Our Summary

This research paper discusses one of the most common cosmetic body shaping surgeries, abdominoplasty, also known as a “tummy tuck”. The most common early complication of this procedure is the formation of seromas. These are pockets of clear bodily fluid that can occur after surgery. Most of the time, these can be resolved by draining the fluid. However, in rare cases, these seromas can become chronic and form pseudocysts, which would require surgical intervention.

The paper presents a case where a pseudocyst had to be completely removed to prevent it from coming back. The authors suggest that the best way to prevent recurrence is by using a combination of techniques. These include quilting sutures (stitches that fasten the skin to the underlying tissue), fibrin glue (a type of surgical glue), suction drainage for three weeks, and pressure garments.

FAQs

  1. What is the most common early complication after abdominoplasty?
  2. How is chronic seroma and pseudocyst formation after abdominoplasty treated?
  3. What methods are used to prevent recurrence of pseudocysts after abdominoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about abdominoplasty is to closely follow post-operative care instructions to help prevent complications such as seroma formation. This can include wearing compression garments, avoiding strenuous activity, and attending follow-up appointments for proper monitoring and treatment if needed.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for abdominoplasty are those who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that cannot be improved through diet and exercise alone. This includes individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, women who have had multiple pregnancies, or anyone who has loose abdominal skin and muscles due to aging or genetics. It is important for patients to be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure.

Timeline

Before abdominoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss the desired results, expectations, and potential risks.
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Preparing for surgery by following pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as avoiding certain medications and fasting before the procedure.

After abdominoplasty:

  1. Immediately after surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room before being discharged home or to a post-operative care facility.
  2. The patient will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the abdominal area, which can be managed with pain medication and compression garments.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications.
  4. Over the following weeks and months, the patient will gradually see improvement in their abdominal contour as swelling subsides and the incision heals.
  5. Patients are advised to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, such as avoiding strenuous activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to optimize results and minimize complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty, including seroma formation and chronic seroma/pseudocyst formation?

  2. How can I reduce my risk of developing seroma or chronic seroma/pseudocyst after abdominoplasty?

  3. What is the typical recovery process like after abdominoplasty, and how long can I expect to be off work or limited in my activities?

  4. Will I need to have drains placed after the surgery, and if so, how long will they need to stay in place?

  5. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery, and what signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication like chronic seroma or pseudocyst formation?

  6. What can be done to treat chronic seroma or pseudocyst if it does occur, and what are the potential long-term implications of these complications?

  7. Can you provide me with before and after photos of patients who have undergone abdominoplasty, specifically focusing on their outcomes and any complications they may have experienced?

  8. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after abdominoplasty to optimize my results and minimize my risk of complications?

  9. How many abdominoplasty procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate in terms of patient satisfaction and complication rates?

  10. Are there any alternative procedures or treatment options that could achieve similar results to abdominoplasty without the potential risk of chronic seroma or pseudocyst formation?

Reference

Authors: Dujmović A, Jurišić N, Orehovec SS, Vrbanović Mijatović V, Mijatović D. Journal: Acta Clin Croat. 2022 Feb;60(3):548-551. doi: 10.20471/acc.2021.60.03.28. PMID: 35282498