Early Protein Supplementation Enhances Wound Healing and Reduces Complications Following Abdominoplasty: A Controlled Study in Non-bariatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Protein intake plays a critical role in postoperative recovery and wound healing, particularly in procedures such as abdominoplasty. While ERAS protocols emphasize nutritional optimization, evidence in non-bariatric patients undergoing elective body contouring remains limited.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of early postoperative protein supplementation on wound healing outcomes, complication rates and recovery time in patients undergoing full abdominoplasty.

METHODS: A retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted on 200 non-bariatric patients undergoing standardized full abdominoplasty. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving daily protein supplementation (≥1.2 g/kg/day using whey isolate or hydrolyzed collagen peptides) initiated within 24 h postoperatively for at least 14 days, and a control group with no supplementation. Outcomes measured included wound dehiscence, seroma formation, surgical site infections (SSI), time to complete healing, and patient satisfaction. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariate regression models.

RESULTS: The supplemented group showed significantly lower wound dehiscence (6% vs. 17%, p = 0.018) and reduced seroma incidence (9% vs. 18%, p = 0.048). Time to complete healing was shorter in the supplemented group (16.8 ± 3.4 days vs. 20.5 ± 4.2 days; p < 0.001). While SSI incidence was not significantly different (4% vs. 10%, p = 0.092), a favorable trend was noted. Multivariate regression confirmed protein supplementation as an independent predictor of faster healing (β = - 2.94; 95% CI - 4.36 to - 1.52).

CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative protein supplementation significantly improves wound healing and reduces complications in patients undergoing abdominoplasty, even outside the bariatric population. These findings support the incorporation of targeted nutritional protocols into routine perioperative care pathways for abdominoplasty. While the study did not formally evaluate an ERAS protocol, its results are consistent with the general principles of enhanced recovery, emphasizing the role of early nutritional support in improving postoperative outcomes.

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