Weight Control following Body Contouring Surgery: Long-Term Assessment of Postbariatric and Nonbariatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Few reports of weight maintenance following body contouring (BC) surgery present weight measurements as percentage weight change, and most of these studies do not isolate BC to specific body areas. This study analyzed weight control in the trunk-based BC population and further compared BC outcomes in postbariatric and nonbariatric patients. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive postbariatric and nonbariatric patients who underwent trunk-based BC (abdominoplasty, panniculectomy, and circumferential lipectomy) from January 1, 2009, through July 31, 2020, at West Virginia University. A minimum 12-month follow-up was required for inclusion. With BC surgery date as the reference point, percentage total weight loss was assessed at 6-month intervals for 2 years following BC and every year thereafter. Change over time was compared between postbariatric and nonbariatric patients. RESULTS: Within the 12-year timeframe, 121 patients meeting criteria underwent trunk-based BC. Average follow-up from date of BC was 42.9 months. Sixty patients (49.6%) had previously undergone bariatric surgery. From before BC to endpoint follow-up, postbariatric and nonbariatric patients experienced a 4.39% ± 10.93% and 0.25% ± 9.43% increase in weight from baseline, respectively ( P = 0.0273). Once nadir weight loss was attained, weight regain occurred through endpoint follow-up in both groups (11.81% in the postbariatric cohort and 7.56% in the nonbariatric BC cohort; P = 0.0106). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term weight regain is common following trunk-based BC operations-specifically, in postbariatric patients. Although this should not contend with the psychological benefit of removing this excess tissue, it is important to report results with ideal weight metrics to optimally assess outcomes in this population. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

A 20-Year Analysis of Medicare Reimbursement for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (2000 to 2020).

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate monetary trends in Medicare reimbursement rates for 30 abdominal wall reconstruction surgical procedures over a 20-year period (2000 to 2020). METHODS: The Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was used for each of the 30 included current CPT codes, and reimbursement data were extracted. Monetary data were adjusted for inflation to 2020 U.S. dollars using changes to the United States consumer price index. The R 2 values for the average annual percentage change and the average total percentage change in reimbursement were calculated based on these adjusted trends for all included procedures. RESULTS: After adjusting for inflation, the average reimbursement for all procedures decreased by 17.1% from 2000 to 2020. The greatest mean decrease was observed for CPT code 49568 (the implantation of mesh or other prosthesis for open incisional or ventral hernia repair or mesh for closure of débridement for necrotizing soft-tissue infection, -34.4%). The only procedure with an increased adjusted reimbursement rate throughout the study period was CPT code 20680 (+3.9%). From 2000 to 2020, the adjusted reimbursement rate for all included procedures decreased by an average of 0.85% each year, with an average R 2 value of 0.78, indicating a stable decline throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Reimbursement rates are declining when adjusted for inflation. Increased awareness of these trends is helpful to maintain access to optimal abdominal reconstruction care in the United States.

Puboplasty as an integral step in massive weight loss abdominal contouring: a retrospective assessment of results, stability, and patients' satisfaction.

Ex-obese patients complain about abdomen and pubis deformities following massive weight loss, due to skin and soft tissue redundancy. Abdominoplasty is often the first corrective procedure performed, but residual mons pubis deformities may impair the final outcome, thus concomitant correction becomes necessary. Sixty patients were treated by the same surgeon between 2008 and 2018, 30 of them receiving only standard umbilical transposition abdominoplasty (A group), and 30 having concurrent monsplasty (AM group), namely skin excess removal, pubic suspension and skin redistribution following superolateral vectors, re-establishment of superficial fascia continuity, with or without liposuction. Retrospective comparison of the two groups included: a subjective evaluation through administration of questionnaires (BODY-QTM, a questionnaire assessing functional and aesthetic improvements after surgery, a questionnaire assessing the overall satisfaction), and an objective evaluation of pre- and post-operative pictures to estimate mons pubis suspension and result stability. Four minor complications were recorded: 1 wound dehiscence in A group, 3 seromas in AM group. All measured outcomes were higher in AM group, with statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in almost all the questionnaire and BODY-QTM items, and the photographic assessment confirmed higher degree of mons pubis suspension and superior result stability in AM group. We presented a standardized approach to mons pubis reshaping during abdominoplasty, through a straightforward, safe and quick procedure. Our experience supports the significance of the concomitant correction of abdominal and mons pubis deformities, improving the results of the surgery from both a subjective and objective point of view.

Sociodemographic characteristics of patients and their use of post-bariatric contouring surgery in the US.

BACKGROUND: Expansion of healthcare insurance coverage to bariatric surgeries has led to an increased demand from patients for post-bariatric contouring surgeries. This study examined the relationship between the use of contouring procedures on post-bariatric surgery patients, clinical need and sociodemographic factors. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample (NASS) regarding hospital-owned ambulatory surgical centres in the US. Episodes without missing values relating to patients, 18 years old or above were the primary unit of analysis. Episodes were excluded if the field regarding expected payer was reported as "no charge." The primary outcome was the likelihood of panniculectomy, abdominoplasty, and mastopexy among post-bariatric surgery patients; and the degree to which uptake of these types of contouring surgery were associated with age, gender, median households' income, expected payer, patient's location, and comorbidity. RESULTS: A total of 66,368 weighted episodes of care received by patients who had had bariatric surgery were extracted (54,684 female [82.4%]; mean age, 51.3 [SD, 12.1]; 6219 episodes had contouring surgeries [9.37%]). Panniculectomy was the most common post-bariatric contouring procedure (3.68%). Uptake of post-bariatric contouring procedures was associated with age, sex, payment type, area-based measures of median household income, and patient location. Compared to Medicare insured patients, the odds of receiving contouring surgery among self-payers were 1.82 (95% CI, 1.47 to 2.26) for panniculectomy, 14.79 (95% CI, 12.19 to 17.93) for abdominoplasty and 47.97 (95% CI, 32.76 to 70.24) for mastopexy. Rank order of comorbidity profiles also differed between insured and self-paying recipients of contouring surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Insurance status of bariatric surgery patients and their sex were strongly associated with receipt of a range of contouring procedures. Self-payments were associated with a doubling of the odds of having panniculectomy and an increase in the odds to approximately 14 times for abdominoplasty and 48 times for mastopexy. Thus, access to contouring surgery by post-bariatric patients may be disproportionately dependent on personal preference supported by ability to pay rather than clinical need. Further research is needed to examine the impact of contouring or delayed/denied contouring on health status.

Health technology assessment through the six sigma approach in abdominoplasty: Scalpel vs electrosurgery.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure conducted to reduce excess abdominal skin and fat and improve body contouring. Despite being commonly performed, it is associated with a risk of complications such as infection, seroma, haematoma and wound dehiscence. To reduce the incidence of complications, different methods are used to create the abdominal flap, i.e., incision with a scalpel or electrosurgery. In this study, health technology assessment (HTA) using the Six Sigma methodology was conducted to compare these incision techniques in patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Two consecutively enroled groups of patients (33 in the scalpel group and 35 in the electrosurgery group) who underwent surgery at a single institution, the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", were analysed using the drain output as the main outcome for comparison of the incision techniques. While no difference was found regarding haematoma or seroma formation (no cases in either group), the main results also indicate a greater drain output (p-value<0.001) and a greater incidence of dehiscence (p-value=0.056) in patients whose incisions were made through electrosurgery. The combination of HTA and the Six Sigma methodology was useful to prove the possible advantages of creating skin incisions with a scalpel in full abdominoplasty, particularly a significant reduction in the total drain output and a reduction in wound healing problems, namely, wound dehiscence, when compared with electrosurgery, despite considering two limited and heterogeneous groups.

The Ever-Present Costs of Cosmetic Surgery Tourism: A 5-Year Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic surgery tourism is an ever-growing industry. Despite its associated risks, an increasing number of patients are presenting to NHS services with resulting complications. This study aims to evaluate the current presentation patterns for complications in cosmetic surgery tourism, and the financial burden to the NHS reported by a single UK level one trauma centre in Birmingham, UK. METHODS: From 2015 to 2020, all patients presenting to the department of plastic surgery with complications of cosmetic surgery performed outside of the UK were included. Data were collected for patients' characteristics including demographics, performed procedures, complications and treatment. A cost analysis was performed for each patient using published "National Schedule of NHS Costs." RESULTS: A total of 26 patients presented to our hospital within the study period. All patients were female, with the mean age being 35.1 years (range 22-55years). A total of 32 cosmetic procedures were undertaken, with the majority performed in Turkey (n = 14). Abdominoplasty was the most common procedure, followed by gluteal enhancement surgery. The total financial cost to the NHS from all cosmetic surgery-related complications was £152,946, with an average cost per patient of £5,882.54 (range £362-£26,585). CONCLUSION: Patients seek out medical tourism for multiple reasons including cost savings, shorter waiting times and surgical expertise. The costs displayed should predominantly be viewed as a reflection of the detrimental effect these complications can have on patients' lives. Global governing bodies should focus efforts on educating patients and raising awareness on this ever-prevalent issue. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Anterior abdominal wall reconstruction with mesh implants: indications and limitations in a developing tropical economy.

INTRODUCTION: the role of surgery in managing massive midline abdominal wall defects has continued to rise, leading to higher demand for more effective techniques in order to limit recurrences. There is paucity of data on this subject in Southeast Nigeria. The aim of this study is to document the indications and challenges of treatment of complex, midline abdominal wall defects in our centre. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study of adult patients with complex, midline abdominal wall defects managed with mesh implants over a five-year period. RESULTS: a total of 182 adult patients, predominantly females 160(87.9%), received mesh implants for complex abdominal wall defects. The common indications were incisional hernia 128(70.3%), abdominal wound dehiscence 16(8.8%) and divarication of recti 16(8.8%). About one-third 62(34.1%) of the patients required additional abdominoplasty procedure. Delay towards prompt surgical repair was noted in 168(92.3%) patients, notably due to financial constraints 32(17.6%) followed by comorbidities requiring serial assessments 24(13.2%). Superficial wound infection rate was 5.5% while deep (mesh) infection was noted in two (1.1%) patients. Recurrence and perioperative mortality rates were 1.1% and 1.6% respectively. Diabetes mellitus in obese female patients was an independent predictor of perioperative death (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: the most common indication for abdominal wall reconstruction in our environment is incisional hernia. The use of prosthetic meshes to repair complex abdominal wall defects is largely safe and effective in our practice, but timely reconstruction is commonly hampered by multi-faceted economic, clinical and pathological barriers.

Abdominoplasty with Scarpa Fascia Preservation: Randomized Controlled Trial with Assessment of Scar Quality and Cutaneous Sensibility.

BACKGROUND: Scarpa fascia preservation during abdominoplasty has been shown to reduce complications associated with the traditional technique. As an extension of a previously published randomized controlled trial, this study aims to clarify whether preservation of Scarpa fascia during abdominoplasty has an influence on scar quality or sensibility recovery. METHODS: This was a single-center clinical trial, involving 160 patients randomly assigned to one of two surgical procedures: classic full abdominoplasty (group A) and abdominoplasty with preservation of Scarpa fascia (group B). Patients were later convoked to assess scar quality and abdominal cutaneous sensibility. Scar quality was evaluated through the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Cutaneous sensibility was measured on the upper and lower abdomen, using light touch, Semmes-Weinstein testing (5.07/10-g monofilament), and a 25-gauge needle. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients (group A, 54 patients; group B, 45 patients) responded to contact, with a mean follow-up time of 44 months. Concerning scar quality, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores were similar between groups. On the upper abdomen, there was a statistically significant difference between groups on cutaneous sensibility, on the examination with the Semmes-Weinstein 5.07/10-g monofilament (group A, 79.6 percent; group B, 93.3 percent; p = 0.046) and pain (group A, 90.7 percent; group B, 100 percent; p = 0.044). No statistically significant differences were found between groups on the lower abdomen. A considerable proportion of patients (two-thirds) still presented sensibility alterations in the subumbilical area 3½ years after abdominoplasty. CONCLUSION: Scarpa fascia preservation during abdominoplasty does not influence scar quality, but it improves sensibility recovery in the supraumbilical area. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

The Northwestern Abdominoplasty Scar Model: A Tool for High-Throughput Assessment of Scar Therapeutics.

Significance: Scar management is an important concern in plastic surgery. Scar models that best mimic in vivo human scarring are essential for understanding scar development and progression, assessing the efficacy of therapeutics, and providing reliable and valid research outcomes. Recent Advances: In 2016, Lanier et al. proposed a new in vivo patient model, the Northwestern Abdominoplasty Scar Model, that overcomes the prior limitations of both animal and human models, with greater representativeness of the human scarring process, expedited recruitment, smaller sample requirements, and greater flexibility in the types and number of interventions that can be studied simultaneously. Critical Issues: Existing animal models suffer from limitations that impede generalization to human scars. Human scar studies are difficult to conduct and rarely used due to recruitment difficulties, ethical concerns regarding purposeful wounding, and inherent variability based on location, type of scar, and the heterogeneity of the host response between humans. Although overcoming many of these hurdles, the Northwestern Abdominoplasty Scar Model still has a few limitations. In addition, there remains a need for further study of and comparison between the Northwestern Abdominoplasty Scar Model and existing human and animal models, to inspire more widespread acceptance of a standardized human scar model. Future Directions: The Northwestern Abdominoplasty Scar Model is a critical stepping stone toward better human scar models. This model hopefully will inspire other in vivo patient models utilizing elective surgery to overcome recruitment and ethical concerns.

Review of Insurance Coverage for Abdominal Contouring Procedures in the Postbariatric Population.

BACKGROUND: Following bariatric surgery, patients develop problems related to lax abdominal skin that may be addressed by contouring procedures. Third-party insurers have subjective requirements for coverage of these procedures that can limit patient access. The authors sought to determine how well third-party payers cover abdominal contouring procedures in this population. METHODS: The authors conducted a cross-sectional analysis of insurance policies for coverage of panniculectomy, lower back excision, and circumferential lipectomy. Abdominoplasty was evaluated as an alternative to panniculectomy. Insurance companies were selected based on their market share and state enrolment. A list of medical necessity criteria was abstracted from the policies that offered coverage. RESULTS: Of the 55 companies evaluated, 98 percent had a policy that covered panniculectomy versus 36 percent who would cover lower back excision (p < 0.0001), and one-third provided coverage for circumferential lipectomy. Of the insurers who covered panniculectomy, only 30 percent would also cover abdominoplasty. Documentation of secondary skin conditions was the most prevalent criterion in panniculectomy policies (100 percent), whereas impaired function and secondary skin conditions were most common for coverage of lower back excision (73 percent and 73 percent, respectively). Frequency of criteria for panniculectomy versus lower back excision differed most notably for (1) secondary skin conditions (100 percent versus 73 percent; p = 0.0030), (2) weight loss (45 percent versus 7 percent; p = 0.0106), and (3) duration of weight stability (82 percent versus 53 percent; p = 0.0415). CONCLUSIONS: For the postbariatric population, panniculectomy was covered more often and had more standardized criteria than lower back excision or circumferential lipectomy. However, all have vast intracompany and interpolicy variations in coverage criteria that may reduce access to procedures, even among patients with established indications.

Quality Assessment of Online Information on Body Contouring Surgery in Postbariatric Patient.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, we have to face the fact that the Web represents one of the most important sources of information for patients. Postbariatric patients in particular are usually very motivated, and they are enthusiastic users of the Web as a source of information on the different types of surgery they could undergo after their weight loss in order to reshape and remodel their body thus regaining physical and functional wellness and dignity. The aim of the study was to assess information on the four most commonly performed postbariatric procedures worldwide, tummy tuck, breast, arm and thigh lift, with the same scale. METHODS: Google and Yahoo have been probed for the keywords "Post bariatric Mastopexy OR breast lift" and "Post bariatric abdominoplasty OR tummy tuck" and "Post bariatric brachioplasty OR arm lift" and "post bariatric thigh lift". The first 50 hits were included, and the quality of information was evaluated with the expanded EQIP scale. RESULTS: There was a critical lack of information about qualitative risks and side-effect description, treatment of potential complications, alert signs for the patient and precautions that the patient may take. Moreover, there was poor information about the sequence of the medical procedure, quantitative benefits and risks and quality of life issues after the procedure, and often, there were no other sources of information. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the poor and not reliable information offered by the Web, health professionals should seek for a good communication practice with their patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Surgical Management of Diastasis Recti: A Systematic Review of Insurance Coverage in the United States.

BACKGROUND: As elective surgery becomes more popular, the stringency of insurance coverage policies has increased exponentially. Many patients with diastasis recti (DR) are denied coverage of the corrective surgery that has been shown to improve function and quality of life in this patient population. Plastic surgeons are frustrated by the lack of guidelines and sparsity of coverage for surgical correction of DR. METHODS: Fifty-four US insurance companies and Medicare were reviewed to determine their policies of coverage. These policies were compared with the guidelines set forth by the American Society of Plastic surgery and current literature on DR. RESULTS: Insurance company policy for DR repair is not clear nor well established. Of the 55 policies reviewed in this study, 51 had an established policy. Forty of these companies would not cover abdominoplasty to repair DR under any circumstances. Eleven companies required preauthorization to ensure that the patient met the requirements of medical necessity. These requirements differed from company to company. A comprehensive list was compiled of details required for preauthorization. CONCLUSIONS: Insurance company policies do not recognize the spectrum of patients with DR and the necessity of abdominoplasty to relieve symptoms of patients with severe debilitation. The current Common Procedural Terminology coding classifies abdominoplasty to repair DR solely as a cosmetic procedure. Policies for DR repair should be amended to include a functional procedure reimbursement for severe DR and include detailed guidelines for coverage requirements to simplify the reimbursement process.

Abdominal wall reconstruction with large polypropylene mesh: is bigger better?

PURPOSE: Hernia repair for large and complex hernias presents challenges related to the availability of larger mesh sizes. When sizes beyond those manufactured are required, multiple meshes (MM) may be sutured to create a larger graft. With the availability of large polypropylene mesh up to 50 × 50 cm (LM), abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) may be accomplished with a single mesh. This study evaluates clinical and economic outcomes following AWR with component separation utilizing MM and LM. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed with review of health records and cost accounting data. Patients that underwent AWR with LM were case matched 1:1 with patients undergoing MM repair based upon comorbidities, defect size and wound class. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients underwent AWR with LM. Twenty patients (10F, 10 M) who underwent AWR with LM were matched with 20 MM AWR (11F, 9 M). Age, BMI, ASA 3 + , never smoker, diabetes, and hernia characteristics were similar between LM and MM. Operative cost ($4295 vs $3669, p = 0.127), operative time (259 min vs 243 min, p = 0.817), length of stay (5.5 vs 6.2, p = 0.484), wound complication (30% vs 20%, p = 0.716), infected seroma (5% vs 5%, p = 1), and readmission (5% vs 15%, p = 0.605) were similar between LM and MM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of patients undergoing AWR with a large 50 × 50 cm prolene mesh. In this small cohort, clinical outcomes were similar between those undergoing repair with multiple sutured mesh sheets and a single large mesh.

Cutting through the fat: a retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes, cost, and quality of life with the addition of panniculectomy to ventral hernia repair in overweight patients.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increased prevalence of overweight patients with ventral hernia, abdominal wall reconstruction combining ventral hernia repair (VHR) with panniculectomy (VHR-PAN) in overweight patients is increasingly considered. We present a retrospective comparison between VHR-PAN and VHR alone in overweight patients by examining costs, clinical outcomes, and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: Patients with body mass index (BMI) > 25.0 kg/m2 underwent VHR-PAN or VHR alone between September 2015 and May 2017 with a single surgeon and were matched into cohorts by BMI and age (n = 24 in each cohort). QoL was assessed using the Hernia-related Quality of Life Survey (HerQLes). Cost was assessed using billing data. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and regression modeling. RESULTS: Hernia defect size (p = 0.127), operative time (p = 0.140), mesh placement (p = 0.357), and recurrence rates (p = 0.156) did not vary significantly between cohorts at average follow up of one year. 60% of patients completed QoL surveys, with 61% net improvement in VHR-PAN postoperatively (p = 0.042) vs 36% in VHR alone (p = 0.054). Mean total hospitalization costs were higher for VHR alone (p = 0.019). Regression modeling showed no significant independent contribution of procedure performed due to differences in cost, wound complications, or hernia recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: At mean follow up of 2 years, VHR-PAN patients reported a comparable increase in QoL to those who received VHR alone without significantly different cost and complication rates. Concurrent VHR-PAN may therefore be a safe approach for overweight patients presenting with hernia and excess abdominal skin.

A Quantitative Analysis of Online Plastic Surgeon Reviews for Abdominoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Online reviews increasingly influence patients' decision-making. This is the first systematic, quantitative analysis of online reviews for abdominoplasty. METHODS: Reviews for abdominoplasty were sampled from RealSelf, Yelp, and Google for six major metropolitan areas. A standard social sciences framework known as grounded theory was used to evaluate factors affecting satisfaction. The relative importance of factors was quantified using odds ratios. RESULTS: Seven hundred ninety-four reviews met inclusion criteria. There was significant geographic variation with respect to number of reviews (p < 0.01) and average rating (p = 0.014). The authors identified 10 statistically significant themes affecting satisfaction. Of these, aesthetic outcome was the most mentioned theme [n = 368 (46.3 percent)] and the most dominant driver of satisfaction. Interactions with staff had the second highest odds ratio, driven by the fact that all negative staff interactions led to negative reviews. Postoperative care had the next highest odds ratio, and was demonstrated to counteract the negative effects of poor surgical outcomes on satisfaction. The occurrence of a surgical complication and the cost of surgery were least associated with satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis is the first to use quantitative methods to identify dominant and nondominant factors affecting patient satisfaction in cosmetic surgery. The authors found that aesthetic outcome, staff interactions, and postoperative diligence were the most critical factors affecting satisfaction in abdominoplasty, whereas postoperative complications and cost were least important. Understanding the relative importance of factors may help to improve and protect one's online reputation.

Avaliação prospectiva das repercussões no perfil lipídico das cirurgias que envolvem lipoaspiração e dermolipectomias / Prospective assessment of the repercussions on the lipid profile of surgeries involving liposuction and dermolipectomies

Introdução: Lipoaspiração associada a dermolipectomias é o procedimento cirúrgico mais comumente realizado em cirurgia plástica. Apesar de ser considerada uma cirurgia extremamente segura, algumas considerações devem ser levantadas a respeito dos possíveis efeitos metabólicos que essas cirurgias possam causar. O desenvolvimento da técnica tumescente de lipoaspiração permitiu a remoção de grande quantidade de gordura de modo mais seguro. O objetivo é comparar as variações do perfil lipídico em pós-operatório precoce e tardio de pacientes submetidos à lipoaspiração e dermolipectomias. Métodos: Entre outubro de 2006 e junho de 2012, 40 pacientes do sexo feminino candidatas a cirurgias que envolviam lipoaspiração e dermolipectomias foram acompanhadas prospectivamente e o perfil lipídico foi analisado por meio de exames no pré-operatório e no pós-operatório. As cirurgias realizadas foram: mamoplastia + lipoaspiração, abdominoplastia + lipoaspiração e lipoabdominoplastia + mamoplastia. Resultados: Das 40 pacientes que foram acompanhadas no estudo, 20 pacientes do sexo feminino foram selecionadas (após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão). Em consonância com nosso estudo, Cazes, em 1996, demonstrou que após 12 meses de pós-operatório de lipoabdominoplastia não houve alteração do perfil lipídico das pacientes. Conclusão: Após análise pré- e pós-operatória de 20 pacientes, observamos que não há alterações estatísticas significantes em relação ao perfil lipídico com tendência de equilíbrio das aferições em um ano em patamares próximos aos observados no pré-operatório.

Introduction: Liposuction associated with dermolipectomies is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in plastic surgery. Although regarded as an extremely safe surgery, some considerations must be taken on the possible metabolic effects of these surgeries. The development of the tumescent technique in liposuction allowed the safer removal of large amounts of fat. The objective is to compare lipid profile variations in the early and late postoperative period in patients undergoing liposuction and dermolipectomies. Methods: Between October 2006 and June 2012, 40 female patients who were candidates for surgeries involving liposuction and dermolipectomies were prospectively followed, and the lipid profile was analyzed through preoperative and postoperative examinations. The surgeries performed were mammoplasty + liposuction, abdominoplasty + liposuction, and lipoabdominoplasty + mammoplasty. Results: Of the 40 female patients who were followed, 20 were selected (after applying the exclusion criteria). In agreement with our study, in 1996, Cazes showed that there were no changes in the lipid profile of patients 12 months after lipoabdominoplasty. Conclusion: After a preoperative and postoperative analysis of 20 patients, it was observed that there were no statistically significant changes in the lipid profile and that the measurements after 1 year were close to those obtained in the preoperative period.

A Cost-Minimization Analysis Evaluating the Use of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Postsurgical pain management is critical to patient satisfaction and value. Several studies have evaluated liposomal bupivacaine in postoperative pain management protocols; however, its economic feasibility remains undefined. This study analyzes the economic impact of liposomal bupivacaine using a national claims database to assess postoperative clinical and financial outcomes in plastic and reconstructive procedures. METHODS: The Vizient Clinical Data Base/Resource Manager electronic database was reviewed for plastic surgery procedures (i.e., abdominoplasty, abdominal wall reconstruction, mastectomy with immediate tissue expander placement, mastectomy with direct-to-implant reconstruction, autologous breast reconstruction, and augmentation mammaplasty) at participating hospitals from July 1, 2016, to July 1, 2017. The main outcome measures were the length of stay; 7-, 14-, and 30-day readmission rates; and direct and total costs observed. RESULTS: During the study period, 958 total cases met inclusion criteria. Liposomal bupivacaine was used in 239 cases (25 percent). Compared with cases that did not use liposomal bupivacaine, liposomal bupivacaine cases had a decreased length of stay (9.2 days versus 5.8 days), decreased cost (total cost, $39,531 versus $28,021; direct cost, $23,960 versus $17,561), and lower 30-day readmission rates (4 percent versus 0 percent). The 14- and 7-day readmission rates were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of liposomal bupivacaine may contribute to a reduction in length of stay, hospital costs, and 30-day readmission rates for abdominal and breast reconstructive procedures, which could contribute to a favorable economic profile from a system view. Focusing on the measurement and improvement of value in the context of whole, definable, patient processes will be important as we transition to value-based payments.

Improvement in racial disparity among patients undergoing panniculectomy after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: A disparity exists in patients receiving panniculectomies. We evaluated this disparity and assessed if it persists once patients are integrated into the healthcare system through bariatric surgery. METHODS: All patients who received bariatric surgery (n = 2528), panniculectomies (n = 1333) and panniculectomies after bariatric surgery (n = 48) at the University of Pennsylvania between January 1, 2012 and March 1, 2017 were retrospectively identified. Demographic information and post-operative details were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: 43% (n = 1087) of bariatric surgery patients were African-American compared to 25% (n = 339) of all panniculectomy patients and 52% (n = 25) of panniculectomy after bariatric surgery patients. The racial disparity among all patients receiving a panniculectomy was not present in patients receiving bariatric surgery beforehand (p < 0.001). The average income of patients receiving a panniculectomy for any etiology ($89,000) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than patients receiving a panniculectomy after bariatric surgery ($71,000). After multivariate analysis, race remained associated with the disparity (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: The disparity seen in patients receiving panniculectomies is not present when patients are integrated into the healthcare system through bariatric surgery.