Abdominoplasty With Scarpa Fascia Preservation

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Costa-Ferreira A (Author) FMUP; Marco, R (Author) Other; Vasconez, L (Author) Other; Amarante J (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Annals of Plastic Surgery

Vol. 76

Pages: S264-S274

ISSN: 0148-7043

Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Health

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 18 Citations

Scopus - 18 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-GY6

DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000000851

Abstract (EN): The plane of dissection used during a full abdominoplasty has been implicated on the seroma rate. Avoiding the classic plane of dissection on top of the rectus fascia and using a more superficial plane of dissection has been suggested as a strategy to improve recovery and lower the complication rate. The authors have been applying this principle in their practice for more than a decade, and they performed 2 prospective comparative studies to evaluate the clinical effects of using a more superficial plane of dissection (with Scarpa fascia preservation) during a full abdominoplasty. The technique is presented and explained along with the results of both comparative studies. The results of both studies are discussed particularly the effects on drain volume (total and daily), the duration of drain usage and the avoidance of "long drainers." These are very relevant advantages of the technique that have not been discussed in the literature. The results and surgical strategies used by other authors which apply a more superficial plane of dissection are presented. Controversy still exits on the manipulation of the deep fat compartment by liposuction or direct fat excision. No manipulation is another option which should be considered but it has been questioned due to the risk of aesthetic compromise. A morphometric study performed on the surgical specimens of 41 female patients submitted to a full abdominoplasty validates that option. Based on this evidence, the authors recommend that surgeons consider performing abdominoplasties using a more superficial plane of dissection in the infraumbilical area with total preservation of Scarpa fascia and the deep fat compartment. The classic plane of dissection, on top of the deep fascia, should be avoided in the lower abdomen.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11