Complications of Body Contouring Surgery in Postbariatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

[Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Surgery: An Analysis of Postoperative Complications and Influencing Factors]

The rising prevalence of obesity and bariatric surgery has led to an increased demand for reconstructive body contouring procedures. Despite growing expertise and well-established surgical techniques, postoperative complications remain a significant challenge. This study analyses postoperative complications and potential risk factors.In a prospective cohort study, data from 606 patients who had undergone reconstructive body contouring surgery were collected between 2015 and July 2024. Focusing on abdominal contouring procedures, we analysed complication rates and their influencing factors, including BMI, resection weight, and type of weight loss (bariatric surgery vs. lifestyle modification). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and ROC curve analysis.The overall rate of postoperative complications was 37.5%, with wound healing disorders being most common (21.5%). Patients who had undergone bariatric surgery experienced significantly more complications than those who had lost weight through lifestyle changes (p=0.029). A higher BMI at the time of surgery (cut-off: 31) and a disproportionately high resection weight relative to BMI (index>105) were significant predictors of postoperative complications (p<0.001).These findings underscore the importance of individualised preoperative planning that accounts for factors such as BMI and resection volume. A resection weight-to-BMI index may serve as a useful tool for future risk assessment in abdominal contouring surgery, with the potential to optimise surgical outcomes, minimise complications, and facilitate transparent benchmarking.

Multidisciplinary Care in Body Contouring: An Integrative Approach to Enhancing Outcomes

Body contouring procedures have become increasingly common to meet the growing demand for aesthetic surgery, particularly in the context of bariatrics. Massive weight loss (MWL) patients are complex and often require extensive management of comorbidities, malnutrition status, physical debilitation, and psychological sequelae. Patient optimization prior to body contouring surgery in addition to strict postoperative maintenance are crucial to achieve favorable and sustainable outcomes. Surgical candidates should be screened thoroughly, and in the MWL patient population specifically, multidisciplinary care is needed for proper evaluation and support. Notable specialists that routinely contribute in MWL and body contouring patient care include plastic surgeons, bariatric surgeons, primary care physicians, dieticians, endocrinologists, mental health providers, and physical therapists. This article details essential roles within the multidisciplinary approach to body contouring surgery and MWL patients and reviews critical pre-, intra-, and postoperative aspects of care.

Factors Affecting Patient Outcomes of Abdominoplasty After Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative complications in body contouring surgery have been linked to several factors, including body mass index, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and skin resection weight. Prior weight loss by surgical means is another predisposing factor for postoperative complications following body contouring. This study aims to examine these previously identified variables, and several others, in the context of a spectrum of abdominal body contouring techniques following bariatric surgery. Our goal is to highlight that current evidence supports the notion that the prior history of bariatric surgery does not significantly impact body contouring surgery's success and its associated complications.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study including all consecutive patients (N = 198) who underwent abdominal body contouring between January 2011 and January 2022 following bariatric surgery was performed. Data collected included patient demographics, medical history, perioperative variables, and postoperative outcomes. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Sixty-four (32%) patients developed a postoperative complication. In the univariate analysis, patients who developed a postoperative complication were more likely to have a mental health disorder (63% vs 44%, P = 0.015) and to have undergone abdominal surgery other than panniculectomy ( P = 0.002). They also had significantly longer median operative time (160 minutes, σ = 68.9, vs 140 minutes, σ = 72.3, P = 0.037) and longer follow-up time (99 days, σ = 471.1 vs 23 days, σ = 430.5, P < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression model including diabetes, hypertension, abdominoplasty type, operative time, skin excision weight, and concurrent body contouring procedure, the only significant factor in complication rate was the type of abdominal body contouring. Specifically, the traditional (odds ratio: 2.72, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-5.93) and vertical abdominoplasty (odds ratio: 5.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.17 to 25.87) techniques were more likely to lead to complications compared with panniculectomy abdominoplasty, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Previously cited risk factors such as diabetes, body mass index, and skin resection weight did not increase the chance of complications. Panniculectomy appears to be a safer option for those with a history of bariatric surgery.

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst - Diagnostic accuracy of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program - Risk model for patients undergoing abdominoplasty after massive weight loss - Results from a Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

This study aimed to validate the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) risk calculator for predicting outcomes in patients undergoing abdominoplasty after massive weight loss.

Methods

Patients' characteristics, pre-existing comorbidities and adverse outcomes in our department from 2013 to 2023 were collected retrospectively. Adverse events were defined according to ACS-NSQIP standards and predicted risks were calculated manually using the ACS-NSQIP risk calculator. Binary logistic regression and the Brier score were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the model.

Results

Among the 337 individuals who underwent abdominoplasty, 251 had achieved significant weight loss before surgery. After excluding 46 cases due to incomplete data, 205 cases remained for analysis. There were 20% cases of serious complications, 26.3% of some complications, 10.2% of readmissions, 18.8% returned to the operating theatre, 15.6% of surgical site infections and 0.5% each of pneumonia and venous thromboembolism. Although the calculator predicted a 1.5% discharge rate to nursing or rehabilitation facilities and a 0.1% rate of sepsis, neither outcome was observed. Elevated American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status was significantly associated with a higher complication rate, except for surgical site infections (SSI) (p = 0.06). Additionally, an elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) before post-bariatric surgery and a higher resection weight were both associated with increased rates of return to the operating theatre (p = 0.01) and serious complications (p = 0.01). Predicted complication rates (0.1%-8.6%) underestimated actual complication rates (0.5%-26.3%). The Brier scores did not differ significantly from the null model for any outcomes except for general complications (p = 0.001) and logistic regression models demonstrated low sensitivity (0.0-9.8%) and weak odds ratios (1.28-1.46), indicating limited reliability.

Conclusion

The ACS-NSQIP risk calculator does not reliably predict adverse outcomes in this patient cohort.

The Experience and Complications of Lipoabdominoplasty for Chinese Post-bariatric Population

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of bariatric surgeries in China has led to a growing number of patients experiencing massive weight loss and abdominal skin laxity. However, there is a scarcity of reports addressing post-bariatric lipoabdominoplasty in these patients. This study aims to present our clinical experiences with lipoabdominoplasty in post-bariatric patients in China.

METHODS

We performed lipoabdominoplasty on patients who had abdominal skin laxity following bariatric surgery between March 2018 and October 2023. The procedure encompassed abdominal liposuction, plication of the rectus abdominis muscles, umbilical transposition and progressive tension sutures. Complications were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 23 post-bariatric patients who underwent lipoabdominoplasty, achieving aesthetically favorable results. The average age at the time of surgery was 31.5 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.1 kg/m2.The overall complication rate was 34.8% (8 out of 23 patients), with hypertrophic scar being the most prevalent complication at 30.4%, followed by partial skin necrosis (4.3%).

CONCLUSION

For the Chinese post-bariatric patients, traditional lipoabdominoplasty may be preferred over fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. The primary complication observed in our patients is hypertrophic scar. Chinese patients experience a lower rate of other complications, potentially attributed to their lower pre-surgery BMI and younger age.

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 .

The Impact of Body Mass Index on Adverse Outcomes Associated with Panniculectomy: A Multimodal Analysis

BACKGROUND

Overhanging pannus may be detrimental to ambulation, urination, sexual function, and social well-being. Massive weight loss patients often have high residual body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities presenting a unique challenge in panniculectomy patient selection. This study aims to better characterize the role of BMI in postoperative complications following panniculectomy.

METHODS

A meta-analysis attempted to assess the impact of BMI on complications following panniculectomy. Cochrane Q and I2 test statistics measured study heterogeneity, with subsequent random effects meta-regression investigating these results. After this, all panniculectomy patients in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database in the years 2007 to 2019 were analyzed. Univariate and multivariable tests assessed the relative role of BMI on 30-day postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies satisfied inclusion criteria, revealing very high heterogeneity (Cochrane Q = 2453.3; I2 = 99.1%), precluding further meta-analysis results. Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated BMI was a significant predictor of both all causes (area under the curve, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.66) and wound complications (area under the curve, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.69). BMI remained significant following multivariable regression analyses. Restricted cubic spines demonstrated marginal increases in complication incidence above 33.2 and 35 kg/m 2 for all-cause and wound complications, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Reported literature regarding postoperative complications in panniculectomy patients is highly heterogeneous and may limit evidence-based care. Complication incidence positively correlated with BMI, although the receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated its limitations as the sole predictive variable. Furthermore, restricted cubic splines demonstrated diminishing marginal predictive capacity of BMI for incremental increases in BMIs above 33.2 to 35 kg/m 2 . These findings support a reevaluation of the role of BMI cutoffs in panniculectomy patient selection.

The Clavien-Dindo Classification for Body-Contouring Surgery Complications: Evaluation of 602 Cases

Background: Due to the high frequency of postoperative complications after body-contouring surgeries, the need for a unifying postoperative complication grading system that correlates with outcomes is of key importance. Here we therefore consider the application of the Clavien-Dindo classification to evaluate postoperative complications after body-contouring surgeries. Methods: A retrospective study on 602 patients who underwent body-contouring surgery between 2009 and 2015 at our institution was performed. The length of hospital stays, age, sex, follow-up visits, and postoperative complications were evaluated and classified using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: We raised a total of 672 body-contouring procedures on 602 patients (563 female, 39 male). According to the Clavien-Dindo System, the severity of postoperative complications following body-contouring procedures was significantly correlated with the duration of hospitalization (mean 5.8 ± 2.7 days) and the number of follow-up visits (mean 4.4 ± 4.7). Conclusions: The Clavien-Dindo classification offers a valid prediction for postoperative hospital stay and the number of follow-up visits after body-reshaping surgery. By becoming a validated and reliable grading system that correlates patients' outcomes after body-contouring procedures, this classification has the potential to significantly improve patients' healthcare and quality of life.

Abdominoplasty versus endoscopic approach to diastasis recti repair: A comparative study of outcomes

Diastasis recti (DR) is characterized by the deviation of the abdominal rectus muscle due to widening of the linea alba and laxity of the abdominal wall musculature.1,2 This condition affects the quality of life, in terms of performance of activities of daily living and physical tasks.3-7 Several techniques have been described to correct DR.11 This prospective research aimed at comparing the traditional approaches vs endoscopic plication for DR repair in terms of safety, effectiveness and satisfaction of the patients based on patient-reported outcome measures via the BODY-Q abdomen scale.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective multicenter study in 2 departments of aesthetic and plastic surgery, Department of Plastic Surgery, San Carlo of Nancy Hospital, Rome (group I) and Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Argentina group II). A total of 85 consecutive patients treated using abdominoplasty access (group I) and 85 consecutive patients treated using an endoscopic approach (group II) were enrolled in the study. The minimum follow-up was 12 months.

Results

Descriptive statistics were used to report the counts and frequencies for categorical data. Continuous normally and non-normally distributed data were described as means with standard deviations and medians with interquartile ranges as appropriate. All analyses were performed using the STATA/IC 16.0 software.

Conclusion

Our multicenter experience reveals that open and minimally invasive approaches are viable options. Identifying the optimal approach for DR repair should also rely on the patient's desired treatment outcome.

Ethical Considerations and Outcomes in Body Contouring Surgeries Among Adolescents: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

Body contouring surgery (BCS) in adolescents, particularly following bariatric surgery, involves a complex array of ethical, psychological, and medical factors. This review focuses on adolescents who have experienced significant weight loss, often due to bariatric surgery, and subsequently require body contouring to address excess skin and soft tissue.

METHODS

A literature narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Relevant articles were screened and selected based on their discussion of post-bariatric and massive weight loss body contouring surgeries in adolescents, focusing on prevalence, outcomes, and ethical considerations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of BCS among adolescents is rising, influenced by social media and societal perceptions of beauty. However, the percentage of adolescents receiving BCS after bariatric surgery remains low. Adolescents undergoing BCS experience improvements in physical functioning, body image, and psychological well-being. Complications, although common, are mostly minor. Ethical considerations include ensuring informed consent, assessing emotional maturity, managing patient expectations, and involving adolescents in decision-making. Comparative analysis reveals similar outcomes in adults and adolescents, but adolescents face unique ethical challenges related to autonomy, long-term effects, and ongoing physical and emotional development.

CONCLUSION

BCS in adolescents following bariatric surgery can lead to improved physical and psychological outcomes. However, the decision to undergo BCS must be carefully considered, taking into account the adolescent's maturity, expectations, and long-term well-being. Ethical considerations are paramount, emphasizing the need for informed consent, realistic expectations, and a multidisciplinary approach. Further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes and the specific ethical implications of BCS in adolescents compared to adults.

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 .

The Impact of Prior Obesity Surgery on Bleeding after Abdominal Body Contouring Surgery

Background

Body contouring surgery removes excess skin and fat, often after massive weight loss. Some reports suggest that patients who have previously undergone obesity (bariatric) surgery are at excess risk of subsequent bleeding, possibly due to complex nutritional and metabolic sequelae of massive weight loss.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative bleeding indicators were examined for patients who had undergone abdominoplasty. Participants were categorized based on their history of previous obesity surgery, and outcome variables were compared using odds ratio, followed by subgroup comparison between a history of restrictive versus malabsorptive obesity surgery.

Results

The study included 472 patients, of which 171 (36.2 %) had a history of obesity surgery. Mean age was 40.4 years, and 402 (85.1%) participant were women. Fifty-five (11.6%) patients were smokers whereas 65 (13.7%) were hypertensive. Mean body mass index before surgery was 30.2 kg per m2, and average time between obesity and body contouring surgery (if applicable) was 35.8 months. Patients with a history of obesity surgery exhibited greater intraoperative blood loss (162.2 mL versus 132.1 mL; P = 0.001), drainage volume at 24 h (155 mL versus 135 mL; P = 0.001), and total drainage volume (300ml versus 220 mL; P = 0.001). Postoperative hematoma requiring surgical re-exploration was almost three times higher following a history of obesity surgery (4.7% versus 1.7 %; P = 0.05).

Conclusions

History of obesity surgery increases intraoperative blood loss, postoperative serosanguinous drainage volumes, and the risk of postoperative hematoma requiring surgical evacuation after abdominal body contouring procedures.

Analysis of laboratory markers in body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery does not indicate particular risks for perioperative complications

BACKGROUND

Body contouring surgery after massive weight loss is associated with different risk factors. Wound healing disorders and seromas commonly occur postoperatively. Bariatric interventions lead to massive weight loss with excess skin and soft tissue. In this study, perioperatively collected laboratory markers of this special patient population were analyzed.

METHODS

Fifty-nine patients were analyzed retrospectively regarding bariatric surgery, weight loss, body contouring surgery, laboratory markers, and complication rates.

RESULTS

Body contouring surgery (n = 117) was performed in 59 patients. Weight loss was achieved after gastric bypass (40.1%), gastric banding (33.9%), or sleeve gastrectomy (26.0%), with an average of 69.2 kg. The most common body contouring procedure included abdominoplasty (n = 50), followed by thigh lift (n = 29), mammaplasty (n = 19), brachioplasty (n = 14), and upper body lift (n = 5). Analysis of laboratory markers revealed no exceptional and clinically relevant variations. Correlation analysis revealed associations between resection weight, amount of drain fluid, and particular laboratory markers.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of perioperative laboratory markers in this special patient population after massive weight loss did not indicate clinically relevant risk factors regardless of the type of bariatric or body contouring surgery. Body contouring surgeries after bariatric interventions prove to be safe and low risk concerning perioperative laboratory markers and postoperative hospitalization.

Experience in Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty for Patients with Significant Weight Loss: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Abdominoplasty is a critical aesthetic and functional procedure for individuals who have undergone massive weight loss. Numerous techniques have been proposed to optimize aesthetic results while minimizing complications.

METHODS

This prospective study examined 500 patients who underwent abdominoplasty during body-contouring procedures between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021 at a tertiary center. The Skin-Adipose Tissue-Muscle (SAM) protocol was employed to analyze the operative strategies and complication rates and compare them with the existing literature. Furthermore, patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes were measured one year post-operation using a comprehensive four-point questionnaire evaluated by the patients themselves and two independent surgeons.

RESULTS

Participants had an average age of 34.8 years and a mean BMI of 31.1 kg/m2. The surgeries included 328 full abdominoplasties and 172 T-inverted abdominoplasties. Notable complications included wound infection (4%), wound dehiscence (8.6%), tissue necrosis (0.6%), seroma (8.4%), and hematoma (2.6%). A higher BMI was correlated with an increased risk of complications and lower patient satisfaction. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 18 software.

CONCLUSIONS

The increasing prevalence of obesity highlights an urgent need for more bariatric surgeries and subsequent abdominoplasties to mitigate the effects of massive weight loss. A crucial link between elevated BMI and a heightened risk of postoperative complications, emphasizing the necessity for standardized surgical protocols tailored to individuals with higher BMI, was noted. Innovatively, future studies must further investigate the intricate dynamics between BMI and surgical risks. Exploring and establishing uniform, adaptive surgical guidelines promise to revolutionize patient care by significantly reducing complications and enhancing recovery and satisfaction following abdominoplasty.

Flowchart in Post-Bariatric Surgery: A Research for the Appropriate Type and Timing of Plasties Reshaping the Body

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a chronic disease with significant health implications. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity-related conditions. However, the timing of post-bariatric body contouring surgery remains uncertain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 1336 patients who underwent bariatric surgery. We analyzed weight trends and variations after different types of bariatric procedures. The Pittsburgh Index was used to evaluate body contouring outcomes.

RESULTS

The majority of patients were women, and sleeve gastrectomy was the most common procedure. Weight loss varied depending on the surgery type, with different outcomes for male and female patients. The Pittsburgh Index remained stable in most cases.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the timing of body contouring surgery should be tailored to the type of bariatric procedure performed. Abdominoplasty is recommended as a last procedure for sleeve gastrectomy patients, while gastric bypass patients are suitable candidates for early abdominoplasty. Biliopancreatic diversion patients should stabilize their weight before abdominoplasty. The Pittsburgh Index is a valuable tool for assessing the timing of post-bariatric plastic surgery. Further research is needed to optimize surgical planning and outcomes.

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 .

Comparison of Histological Skin Changes After Massive Weight Loss in Post-bariatric and Non-bariatric Patients

BACKGROUND

Changes in the skin structure, including the collagen and elastin content, have been reported with massive weight loss (MWL) following bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS) and have been correlated to a higher risk of complications after body-contouring surgery (BCS). This study aimed at comparing the histological characteristics of the skin of patients having surgical MWL (SMWL) post-BMS to those with non-surgical massive weight loss (NSMWL).

METHODS

This prospective study compared the epidermal thickness, and collagen and elastin fibers content in 80 skin biopsies obtained from BCS procedures performed to patients who experienced MWL defined more than 50% of excess weight loss (%EWL) either SMWL (40 biopsies) or NSMWL (40 biopsies). Twenty biopsies in each group were obtained from abdominoplasties and 20 from breast reductions. Epidermal thickness was measured in H&E-stained sections, collagen fibers were assessed using Masson trichrome-stained sections, and elastin fibers were assessed using Modified Verhoeff's stained sections. Image analysis software was used to calculate the fractions of collagen and elastin fibers.

RESULTS

This study included 77 patients, 38 SMWL patients, and 39 NSMWL patients. The SMWL group had a significantly higher age (p < 0.001), a longer time interval from intervention (p < 0.001), higher initial weight (p < 0.001), higher initial BMI (p < 0.001), lower current weight (p = 0.005), lower current BMI (p < 0.001), and significantly higher %EWL than NSMWL group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding complications after abdominoplasty (p = 1.000). The elastic fibers content in the dermis was significantly higher in the abdominal region of the NSMWL group than SMWL (p = 0.029). All other parameters showed non-significant differences between NSMWL and SMWL in the skin of abdomen and breast.

CONCLUSION

The SMWL group had a significant reduction in elastic fiber content in the skin of the abdomen compared to the NSMWL group. The collagen content was equally reduced in both groups with non-significant differences in both breast and abdomen regions in both groups.

Preparing Patients for Body Contouring Surgery and Postoperative Surveillance for Deep Venous Thrombosis

This article highlights the importance of the preoperative evaluation and considerations necessary in preparing patients for body contouring surgery after massive weight loss (MWL). The importance of evaluating such factors as body mass index stabilization, medical comorbidities, nutritional optimization, social factors, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, and postoperative surveillance is critically important. Patients undergoing body contouring surgery after MWL are at increased risk of thromboembolic events, and prophylactic measures should be taken to minimize this risk. Overall, a thorough preoperative evaluation is essential to ensure patient safety, optimize surgical outcomes, and address the unique challenges presented by the MWL patient population.

Postbariatric Abdominoplasty: A Comparative Study on Scarpa Fascia Preservation Versus Classical Technique

BACKGROUND

Abdominoplasties performed with Scarpa Fascia preservation, improve recovery and reduce complications, particularly seroma. Bariatric patients who experience massive weight loss frequently seek body contouring procedures and represent a high-risk group. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of abdominoplasty with Scarpa Fascia preservation versus the classical technique in a bariatric population.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study was performed between March 2015 and March 2021 in 65 postbariatric patients who underwent a classic full abdominoplasty (group A, N = 25) or a similar procedure except for the preservation of Scarpa fascia (group B, N = 40). Total and daily drain output, time until drain removal, long drainers (≥ 6 days), length of hospital stay, emergency department visit, readmission to the hospital, reoperation, local and systemic complications were the outcomes evaluated.

RESULTS

Group B had a 3-day reduction in time until drain removal (p < 0.001), a 62.6% reduction of total drain output (p < 0.001) and a 3-day reduction in the length of the hospital stay (p < 0.001). Long drainers (≥ 6 days) were highly reduced (from 56.0% in group A to 7.5% in group B) (p < 0.001). There was a lower incidence of liquid collections in group B, with a 66.7% reduction in seroma incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominoplasty with Scarpa Fascia preservation improves recovery by reducing drain output, allowing earlier drain removal and reducing long periods with suction drains. It also reduces hospital stay and seroma incidence. This technique modifies the high-risk postbariatric patient in such a major way that he behaves like a nonbariatric.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II

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 .

Status of Body Contouring Following Metabolic Bariatric Surgery in a Tertiary Hospital of Greece—Still a Long Way to Go

Obesity is a disease rather than a state, and metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is its most effective treatment. Body contouring surgery (BCS) is an integral part of the continuum of care following MBS, provided that the body mass index (BMI) has stabilized for an adequate period. This study is an attempt to capture the current status of BCS following MBS in Greece, based on data from one of the country’s highest-volume hospitals. We recruited patients from the Bariatric and Plastic-Reconstructive Surgery registries who had undergone both MBS and BCS and invited them to answer a structured questionnaire with components on demographics, safety and effectiveness of previous operations, quality of life (QoL), body image, social activity, sexual activity, and doctor–patient communication. Twenty-four patients participated in the survey (response rate 88.1%). The mean BMI pre-MBS was 43.8 kg/m2 and that pre-BCS was 28.6 kg/m2. Based on the Bariatric sub-cohort, only 2.5% of post-bariatric patients underwent BCS. The mean interval between MBS and BCS was 2.9 years. The distribution of patients by MBS was as follows: sleeve gastrectomy 8 (33.3%), gastric band 7 (29.2%), gastric bypass 5 (20.8%), and gastric plication 2 (8.3%). The distribution of patients by BCS was as follows: abdominoplasty 23 (94.7%), breast contouring 8 (33.3%), thigh contouring 3 (12.5%), and arm contouring 5 (20.8%). Most positive components (70.6%) regarding QoL were appraised by >80% of the participants, indicating overall satisfaction after BCS. Conversely, only 12.5% of negative components were endorsed by >20% of patients. In conclusion, BCS has a low prevalence after MBS, although it is related to an improved quality of life and body image.

Current Practices and Guidelines for Perioperative Blood Management in Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Surgery: A Comprehensive Review of Literature

With the increase in obesity prevalence, a noticeable increase in bariatric surgeries has been reported in national and international statistics. Therefore, body contouring surgeries have increased to help individuals achieve their desired body shape. Plastic surgeons need to consider potential hematologic complications that may occur in this specific group of patients before performing body contouring surgery. This review illustrates the perioperative medical, laboratory, and management strategies needed to minimize blood loss and blood transfusion requirements during body contouring. Using Google Scholar and PubMed, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify articles discussing post-bariatric body contouring perioperative blood management strategies, including the effects of bariatric surgery on hemostasis as well as basic hematology and coagulation. In preoperative blood management, blood investigations aid in the early detection of electrolytes, protein, and vitamin deficiencies and anemia, resulting in the early correction of nutritional deficiencies. In order to reduce postoperative complications, surgical and anesthesia techniques, as well as intraoperative pharmacological therapy, play an essential role. Postoperative blood transfusion and restrictive transfusion thresholds are tailored to the patient's needs and depend on various physiological indicators, such as heart rate, blood pressure, urine output, and laboratory findings, such as acidosis and hematocrit level. Generally, post-bariatric body contouring blood management measures are still lacking, and more research is required to develop standardized guidelines for optimizing patient safety and satisfaction.Level of Evidence III 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 .

Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery: Abdominoplasty, the State of the Art in Body Contouring

Due to the increased prevalence of obesity in the last decades, bariatric surgery has been on the rise in recent years. Bariatric surgery is a compelling option for weight loss in obese patients with severe obesity-related comorbidities or for whom lifestyle modifications have proven ineffective. Redundant skin following significant weight loss is a common occurrence affecting up to 96% of patients who undergo bariatric surgery, negatively impacting physical and psychosocial health and detracting from activities of daily living. Statistics of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show that 46,577 body contouring procedures were performed after massive weight loss in the USA in a 2020 report. Abdominoplasty, a well-established cosmetic surgery procedure for improving body contour, is performed by removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal wall and thereby restoring musculofascial integrity and skin elasticity, resulting in a more ideal body shape and increasing quality of life. Although abdominoplasty is a safe procedure, it has been associated with a higher complication rate compared with other body-contouring procedures. Technologic advances over the past decade have been developed as non-invasive alternatives or adjunctive tools to surgery to enhance cosmetic results and minimize complications. New energy-based technologies may supplant invasive surgery for mild to moderate skin laxity and/or diminish the extent of surgery and resulting scars. Plastic surgeons play a significant role in improving the quality of life of patients who suffer from obesity and underwent bariatric surgery. We are deeply convinced, however, that the advancement of knowledge and research in this field will determine the introduction of new technologies and custom-made techniques. This advancement will reduce the complication rate with a rapid reintegration of the patient into the world of work and resumption of daily activities.

Investigating the Safety of Multiple Body Contouring Procedures in Massive Weight Loss Patients

INTRODUCTION

Deformities after massive weight loss are usually severe and affect many parts of the body, negatively impacting patients' social and intimate lives. A common request of patients after massive weight loss is to treat more than one anatomical area in one surgical procedure. Advantages include a single recovery period, lower surgical costs, and faster patient satisfaction. Disadvantages may include increased need for blood transfusions, longer hospital stay, and increased risk of common complications.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of the study is to compare operative risk, hospital length of stay, complication rate, and patient satisfaction in MWLP according to the number of surgical procedures performed in the same surgical setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective case-control study of 653 MWLP who underwent multiple contouring procedures simultaneously in a single surgical procedure. All patients underwent surgery between 2016 and 2020. The patients studied were divided into 4 groups according to the number of anatomical areas operated on.

RESULTS

A total of 1254 body contouring procedures were included in the study. Follow-up time ranged from 13 to 41 months, with a mean of 17 months. The mean age in the study was 33 years old. Women accounted for 78% of the studied population and men accounted for 22%. The overall complication rate (major and minor) was 105 cases (16.07%) in all groups CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction was highest in patients who underwent 2-3 procedures within the same surgical setting compared to patients who underwent +3 procedures. Nevertheless, this is clinically insignificant.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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 .