Drainless Lipoabdominoplasty with Subscarpal Fat Preservation: An Analysis of 390 Patients
Seromas are the most common complication after abdominoplasty. Several methods have been described to reduce the incidence of seromas without the need for post-operative drains. These include progressive tension sutures, tissue adhesives, preservation of subscarpal fat, or a combination of the above. The goal of this review was to demonstrate that preservation of subscarpal fat alone in conjunction with lipoabdominoplasty would eliminate the need for post-operative drains with acceptable seroma rates.
Methods/Technique:
The authors conducted a retrospective chart review over a period of 11 years for patients that underwent standard or extended lipoabdominoplasty procedures. All patients underwent lipoabdominoplasty with subscarpal fat preservation and no post-operative drains.
Results/Complications:
Three hundred ninety patients were identified from 2009 to 2020. Ten patients ( 2.5%) had clinically significant seromas and five patients( 1.2%) had a hematoma.
Conclusion:
By adhering to the principles of lipoabdominoplasty with discontinuous undermining of the upper abdominal flap via liposuction, limited undermining in the midline and preservation of subscarpal fat, standard and extended lipoabdominoplasty procedures can be safely performed with acceptably low seroma rates without the need for drains, progressive tension sutures, tissue adhesives or aggressive post operative compression.