Abdominoplasty After Weight Loss in Post-bariatric Surgery: An Optimized Surgery Procedure and Clinical Protocol-A Large Single-center Study.

[INTRODUCTION] Weight loss after bariatric surgery causes very important modifications to the patient's silhouette. Abdominal fat and skin excess reduction are associated with several complications. The most frequent are seroma and hematoma whereas major complications, such as pulmonary embolism, are less frequent. This study aimed to describe our technical procedure and clinical procedure for abdominoplasty in patients with massive weight loss after bariatric surgery.

[MATERIAL AND METHODS] This retrospective study included 221 post-bariatric patients who underwent abdominoplasty with Scarpa fascia preservation at Villa Dei Fiori Hospital between May 2022 and May 2024. Candidates were selected based on National Institute of Health criteria, with strict preoperative assessments and exclusion of high-risk patients. Operative data, including BMI, excess weight loss (EWL%), complications, and outcomes, were collected. The surgical technique emphasized Scarpa's fascia preservation and a comprehensive postoperative protocol, including tranexamic acid administration and early mobilization.

[RESULTS] The mean age of participants was 47.5 years, with an average preoperative BMI of 45 kg/m, reduced to 25.71 kg/m after bariatric surgery. Postoperative complications included seroma (3%), hematoma (4%), wound infection (8%), and wound dehiscence (6%). Patients treated with tranexamic acid experienced significantly reduced blood loss (1.5 g/dL vs. 2.88 g/dL; p = 0.001) and shorter drainage durations. Scarpa fascia preservation reduced seroma formation and improved healing without increasing operative time.

[DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION] This study underscores the importance of Scarpa fascia preservation in abdominoplasty for post-bariatric patients, reducing complications such as seroma and enhancing aesthetic and functional outcomes. Tranexamic acid further minimized complications without thromboembolic risk. Despite its retrospective design, the findings align with existing literature and support the adoption of this technique to improve surgical outcomes and patient quality of life.

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