Do Abdominal Binders Prevent Seroma Formation and Recurrent Diastasis Following Abdominoplasty?

[BACKGROUND] For decades, the postoperative wearing of abdominal binders has been suggested to reduce dead space and prevent mobilization of the musculoaponeurotic layer in an attempt to decrease the risk of seroma formation and recurrent diastasis.

[OBJECTIVES] This study sought to evaluate whether the postoperative wearing of an abdominal binder provides any additional contribution to the reduction of either seroma formation or recurrent diastasis recti when abdominoplasty is performed with quilting sutures.

[METHODS] Thirty-four women undergoing abdominoplasty were randomized into 2 groups: the binder group (n = 16) wore abdominal binders during the postoperative period, whereas the control group (n = 18) did not. Ultrasound examination was performed on postoperative days 7 and 14 to assess seroma formation and at 6 months postoperatively to assess recurrence of diastasis recti. A t test for independent samples was applied to compare means between 2 numeric variables. Generalized estimation equation models were used to evaluate seroma volume at different time points for the 2 groups.

[RESULTS] No significant differences in seroma volume were found between groups on postoperative days 7 (P = 0.830) and 14 (P = 0.882). Seven cases of subclinical recurrent diastasis were observed by ultrasound examination in the supraumbilical (4 cases) and infraumbilical regions (3 cases), but without significant differences (P = 1.000) between the 2 groups. Recurrent diastasis was not detected during physical examinations.

[CONCLUSIONS] The postoperative wearing of abdominal binders was not effective in preventing either seroma formation or recurrent diastasis following abdominoplasty with quilting sutures.