Outcome analysis of combined lipoabdominoplasty versus conventional abdominoplasty.
BACKGROUND
Abdominoplasty and liposuction have traditionally been separate procedures. The authors performed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the outcomes of a novel single-stage approach combining extensive lipoplasty with a modified transverse abdominoplasty.


METHODS
One hundred fourteen patients were evaluated for abdominal contouring. Patients were categorized into four groups: group I (n = 20) received abdominal liposuction only, group II (n = 33) traditional W-pattern incision line abdominoplasty, group III (n = 30) modified transverse incision abdominoplasty, and group IV (n = 31) combined procedure involving widely distributed abdominal liposuction accompanied by inverted V-pattern dissection abdominoplasty. Wound complications, patient satisfaction, and revision rates were compared statistically.


RESULTS
Group I (liposuction alone) experienced an overall complication rate of 5 percent; two patients were dissatisfied (10 percent) and underwent further revision with full abdominoplasties. Group II (traditional W-pattern abdominoplasty) had a complication rate of 42 percent, a dissatisfaction rate of 42 percent, and a revision rate of 39 percent. By comparison, group III (modified low transverse abdominoplasty) had a complication rate of 17 percent, a dissatisfaction rate of 37 percent, and a revision rate of 33 percent. Group IV (combined liposuction plus abdominoplasty) had significantly lower complication, dissatisfaction, and revision rates (9, 3, and 3 percent, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Modified transverse abdominoplasty combined with extensive liposuction and limited paramedian supraumbilical dissection produced fewer complications and less dissatisfaction than did traditional abdominoplasty. This may be attributable to a reduced tension midline closure in the suprapubic region, less lateral undermining in the upper abdomen, and greater preservation of intercostal artery blood flow to the flap.
Heller
Justin B
JB
New Haven, Conn. From the Section of Plastic Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine.
Teng
Edward
E
Knoll
Bianca I
BI
Persing
John
J
D050153:Abdominal Fat / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015187:Lipectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies