An outcomes analysis and satisfaction survey of 199 consecutive abdominoplasties

Abdominoplasty is a popular body-contouring procedure. In this study the au thors review retrospectively 199 abdominoplasty patients during a 15-year p eriod to identify factors that affect overall outcome. Patients included 19 0 women and 9 men. The complication rate was 32% with few major complicatio ns (1.4%). The revision rate was 43%, and was related to fine-tuning the ae sthetic appearance. Patients were divided into four groups based on tobacco use and history of diabetes and hypertension. There was no significant dif ference in revision rates or major complications between the subgroups. Min or complication rates, however, were significantly higher in smokers and pa tients with diabetes and/or hypertension. Complication and revision rates i n patients undergoing intra-abdominal procedures combined with abdominoplas ty were not significantly different from those patients undergoing abdomino plasty alone. A patient survey revealed symptom improvement in 95% of patie nts. Eighty-six percent of patients were satisfied with their result, and 8 6% would recommend abdominoplasty to a friend. The authors conclude that ab dominoplasty is a safe and satisfying procedure, whether performed alone or in conjunction with another procedure. Patients are pleased with the outco me and have improvement in their symptoms, with minimal health risk. There is, however, a significant incidence of minor complications, related primar ily to wound healing. These complications are increased significantly in sm okers and patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. Revision rates are no t different significantly between the subgroups. When complications do occu r or revisions are required, they are minor and managed easily in an office setting.