“Post bariatric Abdominal Contouring; Technical approach and Quality of Life.”

Abstract

Background: Abdominal contouring is a common procedure after bariatric surgery, but few studies on its outcomes have been conducted. The authors measured surgical and functional outcomes after postbariatric abdominal contouring and their effects on quality of life. Methods: Thirty patients, male and female, of different age groups, underwent postbariatric abdominal contouring using traditional abdominoplasty, fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, or belt lipectomy. The technical approach was decided according to each patient’s presentation regarding the amount and extent of skin redundancy. All patients were given a booklet containing simplified questionnaires to assess quality of life and appearance to fill out both before and 6 months after the procedure. Data were collected face-to-face at the outpatient clinic during follow-up, by e-mail, or by messaging. Results: The authors performed traditional abdominoplasty (seven cases), fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty (eight cases), or belt lipectomy (15 cases). Surgical outcomes (operative time, resection weight, blood transfusion, postoperative hemoglobin level, postoperative albumin level, hospital stay, drain period, and complications) were influenced significantly by the procedure type (p ≤ 0.01). Health-related quality-of-life and appearance scale scores changed significantly from the precontouring stage to the postcontouring stage. This significant change in functional outcome was not correlated to the technical approach. Conclusion: Abdominal contouring surgery improves quality of life after bariatric surgery irrespective of the procedure type. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Oxidative Stress in Postbariatric Patients: A Systematic Literature Review Exploring the Long-term Effects of Bariatric Surgery

“…48 Finally, body contouring surgery is the final link in the comprehensive treatment of obese patients because it improves quality of life after bariatric surgery. [51][52][53] We consider that the increase in oxidative stress in this group of patients could be associated with the development of complications. Nevertheless, there are currently no studies in this regard.…”

Kinematic Analysis of Patients before and after Abdominoplasty

“…[8] Patient-reported outcomes following abdominoplasty and panniculectomy include improved body image, improved quality of life, and reduced low back pain. [6] [9] [10] [11] Excision of the abdominal pannus has been shown to redistribute the patient's weight offloading the spine and chest wall, reducing low back pain, and improving posture. [6] [12] [13] In addition, the rectus plication improves the patient's core strength, further offloading the spinal musculature.…”