Impact of Abdominoplasty on the Quality of Life of Post-Bariatric Patients

Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of abdominoplasty on the quality of life (QoL) of post-bariatric patients. Methodology: A cohort of 100 post-bariatric patients, aged 27 to 59 years with a preoperative body mass index (BMI) up to 30 kg/m², were selected for this cross-sectional survey study. Participants were non-smokers, non-diabetics, and had no additional surgical procedures beyond abdominoplasty. QoL was evaluated using a modified version of the IQMWL test, adapted to a binary “Satisfied” or “Unsatisfied” response format to enhance clarity and facilitate telephone-based data collection. Assessments occurred preoperatively and one year postoperatively via anonymous telephone interviews conducted by an independent staff member to minimize bias. The questionnaire covered seven domains: general health, social relations, mobility, self-esteem, dietary comfort, sexual life, and work performance. McNemar’s test was applied to analyze changes in satisfaction levels across these dimensions. Results: Preoperative dissatisfaction was prevalent, with only 24% satisfied with general health, 32% with social relations, 26% with mobility, 11% with self-esteem, 30% with dietary comfort, 42% with sexual life, and 45% with work performance. One-year post-abdominoplasty, significant improvements emerged: satisfaction rose to 83% for general health, 90% for social relations, 88% for mobility, 84% for self-esteem, 60% for dietary comfort, 92% for sexual life, and 93% for work performance (all p < 0.05). These shifts reflected enhanced physical functionality, psychological well-being, and social confidence, with the greatest turnovers in self-esteem, sexual life, and work performance. Conclusion: Abdominoplasty markedly improved QoL in post-bariatric patients across all assessed domains, extending beyond cosmetic benefits to enhance physical health, psychological resilience, and social integration. Limitations include a one-year follow-up and lack of complication data, suggesting a need for longer-term studies. Keywords: Abdominoplasty, post-bariatric surgery, quality of life, IQMWL test, self-esteem, mobility, sexual life