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.

Outcomes specific to patient sex after open ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Male and female hernia patients often have different surgical history, fat distribution, and medical comorbidities. Female surgical patients seemingly experience worse outcomes after open ventral hernia repair. This study evaluates the impact of sex and the distribution of abdominal adiposity on outcomes after open ventral hernia repair. METHODS: A prospective hernia database was queried for patients from 2007 to 2018 with a computed tomography within 1 year of open ventral hernia repair. Three-dimensional volumetric analysis was performed. Demographics, abdominal fat distribution, operative characteristics, and outcomes were evaluated by sex using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1,178 patients were identified, 57.8% were female. Compared with males, females had higher mean body mass index (34.8 ± 8.5 vs 31.7 ± 6.4 kg/m2, P < .0001), previous abdominal operations (3.3 ± 1.5 vs 2.6 ± 1.3, P < .0001), and preoperative chronic pain (33.5 vs 26.4%, P = .009). There was no difference in history of recurrence, age, steroid use, smoking, diabetes, or hernia volume between sexes (P ≥ .17 all values). Males had larger defects (168.1 ± 148.2 vs 138.8 ± 126.8 cm2, P = .001) and intra-abdominal volume (intra-abdominal fat volume; 6,279 ± 2,614 vs 4,454 ± 2,196 cm3, P < .0001). Females had larger subcutaneous fat volume (subcutaneous fat volume; 7,453 ± 6,600 vs 5,708 ± 3,275 cm3, P < .0001), and ratio of hernia to intra-abdominal volume (hernia volume to intra-abdominal fat volume; 0.33 ± 0.52 vs 0.22 ± 0.42, P < .0001). On univariate analysis, females had higher rates of readmission, wound complication, and intervention for pain after open ventral hernia repair (P ≤ .02 all values). On multivariate analysis, females had shorter duration of stay (-1.36 day, standard error 0.49, P = .006) with higher readmission rate (odd ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.34). CONCLUSION: Female hernia patients in our population are more comorbid, with higher body mass index, thicker subcutaneous fat volume and a higher ratio of hernia volume to intra-abdominal fat volume. These differences are associated with more extensive surgical intervention, such as panniculectomy and higher rates of adverse outcomes after open ventral hernia repair. However, these differences are not fully explained by identified comorbidities and warrant further investigation.

Incidência de seroma em abdominoplastia com e sem uso de drenos e pontos de adesão: revisão sistemática e metanálise / Incidence of seroma in abdominoplasty with versus without the use of drains and quilting sutures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introdução: A abdominoplastia é um procedimento para a melhoria do contorno corporal e a técnica tem sido aprimorada pela associação da dissecção limitada do retalho cutâneo e pontos de adesão no mesmo ato operatório, evitando-se a formação de seroma pós-abdominoplastia, complicação que incomoda tanto o paciente quanto o cirurgião. Portanto, o objetivo é avaliar se o uso de pontos de adesão está associado a menor incidência de seroma após abdominoplastia quando comparado ao uso de drenos. Métodos: Revisão sistemática da literatura com metanálise, envolvendo as seguintes bases de dados: Science Direct, Scielo, Pubmed, Lilacs, CINAHL e Scopus. Para analisar os dados foi utilizado o programa Stata 12.0 e a estatística I² proposta por Higgins, com intervalo de confiança de 95% para o risco relativo para seroma, segundo o tipo de intervenção (dreno, ponto de adesão, dreno com ponto de adesão). Sendo registrado no PROSPERO sob o número CRD42019120399. Resultados: Cinco estudos preencheram os critérios de inclusão e foram incluídos na metanálise. Ao comparar o uso de dreno de sucção com pontos de adesão, os pontos de adesão mostraram um fator de proteção na prevenção do seroma (RR: 0,13; IC 95%: 0,02-0,66). Conclusão: Os achados sugerem que o uso de pontos de adesão em abdominoplastia em detrimento do uso de drenos pode ser uma técnica eficaz para prevenção da formação de seromas.

Introduction: Abdominoplasty, which aims to improve body contour, has been upgraded by its association with limited dissection of the cutaneous flap and quilting sutures in the same surgery to avoid the formation of postabdominoplasty seroma, a complication that troubles both patient and surgeon. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether the use of quilting sutures is associated with a lower incidence of seroma after abdominoplasty than the use of drains. Methods: A systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis were performed of the Science Direct, Scielo, Pubmed, Lilacs, CINAHL, and Scopus databases. The data analysis was performed using the Stata 12.0 program and the I² statistic proposed by Higgins, with a 95% confidence interval for the relative risk for seroma by intervention type (drain, quilting sutures, drain with quilting sutures). The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019120399). Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Quilting sutures showed a protective effect (versus use of drain with quilting sutures) in the prevention of seroma (relative risk, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.02­0.66). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the use of quilting sutures instead of drains in abdominoplasty can effectively prevent seroma formation.

Clinical outcome of patients undergoing abdominoplasty after massive weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures to reshape the body contour in patients who have undergone massive weight loss. OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to assess the clinical outcome, complication rates, and risk factors for complications of patients undergoing abdominoplasty after massive weight loss. SETTING: University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. METHOD: Clinical outcome was retrospectively analyzed in 121 patients, who underwent abdominoplasty. The retrospective analysis included demographic data of patients, such as sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and pre-existing illnesses. Moreover, postoperative complications including seroma, hematoma, wound infection, and tissue necrosis were analyzed. RESULTS: In our study cohort, the median age was 43.7 years, the median weight was 94.7 kg, and the median BMI was 32.3 kg/m2. The majority of included patients were women (70.3%). Death occurred in none of the patients. Among individuals, wound infection occurred in 3.3%, tissue necrosis in 1.7%, seroma in 7.4%, and hematoma in 3.3% of patients during the postoperative course. Reoperations were necessary in 2 patients (1.7%) due to postoperative bleeding and tissue necrosis of the navel. Tissue necrosis was significantly more often seen in a subset individual with type 2 diabetes (P = .006). Moreover, the rate of reoperations was significantly higher in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular illnesses compared with cardiovascular healthy patients (P = .036). Multivariate analysis analyzing risk factors for postoperative complications, including sex, age, BMI, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease, revealed strong independent relevance for type 2 diabetes (P = .024). CONCLUSIONS: We found that abdominoplasty is a safe operative procedure. In addition, the risk for complications is significantly increased in the subgroup of diabetic patients and patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Appreciation of Postpartum Changes of the Rectus Muscles in Primary and Repeated Abdominoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is one of the top five most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. Whereas widening of the linea alba is a well-accepted consequence of pregnancy, the changes to the rectus abdominis muscles are less well known and thus unappreciated and undertreated. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, the Northwestern Enterprise Data Warehouse identified nulliparous and multiparous women, aged 18 to 45 years, who underwent abdominal computed tomography between 2000 and the present. Measurements included the width and cross-sectional area of each rectus muscle, width of the linea alba, and circumference of the abdominal cavity at the level of the L3 vertebra. In addition, two case reports addressing these anatomical changes with muscle modification and mesh reinforcement are presented. RESULTS: Sixty women were identified that met our inclusion criteria: 15 nulliparous, 15 after one pregnancy (para 1), 15 after two pregnancies (para 2), and 15 after three or more pregnancies (para ≥ 3). The linea alba was significantly widened after one pregnancy from 1.14 cm to 2.29 cm, but did not significantly widen further with each subsequent pregnancy. The width of each rectus muscle was significantly widened from 6.00 ± 0.60 cm in nulliparous to 6.61 ± 0.58 cm in para 1, significantly widened again to 7.03 ± 0.46 cm in para 2, but not significantly widened after that (6.97 ± 1.00 cm in para 3). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to widening of the linea alba, pregnancy alters the shape of the rectus abdominis muscle. Correction of muscle width during abdominoplasty may be a necessary adjunct to achieve the proper tension in both primary and revision procedures. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

Abdominoplasty in the Obese Patient: Risk versus Reward.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of obesity is on the rise worldwide. Many surgeons elect not to perform abdominoplasty on patients with a high body mass index, fearing an increased risk of perioperative complications. In this study, the authors compare the outcomes of obese and nonobese patients who underwent abdominoplasty. METHODS: A retrospective chart analysis was performed on all patients who underwent abdominoplasty by a single surgeon from 2009 to 2016. Complication rates were compared in obese and nonobese patients. Patients were excluded if they did not undergo a full abdominoplasty, underwent a combined surgical procedure, or underwent liposuction in an area outside of the abdomen or flanks at the time of the abdominoplasty. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients were included: 62 nonobese and 21 obese patients. The obese group had a higher average body mass index (34. 9 kg/m versus 25.1 kg/m; p < 0.001). Follow-up time was similar (310 days versus 265 days; p = 0.468). No significant differences were seen with regard to perioperative seroma formation (14.2 percent versus 22.5 percent; p = 0.419)), wound dehiscence (9.5 percent versus 11.29 percent; p = 0.822), hematoma formation (4.7 percent versus 1.6 percent; p = 0.438), or surgical-site infection (9.5 percent versus 8.0 percent; p = 0.835). No instances of venous thromboembolism were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominoplasty, with or without concurrent liposuction, in obese patients, is a safe and effective procedure with similar perioperative complication rates as the nonobese patient population. No significant differences were observed in perioperative complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Secondary Abdominoplasty: Management of the Umbilicus after Prior Stalk Transection.

Patients with prior umbilical stalk detachment, secondary to limited abdominoplasty or prior umbilical hernia repair, may in the future be candidates for full abdominoplasty. In these patients, a circumferential incision around the umbilicus detaches the remaining cutaneous blood supply, prompting concern for umbilical viability. Minimal literature exists to guide clinical decision-making for these patients. Inquiries were made to Louisiana Society of Plastic Surgery members and the Plastic Surgery Education Network online forum of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Metrics obtained included patient age, sex, nature of primary surgery, time between umbilical stalk detachment and secondary full abdominoplasty, complications, and whether rectus plication was performed at the time of secondary surgery. Eleven physicians provided complete documentation for 18 cases. All patients healed without evidence of umbilical ischemia or necrosis. Average patient age was 40.6 years. Average interval between procedures was 3.6 years. Sixty-seven percent of patients had the umbilicus delayed before the secondary procedure, with the median delay time being 18 days. Rectus fascia was plicated during secondary surgery in 72 percent of patients. This is the first reported series of patients undergoing full abdominoplasty after prior umbilical stalk detachment. It is also the first time the Plastic Surgery Education Network online forum has been used to collect research data, highlighting its potential as a valuable research tool. The data set was obtained from a wide range of practices, which allows for consideration of various technical solutions when this or other diverse clinical scenarios are encountered. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, V.

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.

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.

Advanced Age Is a Risk Factor for Complications Following Abdominal Panniculectomy.

BACKGROUND: Widespread adoption of bariatric surgery in the treatment of obesity has led to greater numbers of patients seeking panniculectomy, including aged patients, who represent a rapidly growing proportion of the U.S population. Although the quality of life and functional benefits of abdominal panniculectomy have been established, its safety in patients 65 years and older has not been evaluated. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvements (ACS-NSQIP) database was used to identify patients undergoing panniculectomy between 2010 and 2015. Age 65 years and older was the risk factor of interest, and primary outcomes included 30-day wound complications, overall complications, reoperation, readmission, and mortality. Multivariate regression was performed to control for confounders. RESULTS: Review of the database identified 7030 patients who underwent abdominal panniculectomy. When stratified by age, 6455 (91.8%) of patients were younger than 65, and 575 (8.2%) were 65 or older. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that age over 65 was a significant independent risk factor for wound complications (OR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.35-2.42; p < 0.001) and all complications (OR = 1.46; 95% CI 1.15-1.87; p = 0.002). BMI, smoking, diabetes, and partial or total dependence were also identified as significant independent risk factors for wound and all complications. CONCLUSION: Our analysis demonstrates that advanced age is an independent risk factor for wound and overall complications following abdominal panniculectomy. These results highlight the importance of preoperative evaluation and optimization of modifiable preoperative risk factors as well as close postoperative follow-up for safe outcomes in patients 65 and older.

Does Body Contouring After Bariatric Weight Loss Enhance Quality of Life? A Systematic Review of QOL Studies.

Massive weight loss following bariatric surgery can result in excess tissue, manifesting as large areas of redundant skin that can be managed by body contouring surgery. This study aims to quantify the effects of body contouring surgery on indicators of quality of life in post-bariatric patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature revealed on indices of quality of life in post-bariatric patients, before and after body contouring surgery. Body contouring surgery resulted in statistically significant improvements in physical functioning, psychological wellbeing and social functioning, as well as a reduction in BMI. Body contouring surgery offers a strategy to improve quality of life in patients suffering from the functional and psychosocial consequences of excess skin after bariatric surgery.

Gender difference in requesting abdominoplasty, after bariatric surgery: Based on five years of experience in two centers in Sulaimani Governorate, Kurdistan Region/Iraq.

BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of morbid obesity suggests that the quantity of bariatric surgical procedures will continue to multiply each year, many patients who have experienced massive weight loss are left with the dissatisfying consequences of loose and redundant skin, resulting in contour irregularities, an aesthetic and functional problem, and profound dissatisfaction with appearance, residual body image dissatisfaction, There is a subsequent increase in the number of patients seeking additional corrective procedures including abdominoplasty which considered as one of the most popular body-contouring procedures. Correcting skin excess, could improve all the corollaries, including body, and functional problems and gives profound satisfaction with appearance, it has shown to improve both psychological and social aspects of the patients' lives. OBJECTIVES: Is there a gender difference in seeking body countering after bariatric surgery for weight loss? PATIENTS AND METHODS: A longitudinal observational study includes 209 obese patients with mean age of 31 ±â€¯8.6 years; (31 ±â€¯9, 31 ±â€¯7 years for female and male patients respectively). Gender ratio M/F = 1.94/1, mean BMI 40 ±â€¯9 kg/m2sin (n = 138 female) and 45±8m2s in (n = 71 male) patients, and Waist circumference 109 ±â€¯7 cm in female and 118 ±â€¯4 cm in males. RESULTS: Some female (n = 10, 7.25%) patients were seeking abdominoplasty from the third month after the operations were they have lost (21 ±â€¯2 kg) of their excess weight, fourteen patients (10.14%), at 6 months and 27 patients (19.56%) at 12 months, but most of male patients were requesting abdominoplasty (n = 7, 09.86%) at 12 months after the operations. Male patients have shifted their ideal from weight loss to abdominoplasty after losing (50-70) of their excess weight 12 months after the operations. The main motivation of requesting abdominoplasty in female and male patients was physical difficulty because of redundant skin, and a smaller number in both genders were motivated by a friend or by a doctor. CONCLUSION: The motivation for abdominoplasty in females is parallel to the amount of EWL or waist circumference. Female patients are looking for body countering three months after surgery, while male patients more often than not request body shaping following one year after surgery, the age groups are invert in genders; female patients asking for body contouring in younger age group while male patients in older age group.

Minimizing the Short-term Reoperation Rate in Abdominoplasty Procedures by Prolonged Postoperative Immobilization.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is a common procedure in postbariatric surgery. Over the years, a high number of technical refinements of the procedure have been established to improve safety and reduce associated complications. Nevertheless, the complication rate is high. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing abdominoplasty in association with prolonged postoperative immobilization. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 82 patients who underwent abdominoplasty was performed. Patients were divided in two study groups regarding their immobilization period. Group 1 included patients with an immobilization period defined as strict bed rest for at least 45 h after surgery. Group 2 included all patients with shorter immobilization time, but earliest mobilization in the evening on the day of surgery. RESULTS: Overall, complication rate was 27%. Major complications were observed in 15% in group 1 and in 23% in group 2. Hematoma requiring surgical revision was observed in 5% in group 1 and in 14% in group 2. Surgical revisions within the first 60 days were necessary in 5% in group 1 and in 20% in group 2. CONCLUSION: Prolonged immobilization after abdominoplasty does not crucially lower the overall complication rate, but influences the severity of complications in a positive way. Increasing the duration of postoperative immobilization up to 45 h after abdominoplasty significantly decreases the reoperation rate in our practice. The risk for a surgical revision is nearly four times higher if the patient leaves bed earlier. Surgeons should consider this option especially in patients with a high risk for complication development.

Intraoperative factors associated with postoperative complications in body contouring surgery.

BACKGROUND: Several preoperative factors have been shown to influence outcome of body contouring surgeries. The effect of intraoperative features, including fluid volume administered, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, and body temperature on postoperative complication, has not been reported to date. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All subsequent patients undergoing body contouring surgery in the Tel Aviv Medical Center between 2007 and 2012 were enrolled. Demographic and intraoperative data were collected and analyzed for possible associations with postoperative complications, including formation of seroma, hematoma/bleeding, other surgical site complications (infection, adhesiolysis, or need for debridement), formation of a hypertrophic scar, any documented, infection or a composite outcome of any of the previously mentioned. RESULTS: Data of 218 patients were assessed. Mean (standard deviation) age of patients was 41(14) y. Intraoperative administration of higher volumes of fluids was significantly associated with formation of seroma (P = 0.01), hematoma/bleeding (P = 0.03), hypertrophic scar (P = 0.01), surgical site complications (P = 0.01), and a composite outcome (P < 0.001). Development of hematoma/bleeding was associated with longer periods of low (<35.6°C) intraoperative core temperature (72% versus 50% of surgery duration in patients who did not develop this complication, P < 0.05). Surgical site complications were associated with longer periods of intraoperative oxygen desaturation (saturation ≤92%, 4.2% versus 0.9% of surgery duration in patients who did not develop surgical site complications, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative moderate hypothermia, hypoxemia, and liberal fluid administration are associated with worse surgical outcome in patients undergoing body contouring surgery. Increased awareness of the potential adverse effects of these factors in body contouring surgery will enhance interventions aimed at avoiding and promptly treating such events.

Complications After Body Contouring Surgery in Postbariatric Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Over recent years, body contouring procedures in postbariatric patients have been in exponentially growing demand resulting in high complication rates rendering a variety of ciphers in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the complication rate in patients who have undergone body contouring surgery after bariatric surgery between June 2012 and March 2015 at Hospital de San José. METHODS: A cohort study including 153 individuals who underwent a total of 198 body contouring procedures after massive weight loss following bariatric surgery was conducted. Data on variables, such as complication rate according to the type of body contouring surgery, major and minor complications, weight of resected tissue, or intraoperation time, among other variables, were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 198 procedures were performed in 153 patients. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 43.93 years (9.4 years). Of 198 procedures, 110 (55.5%) had complications. The rate for major complications was 13%, and for minor complications, 87%. Complication rates according to the type of operation were as follows: circumferential abdominal lipectomy, 55.7%; extended abdominal lipectomy, 53.7%; cruroplasty, 69%; breast surgery, 57%; and brachioplasty, 40%. Patients who presented with bleeding enough to require transfusion (P = 0.000) and with weight of the resected tissue greater than 2700 g in abdominoplasty (odds ratio, 3.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-7.1) had a higher complication rate. There were no thromboembolic events among this population. CONCLUSIONS: The overall complication rate was 55.5%. The great majority were minor complications. The thromboprophylaxis regimen used was 100% effective.

Utilization of Body Contouring Procedures Following Weight Loss Surgery: A Study of 37,806 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery has substantial health benefits; however, some patients desire body contouring (BC) procedures following rapid weight loss. There is a paucity of data regarding the true rate of BC following bariatric procedures. The purpose of our study is to examine the utilization of two common procedures, abdominoplasty, and panniculectomy, following bariatric surgery in New York State. METHODS: The SPARCS longitudinal administrative database was used to identify bariatric procedures by using ICD-9 and CPT codes between 2004 and 2010. Procedures included sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Using a unique patient identifier, we tracked those patients who subsequently underwent either abdominoplasty or panniculectomy with at least a 4-year follow-up (until 2014). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate predictors of follow-up BC surgery. RESULTS: 37,806 patients underwent bariatric surgery between 2004 and 2010. Only 5.58% (n = 2112) of these patients subsequently had a BC procedure, with 143 of them (6.8%) having ≥1 plastic surgery. The average time to plastic surgery after band, bypass, or sleeve was 1134.83 ± 671.09, 984.70 ± 570.53, and 903.02 ± 497.31 days, respectively (P < 0.0001). Following the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, a female, SG patients, patients with Medicare or Medicaid, and patients in either <20 or >80%ile in yearly income were more likely to have plastic surgery after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, comorbidities and complications (P values < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that plastic surgery is completed by only 6% of patients following bariatric procedures. As insurance and income are associated with pursuing surgery, improved access may increase the number of patients who are able to undergo these reconstructive procedures.

Weight loss is higher among patients who undergo body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: As the number of patients who have undergone bariatric surgery increases, it is expected that more patients will present for body contouring procedures after weight loss. It has been reported that abdominoplasty can improve mobility, reduce skin fold complications, and improve psychosocial functioning. No previous studies have evaluated weight loss in patients who pursue plastic surgery after bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate weight loss outcomes in patients who choose to undergo body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery. SETTING: Academic center, United States. METHODS: Patients who underwent body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery between 2002 and 2014 were included. A comparison was made to a matched cohort based on age, gender, type of bariatric procedure, preoperative body mass index (BMI), and length of follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 186 patients had documentation of a body contouring procedure after bariatric surgery. There were 158 (84.9%) female participants in the body countering group. Mean age was 48.5±12.7 years and mean BMI was 49.8±10.4 kg/m2. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding were performed in 157 (84.4%), 17 (9.1%), and 11 (5.9%) patients, respectively. After a matched follow-up period of 61 months, total weight loss was 43.0±22.6 kg in the body contouring group versus 33.5±21.7 kg in the control group (P<.001), percentage of total weight loss was 30.8±11.4% versus 24.0±13.2% (P<.001), percentage excess weight loss was 66.4±25% versus 52.5±30.5% (P<.001), and BMI dropped by 15.7±7.8 kg/m2 versus 12.1±7.3 kg/m2 (P<.001) in the body contouring group compared with the bariatric surgery-only group, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that body contouring after bariatric surgery is significantly associated with increase and durable weight loss (odds ratio 3.59, 95% confidence interval 2.04-5.14, P< .001). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery had significantly better long-term weight loss than a matched cohort of patients. This finding likely has many contributing factors, and the association between long-term weight loss and body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery requires more detailed study.

A review of general cosmetic surgery training in fellowship programs offered by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

PURPOSE: We sought, first, to evaluate the operative experience of surgeons who have completed postresidency fellowships offered by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), and second, to compare this cosmetic surgery training to other surgical residency and fellowship programs in the United States. Finally, we suggest how new and existing oral and maxillofacial surgeons can use these programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the completed case logs from AACS-accredited fellowships. The logs were data mined for 7 of the most common cosmetic operations, including the median total number of operations. We then compared the cosmetic case requirements from the different residencies and fellowships. RESULTS: Thirty-nine case logs were reviewed from the 1-year general cosmetic surgery fellowships offered by the AACS from 2007 to 2012. The fellows completed a median of 687 total procedures. The median number of the most common cosmetic procedures performed was 14 rhinoplasties, 31 blepharoplasties, 21 facelifts, 24 abdominoplasties, 28 breast mastopexies, 103 breast augmentations, and 189 liposuctions. The data obtained were compared with the minimum cosmetic surgical requirements in residency and fellowship programs. The minimum residency requirements were as follows: no minimum listed for plastic surgery, 35 for otolaryngology, 20 for oral and maxillofacial surgery, 28 for ophthalmology, 0 for obstetrics and gynecology, and 20 for dermatology. The minimum fellowship requirements were as follows: 300 for the AACS cosmetic surgery fellowship, no minimum listed for facial plastic surgery and reconstruction, no minimum listed for aesthetic surgery, 133 for oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery, and 0 for Mohs dermatology. CONCLUSION: Dedicating one's practice exclusively to cosmetic surgery requires additional postresidency training owing to the breadth of the field. The AACS created comprehensive fellowship programs to fill an essential part in the continuum of cosmetic surgeons' education, training, and experience. This builds on the foundation of their primary board residency program. The AACS fellowships are a valuable option for additional training for qualified surgeons seeking proficiency and competency in cosmetic surgery.

A Multiple Regression Analysis of Postoperative Complications After Body-Contouring Surgery: a Retrospective Analysis of 205 Patients : Regression Analysis of Complications.

BACKGROUND: As bariatric surgery becomes ever more popular, so does body-contouring surgery to eliminate excess skin after radical weight loss. To date, the literature has described a number of risk factors affecting the postoperative outcome. Our study aimed to define those factors more closely, focusing on abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck") patients who suffered intra- and postoperative complications. METHODS: The study collective included 205 patients over 5 years (2001-2006) who underwent dermolipectomy at our department. The mean follow-up was 5.94 years. Every abdominoplasty was performed under general anesthesia with intraoperative one-dose antibiotic. The analysis included a complete review of all medical records. Statistical analysis was performed with the R-2.5.0 Software for Windows. RESULTS: The overall rate for major complications that required operative revision and/or antibiotics was 10.2 %, including 2.9 % cases of infections. Forty-one percent had minor complications, such as seromas, hematomas, wound healing problems, and wound dehiscences. The logistic regression models demonstrated that smoking combined with the age, a BMI higher than 30 kg/m(2), and the amount of removed tissue (measured in g) lead to significantly more wound healing problems in nearly all age groups. The probability of infections correlated with later drain removal. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the amount of tissue removed, no main risk factor for complications could be identified. A complication-free course and good outcome can be best achieved with careful patient selection and preoperative planning.