title: Scarpa fascia or rectus fascia in abdominoplasty flap elevation: a prospective clinical trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Postoperative seroma formation remains the most frequent complication after full abdominoplasty. This study aimed to evaluate postoperatively the formation of a minor seroma when the superficial fascia is used for preparation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study enrolled 50 patients who underwent a full abdominoplasty with umbilicus transposition between February 2008 and February 2010. The patients were alternated to the scarpa group or the rectus group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The two groups differed in terms of postoperative seroma formation and amount of average drain output.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Scarpa fascia preservation seems to reduce postoperative seroma formation. The mechanism of the decreased fluid collection is not clear and needs further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sisters of Mercy Hospital Linz, Seilerstätte 4, 4020, Linz, Austria. matthias.koller@bhs.at
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koller
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hintringer
mesh_terms: D050153:Abdominal Fat / Q000601:surgery*; D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D006801:Humans; D015187:Lipectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D049291:Seroma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000453:epidemiology