The Safety of Abdominal Contouring in the Presence of a Gastric Band

BACKGROUND: Gastric bands, specifically the Lap-Band, have been widely used for weight loss. However, little is known about the complications associated with abdominal contouring procedures in patients with Lap-Bands. This study aimed to determine the complication rates and consent processes for these procedures. METHODS: We conducted a survey study of 300 members of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Commonly performed abdominal contouring procedures included abdominal liposuction, abdominoplasty, and combined abdominoplasty with abdominal liposuction. RESULTS: The overall infection rate was low (1%) and did not significantly differ between the procedural groups. Abdominoplasty and combined liposuction with abdominoplasty had significantly higher complication rates (4.7% and 10.5%, respectively) than liposuction alone (1%, P = 0.0004). Abdominoplasty procedures also had higher rates of port/tubing malposition (2.3%, P = 0.04) and system leaks (1.6%, P = 0.003). Approximately 59% of plastic surgeons provided written or dictated consent as part of the standard procedural consent to address the presence of the Lap-Band, whereas 8% of plastic surgeons provided a separate written or printed signed consent specifically related to the procedure in the presence of a Lap-Band. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the relative safety of aesthetic abdominal contouring procedures in patients with gastric bands but highlights the increased risk of complications in the presence of a Lap-Band. Surgeons should use careful dissection techniques to minimize complications and consider involving a bariatric surgeon, especially with abdominoplasty procedures. Surgical consent should explicitly outline the risks identified in this study to ensure that patients are fully informed.