Tracking Complications and Unplanned Healthcare Utilization in Aesthetic Surgery: An Analysis of 214,504 Patients...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Health Services Research
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Tracking surgical complications and unplanned healthcare utilization is crucial for quality initiatives in aesthetic surgery.
• This study analyzes data from the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons database.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the rates and predictors of surgical complications.
• To assess unplanned healthcare utilization across common aesthetic surgery procedures.

Main Methods:

• The Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons database was queried for patients undergoing common aesthetic procedures between 2008 and 2019.
• Incidence and risk factors for complications, readmission, reoperation, and emergency room visits were determined.

Main Results:

• A total of 214,504 patients were included, with low incidences of perioperative complications (e.g., seroma 1.1%, hematoma 0.7%, deep SSI 0.2%).
• Unplanned readmission, ER visits, and reoperation rates were 0.34%, 0.25%, and 0.80%, respectively.
• Abdominoplasty patients had higher rates of unplanned care. Increased age, diabetes, BMI, ASA class, longer operative times, and combined procedures were associated with increased risk.

Conclusions:

• Perioperative complications and unplanned healthcare utilization are infrequent following common aesthetic procedures.
• Continued data entry into national aesthetic surgery databases is vital for benchmarking and enhancing quality of care.