Summary
Background
In our previous retrospective study, we detected an increased quality of life after
aesthetic abdominoplasty. In this survey, we analyzed quality of life, self-esteem,
emotional stability, and mental health before and after aesthetic abdominoplasty prospectively.
Methods
Twenty-two female patients were surveyed before and six months after their surgeries.
The testing instrument consisted of a self-developed indication-specific questionnaire
and four standardized tests (Questions on Life Satisfaction plus a specified part
body image, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Freiburg Personality Inventory, and Patient
Health Questionnaire-4).
Results
Significantly increased values were found concerning feeling comfortable in swimwear
in front of the mirror or the sexual partner and at social or professional activities
(each p=0.000). Women had less problems doing sports (p=0.029) and felt more feminine
(p=0.012). Sum scores of general life satisfaction (p=0.016) and scores of the items
leisure activity (p=0.003), relaxing abilities (p=0.002), and sexuality (p=0.046)
showed significant improvements. The body image improved in general (p=0.010) and
in particular in the items abdomen, hips, and waist (each p=0.000). Emotional stability
increased significantly (p=0.029). We detected a mild mental depression in 27% and
a moderate depression in 32% of our patients before surgery. Depressive disorders
were significantly reduced (p=0.004) down to mild depression in 18% and moderate depression
in 9% of the patients.
Conclusion
Positive results for quality of life shown in the retrospective study were confirmed.
Abdominoplasty improves general life satisfaction and satisfaction with health and
outer appearance and increases emotional stability. Depressive patients showed a significant
improvement after aesthetic abdominoplasty.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 17, 2018
Accepted:
December 9,
2018
Received in revised form:
December 2,
2018
Received:
October 5,
2018
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
