Abdominoplasty combined with additional surgery: a safety issue
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
|April 3, 2009
Summary
Combining abdominoplasty with other surgeries is safe and does not increase complication risks. However, elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly predicts postoperative complications, highlighting the importance of patient selection.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Abdominoplasty combined with other procedures is increasingly common.
- Concerns exist regarding increased postoperative complications with combined surgeries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if abdominoplasty combined with adjunct procedures increases patient morbidity.
- To analyze complication rates in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 102 patients undergoing abdominoplasty (alone or combined) from 2003-2005.
- Combined procedures included breast reduction, mastopexy, hysterectomy, colostomy revisions, and ventral hernia repairs.
- Complication rates were correlated with BMI.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in complication rates between abdominoplasty alone (18.5%) and combined procedures (17%).
- Direct correlation found between elevated BMI and increased complication rates (9% for BMI < 25 vs. 36% for BMI > 30).
- Obesity was a significant predictor of postoperative complications.
Conclusions:
- Combining abdominoplasty with additional procedures appears safe for carefully selected patients.
- Appropriate deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis is crucial.
- Patient selection and BMI are key factors in managing risks.
