Comparing Body Contouring Surgery Outcomes Inpatient Versus Outpatient in an Appalachian Tristate Population

Body contouring surgery is becoming increasingly popular. Many patients desire aesthetic improvement, but many also desire functional improvement after significant weight loss. Furthermore, there are few studies which analyze whether these patients need to be admitted postoperatively. We seek to evaluate whether outpatient surgery for body contouring surgery has any impact on outcomes and readmission rates in an Appalachian population.

The authors performed a retrospective chart review of 370 patients from January 2010 to December 2023 age 18 years and older who underwent body contouring surgery at an Appalachian tertiary academic center. It was first noted what surgery the patient underwent and whether the patient was admitted postoperatively. Then, outcomes and complications within 90 days were noted. These included unexpected admission/readmission, infection, seroma/hematoma formation, wound separation, incision necrosis, venous thromboembolism, and mortality. We also examined rates of unexpected reoperation 1 year postoperatively. Statistical analysis was then performed.

There were 264 remaining patients who underwent outpatient surgery and 90 patients who underwent inpatient surgery. In regard to infection, seroma/hematoma formation, wound separation, incision necrosis, venous thromboembolism, and mortality, there was no statistical difference between inpatient or outpatient surgery. There was a statistically significant decreased risk in readmission for breast reduction when performed outpatient (odds ratio = 0.0519, P = 0.004) and a decreased rate of reoperation after bilateral breast augmentation (odds ratio 0.0417, P = 0.0453).

Outpatient body contouring surgery is a safe and effective option for those in rural Appalachia and should be considered whenever possible.