<< Back to the abstract archive
Abdominoplasty Practice Patterns: An American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Member Survey - How Much Has Changed Over 20 Years?
Morgan L. Fish, M.D.*
Marjorie C. Kragel, M.D.*
Elad T. Fraiman, B.A., M.P.H.
Pierce L. Janssen, M.D.
Alan Matarasso, M.D., F.A.C.S.
James E. Zins, M.D., F.A.C.S.
*These two authors contributed equally to this work
Cleveland Clinic
2025-01-09
Presenter: Marjorie C. Kragel, M.D.
Affidavit:
Dr. Fish was largely responsible for study design, survey creation, and data collection. Dr. Kragel performed data analysis and spearheaded drafting of the manuscript and abstract. The remaining authors all provided assistance throughout the process. The senior author Dr. Zins oversaw all stages of the project, assisted with revisions, and provided critical guidance.
Director Name: James E. Zins
Author Category: Other Specialty Resident
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Aesthetics
Background: In 2006, Matarasso et al. published an American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) member survey detailing abdominoplasty practice patterns. The purpose of the current study is to explore how surgical techniques, ancillary procedures, practice patterns, and surgical outcomes have changed in the interim.
Methods: A 38-question descriptive survey was designed based on Matarasso's 2006 study. Selected modifications were incorporated to investigate new techniques and trends. Surveys were distributed anonymously to a random cohort of 1,765 ASPS members. Results were compared to the 2006 survey and to current practice recommendations in the plastic surgery literature.
Results: A total of 256 responses (14.5% response rate) were received. Full abdominoplasty with rectus plication and umbilical transposition was the most performed abdominal contouring technique by the majority of respondents in both studies. Utilization of abdominal flap liposuction as an adjunct to abdominoplasty decreased from 54% in 2006 to 48.6% in 2023. Use of ultrasound-assisted liposuction also decreased from 13% to 6.4%, while use of power-assisted liposuction increased from 14% to 50.7%. Progressive tension sutures and tranexamic acid were novel practice tools incorporated by 49.8% and 38.3% of respondents, respectively. Drain use decreased from 98% in 2006 to 82.5%. Willingness to perform concomitant breast surgery was universally high for both surveys. Current respondents were, however, less likely to perform concomitant intraabdominal or facial surgeries compared to 2006.
Conclusions: Nuanced changes in the abdominoplasty operation have occurred over the past twenty years, as have adjuncts utilized to improve results and limit morbidity.
