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Abdominoplasty combines safely with abdominal liposuction when perforator vessel is spared

The combination of abdominal liposuction with abdominoplasty showed no increase in complications when a perforator vessel was spared, according to researchers.

Researchers retrospectively reviewed 300 cases in which patients underwent abdominoplasty, during which one or two perforator vessels from the deep superior epigastric artery system were spared, along with concurrent abdominal liposuction. Cases were reviewed for complications, total volume of abdominal liposuction performed and results.

In 226 patients, the abdominoplasties were combined with other procedures, of which the most common were flank liposuction (55%) and breast operations (40.3%). The additional surgeries were recommended by the surgeon to achieve the best results, according to the researchers.

Researchers found abdominal liposuction aspirate averaged 660 cc, with a range of 75 cc to 2,200 cc.

Of 52 patients with reported complications, four were considered major. The need for scar or standing cone revision was the most common complication, reported in 21 patients. Additionally, nonfat pulmonary embolism occurred in two patients. Seroma formation was found in 14 patients, but all were resolved by needle aspiration, according to the researchers. Lower abdominal infections were found in five patients and were resolved by oral antibiotics.

The researchers concluded this combined procedure may lead to better aesthetic results and a possible reduction in revision surgery. - by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.