Scar asymmetry after abdominoplasty: the unexpected role of seroma.

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_785A11B25ED3
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Scar asymmetry after abdominoplasty: the unexpected role of seroma.
Journal
Annals of Plastic Surgery
Author(s)
di Summa P.G., Wettstein R., Erba P., Raffoul W., Kalbermatten D.F.
ISSN
1536-3708 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
0148-7043
Publication state
Published
Issued date
11/2013
Volume
71
Number
5
Pages
461-463
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Abstract
Achievement of symmetry remains one of the goals of cosmetic procedures. Interestingly, scar asymmetry after abdominoplasty has been rarely considered a complication. However, this can have a significant impact on patient and surgeon satisfaction. This study identifies silent seromas as a potential cause of scar asymmetry.Among abdominoplasty procedures in a university hospital institution over a 30 months' period (October 1, 2007 to April 1, 2010), we retrospectively identified 6 patients who developed abdominal scar asymmetry only 3 months postoperatively and without any early warning complications (hematoma, seroma, or infection). Clinical examination was completed by abdominal diagnostic ultrasonography. Seroma capsulectomy under local anesthesia was performed in all cases.In all patients clinically presenting late abdominal scar asymmetry, ultrasonography confirmed the presence of an encapsulated chronic seroma. Surgical capsulectomy under local anesthesia resulted in reestablishment of former symmetry and high patient satisfaction. No complications such as wound infection, dehiscence, hematoma, or recurrence of seroma were detected after revision surgery.In our experience, fibrous capsule due to chronic seromas resulted in abdominal scar deviation and asymmetry. Surgical capsulectomy followed by wearing of compressive garments resulted to be an effective treatment with pleasant aesthetic outcome and no seroma recurrence. Silent seromas should be considered as a possible etiologic factor of scar asymmetries appearing during late follow-up after abdominoplasty.
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
21/03/2012 17:21
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:35
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