Seroma Prevention After Body Contouring Procedures

Prevention of Seroma Formation After Body Contouring Procedures

With a prevalence of up to 25%, seroma formation is among the most common complications of body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty. Small amounts of fluid are reabsorbed by the body spontaneously, however, larger seroma volumes need to be evacuated via puncture aspiration to prevent wound healing disturbances and infection, leading to major patient discomfort and a prolonged hospital stay. There is increasing controversy regarding the efficacy of surgical drains in seroma prevention. This study compares the incidence rate of seroma in three study arms with different usage of drains.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All full-aged patients requiring body contouring procedures in our department who provide oral and written informed consent indicating that they agree to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Minors or patients with a designated health care proxy, revision surgeries, morbid obesity