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Publication
Use of Infrared Thermography for Abdominoplasty Procedures in Patients with Extensive Subcostal Scars: A Preliminary Analysis
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Subcostal scars may increase the risk of healing complications in
abdominoplasty. The authors evaluated the use of thermography as a potential tool
for patient selection and surgery planning to avoid complications and improve
abdominoplasty outcomes. Two candidates for abdominoplasty procedures who
presented with extensive subcostal scars were submitted to an infrared thermog raphy protocol at all phases of the procedure: preoperative, intraoperative, and
postoperative at 1 and 6 months. The preoperative thermography for both patients
revealed near-normal abdominal wall perfusion. The thermograms captured intra operatively during flap elevation did not show perfusion deficits on the upper
abdominal flap. At 1 month and 6 months postoperative, dynamic thermography
for both patients showed normal to near-normal perfusion. The procedures had
a complication-free course with a good aesthetic result. Plastic surgeons may be
reluctant to perform a full abdominoplasty in patients with a previous subcostal
incision. In this preliminary analysis, we raise the potential usefulness of thermog raphy for patients with recent subcostal scars and/or important comorbidities as
a strategy for adequate patient and technique selection, avoiding possible com plications. Future studies, with an increased number of patients and adequate
statistical analysis, may allow us to validate the utility of thermography in these
cases and reassure that the presence of previous extensive subcostal scars may not
be a contraindication for a full abdominoplasty, especially if they are not recent.