Pregnancy Reverses Abdominoplasty Aesthetic Outcome: Myth or Misconception? A Cross-Sectional Study. (8th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Averbuch Sagie, Roni; Wiser, Itay; Heller, Lior; Klein, Doron; Hadad, Eran
• Is Part Of: Aesthetic surgery journal. Volume 42:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: NP20
• Page End: NP26
• Publication Date: 2021-10-08
• Subjects: Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjab356
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-820X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The common recommendation for female abdominoplasty candidates is to conclude family planning before undergoing the procedure. However, no evidence demonstrates a correlation between aesthetic outcome compromise, risk for fetal complications, or risk for maternal complications when abdominoplasty is followed by pregnancy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal, fetal, and aesthetic outcomes among pregnant females with a history of abdominoplasty. Methods: The authors conducted an online survey among women who became pregnant after having an abdominoplasty. Participants were recruited via social media groups related to abdominoplasty. The survey included demographic-, aesthetic outcome-, and pregnancy-related questions utilizing a score from 1 (no effect) to 10 (worst effect) to assess abdominal aesthetic outcome compromise. Results: Thirty-two participants completed the online survey, 15 (46.8%) of which reported their pregnancy was unplanned. Pregnancy-related findings included 5 (15.6%) late premature births (between gestational week 35 and 37), 1 miscarriage, and 1 emergency C-section. Compromised aesthetic outcomes following pregnancy included new abdominal stretch marks (50%, N = 16), widened abdominoplasty scar (28%, N = 9), abdominal skin excess (37.5%, N = 12), and abdominal bulge (25.8%, N = 8). A new hernia was reported by 2 participants (6.3%). The average abdominal aesthetic severity score was 2.7 (range, 1-8), and only 3 scores were above 5 (9.3%). Two women (6.2%) underwent abdominoplasty revision, and 18 (56.2%) stated they would recommend others to undergo abdominoplasty before pregnancy (56.3%). Conclusions: This survey shows there is room to reevaluate whether future pregnancy should be considered a relative contraindication for undergoing abdominoplasty. Level of Evidence: 4: