The Global Prevalence of Seroma After Abdominoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Abdominoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed worldwide. Seroma is also the most common local complication associated with abdominoplasty, which increases care costs, reduces patient satisfaction, and has serious complications for patients. Results of previous studies report different levels of seroma prevalence after abdominoplasty. The aim of this study is to standardize the statistics of the prevalence of seroma after abdominoplasty using meta-analysis. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, data from studies conducted on the global prevalence of seroma after abdominoplasty was extracted using the keywords Prevalence, Epidemiology, Complications, Abdominoplasty, Seroma, and Lipo abdominoplasty in the databases of Science, Scientific Information Database, Maglran, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar search engine without time limit until October 2020. The random-effects model was used to analyze the eligible studies, and the heterogeneity of the studies was investigated with the I-2 index. Data analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2). Results In reviewing 143 studies (five studies related to Asia, 55 studies related to Europe, three studies related to Africa, and 80 studies related to the Americas) with a total sample size of 27834 individuals, the global prevalence of seroma after abdominoplasty was obtained as 10.9% (95% CI: 9.3-3.6.6%) and the highest prevalence of seroma was related to the Europe continent with 12.8% (95% CI: 10.15-3.9%). The results from meta-regression showed a declining trend in the global prevalence of seroma after abdominoplasty with an increase in the sample size, age of study participants, and the year of study (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study shows that the prevalence of seroma after abdominoplasty is high globally. Therefore, physicians and specialists must consider its importance and take the controlling and treatment measures seriously.

Automated summary

Abdominoplasty is a common cosmetic surgery globally, with seroma being the most common postoperative complication. This study found a global seroma prevalence rate of 10.9% after abdominoplasty, with Europe having the highest prevalence at 12.8%. The study also revealed a decreasing trend in seroma prevalence with larger sample sizes, older study participants, and later study years.