Abstract
Abdominoplasty is among the most commonly performed procedures in plastic surgery. Complications reported after abdominoplasty include pulmonary embolism and seromas. The abdominoplasty paradox is that postoperative patient and flap immobilization may diminish seroma formation but may also predispose the patient to embolism. Early mobilization may prevent the latter but increase the risk of seroma. Commercially available fibrin sealants can create flap adherence, reducing the risk of seroma formation, while at the same time allowing early ambulation. In this article we retrospectively review 55 consecutive ambulatory abdominoplasty procedures using intraoperative aerosolized commercial fibrin sealant for flap adhesion. Minimum follow-up was 24 days. No postoperative seromas occurred. Results indicate that fibrin sealants can help prevent postoperative seroma formation in abdominoplasty surgery. No complications or untoward side effects are reported. The application of sealant product requires proper in-service and technique.
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