedure?
  6. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  7. How long will I need to take off work or limit my physical activity after abdominoplasty?
  8. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments in conjunction with abdominoplasty?
  9. Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous abdominoplasty patients you have treated?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the surgery to minimize the risk of complications?

Reference

Authors: Montesanti B, Kahhaleh E, De Mey A. Journal: Acta Chir Belg. 2022 Feb;122(1):1-6. doi: 10.1080/00015458.2021.2014034. Epub 2021 Dec 16. PMID: 34866546