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Abdominal skin hypesthesia may occur after abdominoplasty. The purpose of this study was to find out (1) which sensibility modalities are decreased and (2) which areas of the abdominal wall are affected, so that patients can be warned preoperatively about this condition. Forty patients were divided in two groups of 20 patients each. In the control group, patients had no previous abdominal incisions. The sensibility evaluation of patients from the experimental group was made from 12 to 60 months after abdominoplasty, with an average of 31.5 months. These patients were divided into two groups of 10 patients each, a short-term follow-up group (12 to 30 months postoperatively) and a long-term follow-up group (31 to 60 months postoperatively). The abdominal skin was divided into 12 areas; nine were above the abdominoplasty incision and three were below it. Sensibility to superficial touch, superficial pain, and hot and cold modalities was recorded as positive in all areas by a variable number of patients of the experimental group. However, in area 8 (hypogastric area), a statistically significant number of patients had decreased sensibility in all sensibility modalities (Fisher's test and t test). Patients in the experimental group also showed decreased sensibility to hot and cold temperature in area 11 (pubic area). Sensibility to pressure decreased significantly in all areas of the abdomen when compared with the control group (t test). When patients of the short-term follow-up group were compared with those of the long-term follow-up group, there was no statistically significant difference for all modalities of sensibility in the areas studied, except for area 5. In this area it was found that long-term follow-up patients recovered sensibility to cold and hot temperatures. These findings help plastic surgeons to orient their patients about possible risk of exposure to injuries in the areas with decreased sensibility after abdominoplasty. Most importantly, as these patients have decreased sensibility to pressure and hot temperature in a more extensive area of the abdomen, they are exposed to a higher risk of burn injury.

Background: Recurrent rectus diastasis is a troublesome complication because its correction requires an extensive procedure., Case Reports: Two patients with recurrent rectus diastasis secondary to abdominoplasty corrected by plication of the anterior rectus sheath are presented. These patients had lateral insertion of the rectus muscles. They were treated by the advancement of the rectus muscles after undermining of the posterior rectus sheath and a two-layer closure to correct the rectus diastasis. Good cosmetic results and postoperative pain control were achieved in both cases., Discussion: The causes, prevention, and treatment for this type of rectus diastasis are described. The main reason for recurrence of this deformity in these patients was lateral insertion of the rectus muscles on the costal margins. On the basis principle, an efficient technique to correct this deformity is described. A postoperative compute tomography scan with slices made at the same bony level as the preoperative control examination demonstrated total correction of rectus diastasis over a long-term follow-up evaluation., Conclusion: Advancement of the recti muscles seems to be a reliable method for correcting recurrent rectus diastasis in patients with lateral insertion of the recti muscles.

From 1877 to 1991, 23 patients, 15 female and eight male, age ranging from eight to 42 years were treated for hemifacial depressions with microvascular transplants. Eight had hemifacial atrophy, four had hemifacial microsomia and one sequelae of hemangioma treatment. Twelve of these patients received paraescapular flaps, five omentum flaps, five great dorsal flaps and one fascial tensor flap. Good result was achieved in 21/23 patients with good symmetry. Two flaps were lost by vascular thrombosis. On of these patients later received a second microvascular flap with good result. Two patients presented late "reabsorption" of the flap after good result in the first year of follow-up. One of them received a second microvascular flap and again the flap lost volume in a long term follow-up. Discussion focuses on this important finding in terms of physiopathology. The results of different kinds of reconstruction are compared and the fact that dermofat flaps achieved best results is emphasized.

Background: For severe cases of rectus diastasis with or without ventral hernia, standard rectus plication methods may not be appropriate. Sublay mesh and onlay mesh may provide good outcomes for the correction of severe rectus diastases, especially if they are coupled with ventral hernia, according to our research. We discovered a significant rate of unaccepted recurrence. To lower the number of recurrences in the component separation technique, we strive to apply double mesh repair to reinforce the defect and so avoid or reduce the recurrence rate. Patients and methods: Thirty-two patients underwent abdominal wall restoration with polypropylene mesh in a row. A technique for using mesh in a sublay manner deep to the rectus muscles above the posterior sheath without anterior dissection of the rectus abdominus from the anterior sheath to avoid damage to the blood supply and damage to the umbilical perforators during that dissection while onlay mesh is used on the anterior rectus sheath. After using the double mesh approach, problems and follow-up data were discovered. Results: We had 32 patients underwent abdominal repair, either for a ventral hernia or rectus diastasis repair with mesh, from May 2019 to January 2021. Only three patients exhibited isolated rectus diastasis. The patients were 55 years old on average, with ages ranging from 35 to 75. Females made up 92 percent of the patients. The patients' average body mass index was 35 kg/m2 (range: 31 to 42 kg/m2). We did not have any surgical-site infections, but we did have three surgical-site occurrences as seromas, which were treated in the outpatient clinic with simple drainage. None of the patients had a recurrence of any bulge or hernia after an average of one year of follow-up. Conclusion: This study used a double mish reinforcement approach to reduce the rate of recurrence and occurrences. As a result, augmentation using polypropylene on-lay mesh and sublay combined resulted in reduced recurrence rates than using each approach separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the feasibility of two physiotherapy interventions for the management of diastasis recti abdominis (DrA): abdominal binding and targeting trunk exercises. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was used to compare the effectiveness of exercise therapy and/or abdominal binding to no intervention on thirty-two primiparous women who presented with DrA in the early post-partum period. Feasibility was determined based on study recruitment, compliance, and attrition rates as well as through computation of treatment effect sizes associated with each intervention compared to no intervention. Outcomes included inter-rectus distance measured using ultrasound, body image, pain, urogynecological symptoms, and function measured using questionnaires, and trunk flexion strength and endurance measured using clinical tests. Results: The recruitment rate was 3 participants/month. Intervention adherence rates were >50% and the attrition rate was 16%. After 6 months, positive effects (Cohen's d (d) = 0.2–0.5) on body image were observed in both the abdominal binding alone and combination therapy groups. A positive effect on trunk flexion strength (d = 0.7) was observed in the combination therapy group. Conclusion: The effect sizes suggest that physiotherapy interventions can positively impact body image and trunk flexion strength. While a clinical trial investigating these interventions is feasible, further preliminary investigation is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The different types of sutures utilized in plications and for correction of diastasis during abdominoplasty are reviewed and discussed. Because correction of abdominal deformities also involves fascia and muscle advancement, this review also covers the suture materials used in muscle advancement. The selection of specific techniques to treat different types of abdominal wall deformity is also considered. This is important, because the outcome when correcting these deformities depends not only on suture materials but also on employing the optimum technique. A PubMed/Medline search was performed with the following search terms: rectus diastasis, diastasis recti, diastasis recti abdominis, correction of rectus diastasis, abdominoplasty. Relevant articles identifying the type of suture (rapidly absorbable, slowly absorbable, nonabsorbable), monofilament or multifilament sutures, antibiotic-coated sutures, and barbed sutures were evaluated. In addition, articles about surgical technique comparing continuous and interrupted sutures, in both the anterior and posterior aponeurosis, to correct rectus diastasis are discussed. Efficacy of suture materials was evaluated based on the long-term results and recurrence rates reported in these articles. The current literature provides sufficient data to recommend a single-layer continuous suture, with slowly absorbable sutures of 0 polydioxanone or 2-0 nylon, for correction of abdominal diastasis. An interrupted triangular suture is a good alternative to correct the vertical elongation of the myoaponeurotic layer that occurs after pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Standard rectus plication techniques may not suffice for severe cases of rectus diastasis, especially with ventral hernia. In our study, prosthetic subfascial sublay mesh and onlay mesh may facilitate the repair of severe rectus diastases, especially with concomitant ventral hernias. There is little agreement about the most appropriate technique to repair these defects, in spite of the fact in the prevalence of ventral hernias we are often faced with reinforcement with prosthetic meshes. In the component separation technique, we found high unaccepted recurrence rate. In an attempt to reduce recurrences, we attempt to use sublay mesh and onlay mesh to inforce the defect and prevent or to decrease the recurrence. Our objective was to determine prosthetic mesh practice patterns of onlay and sublay reconstructive methods regarding indications. Patients and methods A total of 32 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction by means of component separations associated with polypropylene mesh were included. A technique of placing mesh in a sublay manner, deep to the rectus muscles without anterior dissection of rectus abdominis from anterior sheath to avoid damage of its blood supply and damage deep umbilical perforators during dissection ended by onlay mesh on anterior rectus sheath, was applied. The complications were recorded and follow-up data were obtained after double-mesh technique. Aim To use prosthetic polypropylene mesh sublay (above or anterior to the posterior rectus sheath) with another onlay mesh (above the anterior rectus sheath) for rectus diastasis with or without ventral hernia. Results From May 2016 to January 2018, we had 16 patients who underwent cosmetic abdominal repair either for a ventral hernia repair with mesh or a rectus diastasis repair with mesh. Three patients had (isolated) rectus diastasis alone. The mean age of the patients was 55 years, with a range of 35–75 years of age. Overall, 92% of the patients were female. The mean;Deg;BM;Deg;I of the patients was 32 kg/m2 (range: 25–40 kg/m2). There were no surgical-site infections but three surgical-site occurrences − seromas, which were treated with drainage in the office. After an average of 365 days of follow-up, none of the patients had recurrence of a bulge or a hernia. Conclusion This study used a double-mesh reinforcement procedure, with a low rate of recurrence and occurrences. Moreover, the repair of a large, complex hernia by double-mesh repair technique augmented with polypropylene onlay mesh and sublay results in lower recurrence rates compared with historical reports of component separation technique alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After abdominoplasty, patients experience decreased ventilatory function and increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Breathing exercises are used during the pre- and postoperative periods of several abdominal surgeries to prevent or minimize postoperative complications.Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of preoperative respiratory physiotherapy on the outcome of abdominoplasty patients.Methods: Thirty-three patients were divided into 2 groups. The control group (n = 18) received no preoperative intervention. The intervention group (n = 15) performed breathing exercises during the preoperative period, including incentive spirometry, diaphragmatic breathing, shortened expiration, and sustained maximal inspiration. Respiratory physiotherapy started one week before surgery. Breathing exercises were performed daily. They were performed 3 times weekly in the presence of a physiotherapist and patients were instructed to carry on the exercises at home on days without physiotherapy sessions for three sets of 20 repetitions each. Patients were assessed by spirometry and IAP measurements.Results: No significant difference in spirometry was found between groups. However, patients in the intervention group had lower IAP at the start of surgery and at all time points (P = 0.010) compared with controls.Conclusions: Preoperative respiratory physiotherapy had no impact on spirometry, but may have contributed to reduce IAP intraoperatively.Level Of Evidence2: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plication of the anterior rectus sheath is the most commonly used technique for repair of diastasis recti, but is also a time-consuming procedure.Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and time required to repair diastasis recti using different plication techniques.Methods: Thirty women with similar abdominal deformities, who had had at least one pregnancy, were randomized into three groups to undergo abdominoplasty. Plication of the anterior rectus sheath was performed in two layers with 2-0 monofilament nylon suture (control group) or in a single layer with either a continuous 2-0 monofilament nylon suture (group I) or using a continuous barbed suture (group II). Operative time was recorded. All patients underwent ultrasound examination preoperatively and at 3 weeks and 6 months postoperatively to monitor for diastasis recurrence. The force required to bring the anterior rectus sheath to the midline was measured at the supraumbilical and infraumbilical levels.Results: Patient age ranged from 26 to 50 years and body mass index from 20.56 to 29.17 kg/m2. A significant difference in mean operative time was found between the control and study groups (control group, 35 min:22 s; group I, 14 min:22 s; group II, 15 min:23 s; P < 0.001). Three patients in group II had recurrence of diastasis. There were no significant within- and between-group differences in tensile force on the aponeurosis.Conclusions: Plication of the anterior rectus sheath in a single-layer with a continuous suture showed to be an efficient and rapid technique for repair of diastasis recti.Level of Evidence1: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scarpa fascia preservation during abdominoplasty has been shown to reduce complications associated with the traditional technique. As an extension of a previously published randomized controlled trial, this study aims to clarify whether preservation of Scarpa fascia during abdominoplasty has an influence on scar quality or sensibility recovery., Methods: This was a single-center clinical trial, involving 160 patients randomly assigned to one of two surgical procedures: classic full abdominoplasty (group A) and abdominoplasty with preservation of Scarpa fascia (group B). Patients were later convoked to assess scar quality and abdominal cutaneous sensibility. Scar quality was evaluated through the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Cutaneous sensibility was measured on the upper and lower abdomen, using light touch, Semmes-Weinstein testing (5.07/10-g monofilament), and a 25-gauge needle., Results: A total of 99 patients (group A, 54 patients; group B, 45 patients) responded to contact, with a mean follow-up time of 44 months. Concerning scar quality, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores were similar between groups. On the upper abdomen, there was a statistically significant difference between groups on cutaneous sensibility, on the examination with the Semmes-Weinstein 5.07/10-g monofilament (group A, 79.6 percent; group B, 93.3 percent; p = 0.046) and pain (group A, 90.7 percent; group B, 100 percent; p = 0.044). No statistically significant differences were found between groups on the lower abdomen. A considerable proportion of patients (two-thirds) still presented sensibility alterations in the subumbilical area 3½ years after abdominoplasty., Conclusion: Scarpa fascia preservation during abdominoplasty does not influence scar quality, but it improves sensibility recovery in the supraumbilical area., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, II.

Background: Abdominal wall deformity secondary to pregnancy is multidirectional. Plication of the anterior rectus sheath is the most widely used technique for correction of this condition. However, it would be desirable to simultaneously perform the transverse and longitudinal repair of this deformity. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the length of the musculoaponeurotic layer after diastasis recti repair using triangular mattress sutures. Methods: Thirty-one women with Nahas' type III/A deformity were divided into two groups: the triangular mattress suture (TS) group and the continuous suture (CS) group. All patients underwent conventional abdominoplasty and diastasis recti repair with medial longitudinal plication performed between two metal clips. The two types of suture were used in both groups. In the TS group, after a CS was performed and removed, TSs were used and maintained in place. In the CS group, the order of suture placement was reversed. The distance between clips was measured before and immediately after suturing and at 3 weeks and 6 months postoperatively using plain abdominal radiographs. Statistical analysis was conducted using Friedman's analysis of variance and Wilcoxon's test. Results: The use of TSs significantly reduced the length of the aponeurosis compared with both the intraoperative situation without suture ( P < 0.001) and the use of CS (intraoperatively and 6 months after surgery; P < 0.001). Conclusion: The repair of diastasis recti using TSs resulted in vertical shortening of musculoaponeurotic layer immediately after the procedure and in the long term. Level of Evidence III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abdominoplasty is one of the top five most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. Whereas widening of the linea alba is a well-accepted consequence of pregnancy, the changes to the rectus abdominis muscles are less well known and thus unappreciated and undertreated., Methods: After institutional review board approval, the Northwestern Enterprise Data Warehouse identified nulliparous and multiparous women, aged 18 to 45 years, who underwent abdominal computed tomography between 2000 and the present. Measurements included the width and cross-sectional area of each rectus muscle, width of the linea alba, and circumference of the abdominal cavity at the level of the L3 vertebra. In addition, two case reports addressing these anatomical changes with muscle modification and mesh reinforcement are presented., Results: Sixty women were identified that met our inclusion criteria: 15 nulliparous, 15 after one pregnancy (para 1), 15 after two pregnancies (para 2), and 15 after three or more pregnancies (para ≥ 3). The linea alba was significantly widened after one pregnancy from 1.14 cm to 2.29 cm, but did not significantly widen further with each subsequent pregnancy. The width of each rectus muscle was significantly widened from 6.00 ± 0.60 cm in nulliparous to 6.61 ± 0.58 cm in para 1, significantly widened again to 7.03 ± 0.46 cm in para 2, but not significantly widened after that (6.97 ± 1.00 cm in para 3)., Conclusions: In addition to widening of the linea alba, pregnancy alters the shape of the rectus abdominis muscle. Correction of muscle width during abdominoplasty may be a necessary adjunct to achieve the proper tension in both primary and revision procedures., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, V.

Background: Cutaneous sensitivity of microtia reconstruction has been sparsely documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there is a loss of cutaneous sensitivity following two-stage autologous ear reconstruction for unilateral microtia., Methods: A prospective study was performed including unilateral microtia patients who underwent two-stage autologous ear reconstruction performed by a single plastic surgeon between 2011 and 2016. Standardized sensory testing (i.e., temperature discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments) was executed at 11 predefined anatomical points of the affected and unaffected ears preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively., Results: Thirty-eight patients were included. Affected and unaffected sides presented similar (all p > 0.05) preoperative cutaneous sensitivity. Most (72.7 percent) of the tested points showed (all p < 0.05) preservation or recovery of cutaneous sensitivity at 12 months postoperatively. When comparing the reconstructed ears with the unaffected ears, there was no significant difference (all p > 0.05) in most (72.7 percent) of the tested points, except (all p < 0.05) at those points involving the postauricular sulcus., Conclusion: There is a temporary cutaneous sensitivity loss after a two-stage autologous microtia reconstruction, which returned to similar preoperative sensitivity at 12-month follow-up, except in the postauricular sulcus., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV.

Diastasis is a separation of the two recti due to various reasons, and can be measured as the ‘inter-recti distance’ (IRD). Surgery for diastasis is controversial, while laparoscopic repair has rarely been reported. We describe our method of laparoscopic plication—the ‘Venetian blinds’ technique combined with mesh reinforcement for patients with diastasis of the recti. A total of 18 patients out of 35 that presented to us were operated. The common indications were cosmesis and discomfort while performing normal activities. Laparoscopic plication with the ‘Venetian blinds’ technique of the diastasis with prosthetic reinforcement was performed for all cases. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.6 kg/m2 (range 25–32.2) and obese patients had a larger IRD. The mean operating time was 113 min (range 72–154). Minor complications were present in five (27.77%) patients. The recurrence rate after 6–48 months follow up was 0% in this series. Even though surgery for diastasis is controversial, we advocate repair for cosmesis and restoring function of the recti muscles. Our ‘Venetian blinds’ technique provides a solid repair and reduces the risk of seroma. The use of a prosthesis for the repair is mandatory to prevent recurrence. The adequacy of repair was assessed by measuring the IRD preoperatively and postoperatively with computed tomography (CT) scan. Laparoscopy provides all of the benefits of minimal access surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the surgical technique and procedure of lipoabdominoplasty. The procedure involves the concept of combining liposuction with abdominoplasty, and is considered a versatile operation that reduces complications, extends the indications for patient recruitment to the obese and super obese populations and simplifies the surgery while giving a better aesthetic result with quicker recovery. The author also presented essential steps for safeness in conducting the procedure.