• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.535-540
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• 2023

Background Abdominoplasty with abdominal plication increases intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and has been previously associated with limited diaphragmatic excursion and respiratory dysfunctions. Many factors found in abdominoplasties and among postbariatric patients predispose them to a higher occurrence. This study aims to evaluate the impact of abdominal plication among postbariatric patients, assess whether the plication increases their IAP, and analyze how these IAP correlate to their postoperative outcome. Methods This prospective study was performed on all patients who underwent circumferential Fleur-De-Lis abdominoplasty. For this intended study, the IAP was measured by an intravesical minimally invasive approach in three stages: after the initiation of general anesthesia, after a 10-cm abdominal wall plication and skin closure, and 24 hours after the procedure. Results We included 46 patients, of which 41 were female and 5 were male. Before the bariatric procedure, these patients had an average maximum weight of 121.4 kg and an average maximum body mass index of 45.78 kg/m²; 7 were grade I obese patients, 10 were grade II, and 29 were grade III. Only three patients were operated on with a gastric sleeve and 43 with gastric bypass. We presented six patients with transitory intra-abdominal hypertension in the first 24 hours, all of them from the grade I obesity group, the highest presented was 14.3 mm Hg. We presented 15% (7/46) of complication rates, which were only four seroma and five dehiscence; two patients presented both seroma and wound dehiscence. Conclusion Performing a 10-cm abdominal wall plication or greater represents a higher risk for intra-abdominal hypertension, slower general recovery, and possibly higher complication rate in patients who presented a lower degree of obesity (grade I) at the moment of the bariatric surgery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.289-295
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• 2022

Background Massive weight loss (MWL) is a very common presentation that you may face as a plastic surgeon. Each patient has his own individual criteria, so, you should work according to a well-organized plan, especially when such cases have concerns about their gluteal area contour that were neglected before by many surgeons. A decision-making strategy was used to give a personalized treatment for targeting gluteal region reshaping of MWL patients. Methods This study considered all patients with MWL subjected to buttock reshaping. There was no randomization in treatment; there was a case-by-case assessment. We analyzed the features of the buttocks, the type of surgery performed, the outcomes, and the complications. Results Fifty two patients were included (41 females and 11 males), ages ranged between 21 and 66 years. Demographic data, preoperative body mass index (BMI), duration of surgery, type of surgery, and postoperative complications were collected. Statistically significant improvements were observed in gluteal ptosis and patient satisfaction grades. Conclusion Aesthetic improvement of the buttocks involves either augmentation or contouring that may be obtained by liposculpture, surgical lifting, or combination. Patients with MWL have high expectations and are often treated with multiple procedures. Thus, an easy strategic approach personalized on each patient to treat multiple adjacent areas in one operation is necessary. Adipose tissue distribution, gluteal skin status, and BMI were the main factors that can forcefully affect our plan to guarantee reduction of unpleasant results and complications and improve patient satisfaction.