High intensity focused electromagnetic therapy evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging: Safety and efficacy study of a dual tissue effect based non-invasive abdominal body shaping

OBJECTIVES

This study introduces an initial evaluation of a novel High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology. The primary goal is to quantify any effects the treatments may have on abdominal tissues, as well as to establish hypotheses for future research of this technology.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients received four abdominal treatments using the EMSCULPT device (BTL Industries Inc., Boston, MA). Anthropometric evaluations were recorded and digital photographs were taken at baseline, at 2 months, and at 6 months post-treatments. The MRI without contrast determined by vertertebras T12 and S1 (FIESTA and FSPRG sequences) was used to measure dimensions in coronal cross-sectional images of abdominal muscle and fatty tissues, in order to assess any anatomical changes induced by the application.

RESULTS

Analysis of the same MRI slices verified by tissue artefacts showed a statistically significant (all P < 0.0001) average 18.6% reduction of adipose tissue thickness, 15.4% increase in rectus abdominis muscle thickness, and 10.4% reduction in rectus abdominus separation (diastasis recti) as measured from the medial border of the muscle 2 months post-treatment. More significant improvements were observed in patients with BMI 18.5-24.9 (classified as "normal"). MRI data from 6-month follow-up suggest the changes can be preserved in longer term. Tape measurements showed on average 3.8 cm subumbilical circumference reduction. The weight of the subjects did not change significantly (average -0.5 lb; P > 0.05). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI, considered as a highly precise diagnostic method, revealed simultaneous muscle growth, fat reduction and reduced abdominal separation at 2 months and at 6 months post treatments, unrelated with dieting. Further research should investigate the exact physiological processes which stand behind the tissue changes observed in this study. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:40-46, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of Limited-Undermining Lipoabdominoplasty and Traditional Abdominoplasty Using Laser Fluorescence Imaging

BACKGROUND

Body contouring that involves abdominoplasty and/or liposuction is a common cosmetic surgery procedure. Although single-staged lipoabdominoplasty has gained popularity, safety concerns remain.

OBJECTIVES

The authors compared abdominal flap perfusion and overall complication rates for traditional abdominoplasty and limited-undermining lipoabdominoplasty.

METHODS

Eighteen abdominoplasty patients were evaluated in a prospective study. All patients were nonsmokers and lacked major comorbidities. The control group (n = 9) underwent traditional abdominoplasty with wide undermining. The study group (n = 9) underwent abdominoplasty with limited undermining as well as liposuction of the abdominal flap. The groups were similar with respect to age and body mass index. Patients received follow-up for an average of 97 days. Fluorescence imaging was utilized for perfusion studies. Results and complications were documented, and statistical significance was ascertained via the Student t test.

RESULTS

Neither group had major complications or revisions. Minor complications included an exposed suture, resulting in delayed wound healing, in the control group. A patient in the study group had a small area of fat necrosis and a small seroma, neither of which required further treatment. No significant difference in abdominal flap perfusion was found between the control (57%) and study (50%) groups based on fluorescence levels relative to a designated baseline reference marker.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the study indicate that no significant differences exist between the 2 operations with respect to the rates of abdominal flap perfusion or complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Subcutaneous Fat Reduction with Injected Ice Slurry

BACKGROUND

Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive method for removal of subcutaneous fat for body contouring. Conventional cryolipolysis with topical cooling requires extracting heat from subcutaneous fat by conduction across the skin, thus limiting the amount and the location of the fat removed. The authors hypothesized that local injection of a physiological ice slurry directly into target adipose tissue would lead to more efficient and effective cryolipolysis.

METHODS

Injectable slurries containing 20 percent and 40 percent ice content were made using common parenteral agents (normal saline and glycerol), then locally injected into the subcutaneous fat of swine. Ultrasound imaging, photography, histological, and gross tissue responses were monitored before and periodically up to 8 weeks after injection.

RESULTS

Fat loss occurred gradually over several weeks following a single ice slurry injection. There was an obvious and significant 55 ± 6 percent reduction in adipose tissue thickness compared with control sites injected with the same volume of melted slurry (p < 0.001, t test). The amount of fat loss correlated with the total volume of ice injected. There was no scarring or damage to surrounding tissue.

CONCLUSION

Physiological ice slurry injection is a promising new strategy for selective and nonsurgical fat removal.

"Brazilian Butt Lift" Performed by Board-Certified Brazilian Plastic Surgeons: Reports of an Expert Opinion Survey

BACKGROUND

Gluteal fat augmentation has increased worldwide, and so have major complications. Brazilian plastic surgeons have been performing this procedure for more than 30 years, and more often every year. Therefore, the authors performed a study among board-certified plastic surgeons, members of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, to evaluate their techniques; identify their preferences, complications, and outcomes with this procedure; and make some recommendations.

METHODS

An anonymous Web-based survey consisting of 16 questions was sent to 5655 members in July of 2017. A supplementary survey was subsequently sent to obtain more information about major complications.

RESULTS

A total of 853 responses were analyzed. The highest percentage of responses in the different categories were as follows: fat decantation for processing, injection with a 3-mm-diameter cannula, use of superior incisions, subcutaneous fat grafting only, and with a volume of 200 to 399 ml of fat per buttock. The majority of surgeons received training in this procedure during residency. The most common complications were contour irregularities. The estimated mortality rate was one in 20,117 cases, and the rate of nonfatal fat embolism was one in 9530. The risk of death was 16 times greater when fat was injected intramuscularly.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this survey, the authors recommend injecting fat only subcutaneously, by means of superior incisions, using cannulas 3 mm in diameter or more. They find that by following these recommendations, this procedure can be as safe as any other. More research to establish guidelines and increase its safety is necessary.

An Update on Cryopreservation of Adipose Tissue

Currently, fat transplantation occurs immediately after harvesting procedures. Because low rates of fat graft take are well reported in the literature, many patients require multiple surgical procedures for fat graft harvest. These subsequent procedures lead to increased cost, donor-site morbidity, and patient discomfort in the long term. The ability to preserve our patients' own adipose aspirate would allow us to counteract these shortcomings and ultimately improve the clinical outcome after fat grafting. Unfortunately, there is no optimal and practical adipose tissue cryopreservation protocol for use by the plastic surgeon at the present time. Because of this dilemma, the senior author (L.L.Q.P.) has investigated this concept in an effort to create a protocol that is both technically sound and clinically achievable to allow for the long-term preservation of adipose tissue. In this article, the authors aim to outline this effort, review current clinical applications that have been reported in the literature, and detail exciting future perspectives in the use of preserved lipoaspirates for repeated fat grafting procedures or in the form of cell-based therapy engineered for reconstructive endeavors for their patients.

Safest Practices for Autologous Buttock Augmentation With Fat Grafting Using a Roller Pump Injection Technique

BACKGROUND

Autologous buttock augmentation with fat grafting has emerged as one of the preeminent modalities for body contouring employed by plastic surgeons today. Since 2009, we have used the roller pump injection technique.

OBJECTIVES

This procedure can be performed safely without specialized equipment and eliminates the tasks of manual graft preparation and injection. We describe our technique and standard safety measures. The anatomy of and complications associated with liposuction and fat grafting were recorded and reviewed.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of 916 patients who underwent autologous buttock augmentation by this method from February 2009 to November 2016 was performed. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia at the same surgical center. Liposuction was performed and using a roller pump, the fat layer was propelled through an open-ended cannula into the recipient site.

RESULTS

Mean volume of fat removed and fat grafted in each patient was 3156 mL and 1807 mL per patient, respectively. There were complications in 13 patients for a rate of 1.4% with 10 (1.1%) related to fat grafting. Fourteen patients (1.5%) had subsequent procedures for volume and four patients (0.44%) for asymmetry. There were no venous thrombolic events, fat embolic events, or deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

The roller pump injection technique for buttock augmentation with fat grafting is safe and efficient. This technique minimizes preparatory effort and does not require additional equipment. We were unable to identify variables associated with complication risk due to the power of this study and the low percentage of complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4

Heterogeneity in Body Contouring Outcomes Based Research: The Pittsburgh Body Contouring Complication Reporting System

BACKGROUND

Body contouring complications after massive weight loss (MWL) vary significantly in frequency and type. Currently, no standardized recommendations exist regarding which complications are most important to report.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to provide a guideline for complication reporting in the body contouring literature. The Pittsburgh Body Contouring Complication Reporting System (PBCCRS) will aid in risk stratification of body contouring procedures and will decrease under-, over-, and nonreporting of complications.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the literature for the terms "body contouring," "MWL," and "complications." Elimination criteria included: non-English language, case report, meta-analysis, outpatient, non-MWL, unclear demographics, N <30 and lack of numeric results. Data were analyzed in 2 groups: truncal contouring and extremity contouring.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine papers were reviewed and 21 met inclusion criteria. The weighted mean rates as percentages for complications in the extremity group were: dehiscence (29.0), seroma (18.6), scarring (14.9), infection (8.8), lymphedema (7.8), hematoma (3.5), necrosis (1.9), deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) (0), and death (0). In the truncal group, weighted mean complication rates as percentages were: dehiscence (15.4), seroma (13.1), scarring (2.9), infection (9.4), lymphedema (1.3), hematoma (6.4), necrosis (7.2), DVT/PE (1.5), and death (0.6). Lymphedema was seldom reported, and suture extrusion was not reported in any selected papers. Weighted mean rates of DVT/PE in the extremity vs truncal contouring groups were significantly different. Differences in rates of scarring, lymphedema, and hematoma rates neared significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterogeneity amongst selected studies is explained by variability in how complications are defined. The Pittsburgh Body Contouring Complication Reporting System provides suggested recommendations on complication reporting in massive weight loss body contouring surgery.

Abdominal Contouring Outcomes in Class III Obesity: Analysis of the ACS-NSQIP Database

BACKGROUND

Obesity may increase the risk of complications following abdominal contouring. The aim of this study is to evaluate panniculectomy outcomes in patients with class III obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m²).

METHODS

The American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program ACS-NSQIP (2010-2014) was used to identify patients who underwent panniculectomy. Class III obesity patients were identified. Demographics, comorbidities and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Risk-adjusted multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess impact of class III obesity on panniculectomy outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 4497 panniculectomies were identified. Of these, 545 (12.1%) were performed in patients with class III obesity. This group was older (mean age 50.3 vs. 45.9, p < 0.01) with a higher proportion of men (23.4 vs. 12.4%, p < 0.01). Class III obesity group also had higher rates of comorbidities (p < 0.01). Postoperatively, class III obesity patients experienced much higher rates of wound complications (17.8 vs. 6.8%), sepsis (3.3 vs. 0.8%), venous thromboembolism (1.5 vs. 0.7%) and medical complications (6.4 vs. 1.8%), p < 0.05. Additionally, this group had higher rates of unplanned reoperation (9.2 vs. 3.7%) and 30-day readmissions (3.5 vs. 1.0%), p < 0.01. On risk-adjusted multivariate regression analyses, class III obesity was independently associated with increased risk of wound complications (OR 2.22, p < 0.01), sepsis (OR 3.53, p < 0.01), medical adverse events (OR 1.98, p < 0.05), unplanned reoperation (OR 1.62, p < 0.05) and 30-day readmission (OR 2.30, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Class III obesity patients are at significantly increased risk of adverse outcomes following abdominal contouring. Plastic surgeons should consider these risks for counseling and preoperative risk optimization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL) Versus Traditional Liposuction: Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Liposuction is the most performed surgical procedure in Brazil and the second in the world. In recent years, new technologies have been developed in an attempt to improve liposuction, such as laser. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) compared to traditional liposuction through a systematic review of the literature.

METHOD

The search strategy used was the combination of the descriptors [lasers (MeSH Terms)] and (lipectomy [MeSH Terms]) in the PubMed database. Two independent researchers carried out the reading of the abstracts and selection of the studies according to the eligibility criteria. The risks of study bias were evaluated using an instrument similar to that used by the Cochrane Collaboration.

RESULTS

Initially, 80 studies were obtained and, after evaluating the eligibility criteria, seven remained. Five of them observed that LAL has benefits when compared to traditional liposuction, and the main outcomes were compared with regard to histological analysis (2 products), further reduction of subcutaneous fat (2), better retraction of the skin (3), and higher personal satisfaction of the patient (2). The qualitative assessment identified high risks of bias in various areas in the studies.

CONCLUSION

Although studies have concluded that LAL promotes greater fat reduction, better skin retraction, and greater patient satisfaction compared to traditional liposuction, the high bias impedes a more reliable conclusion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Efficacy and safety of long pulse 1064 and 2940 nm lasers in noninvasive lipolysis and skin tightening

Noninvasive body shaping is becoming a growing demand. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the combined treatments of 1064 nm Nd:YAG and 2940 nm Er:YAG in noninvasive lipolysis and skin tightening. Ten females were enrolled, and all women's side of the waist or the lower part of the abdomen were treated. In the first step, the 1064 nm Nd:YAG was used. As a second step, the 2940 nm Er:YAG laser was applied. Each woman was treated four times, once every 2 weeks. The effects were determined by comparative photo documentation, waist circumference measurement, two-dimensional B-mode ultrasonography and low-dose native computer tomography (CT), whereas body fat was monitored with bioelectric impedance. The tissue firmness was measured by ultrasound shear wave elastography. Combined laser treatment significantly reduced waist circumference and total body fat. Ultrasonography has revealed that the treatment considerably decreased fat thickness and improved skin stiffness in the treated region. Subcutaneous fat volume, measured by low-dose CT, displayed a moderate decrease in the waist region. The combined 1064 nm Nd:YAG and 2940 nm Er:YAG laser treatment results in the reduction of fat tissue and tightens the skin as confirmed by objective measurements.

Deep Subcutaneous Gluteal Fat Compartments: Anatomy and Clinical Implications

BACKGROUND

Advances in gluteal fat grafting have resulted in diminished risks through improved understanding of regional anatomy and technical nuances. No anatomic studies identifying the presence or absence of buttock fat compartments have yet been reported.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this cadaveric study was to identify and characterize the deep subcutaneous gluteal fat compartments to further understand the nuanced differences between deep and superficial subcutaneous fat layers.

METHODS

A cadaveric study was performed to identify the fat compartments. Latex injection into the iliac artery and vein was used to prepare 4 fresh (N = 8 hemibuttocks) hydrated cadavers for dissection. Preliminary work identified the likely position of deep gluteal fat compartments. The cannula was positioned under ultrasound guidance in between the superficial and deep gluteal layers. Cadaveric buttocks were infiltrated by the static technique with dyed human fat, dyed applesauce, and dyed saline in an attempt to identify the gluteal deep subcutaneous fat compartments.

RESULTS

Dissection identified and characterized 7 discrete deep gluteal fat compartments. These comprise 3 medial fat compartments (superior, middle, and inferior); a central fat compartment; and 3 lateral (superior, middle, and inferior) deep fat compartments.

CONCLUSIONS

Seven deep gluteal fat compartments have been identified that have distinct boundaries and maintain injected contents separate from each other above the gluteal muscle fascia. These compartments can be selectively expanded for buttock augmentation. Knowledge of these compartments enables surgeons to perform gluteal augmentation by static infiltration, injecting autologous fat under ultrasound guidance in the deep subcutaneous fat layer, while optimizing aesthetic considerations.

RESUMEN

Simultaneous Application of High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic and Synchronized Radiofrequency for Fat Disruption: Histological and Electron Microscopy Porcine Model Study

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency (RF) and high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technologies are used for noninvasive body shaping as standalone modalities.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of novel synchronized RF and HIFEM on subcutaneous adipose tissue in a porcine animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven large white pigs aged 6 months received 3 abdominal treatments of simultaneous application of synchronized RF and HIFEM (30 minutes, once per week). Punch biopsies of treated and control subcutaneous tissue were collected at the baseline, 4 days, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months. Specimens were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Adipocyte volume was analyzed. Fat tissue temperature was measured in situ (fiber optic probes) and superficially (thermal imager).

RESULTS

Fat layer was heated to temperatures of 42 to 45°C. Signs of fat apoptosis (shape alternations and pyknotic nuclei) appeared at day 4 and peaked between 2 weeks and 1 month. Adipocyte volume decreased significantly (p < .001) by 31.1% at 2 weeks, 1 month (-23.6%), and 2 months (-22.0%). Control samples showed healthy adipocytes. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs corroborated histology findings, showing flattened, volume-depleted and disrupted adipocytes.

CONCLUSION

Synchronized RF with HIFEM procedure resulted in a significant and sustained fat reduction with no adverse events.

Revision Abdominoplasty with Truncal Liposculpting: A 10-Year Experience

INTRODUCTION

Abdominoplasty is one of the most popular body-contouring procedures. Despite its popularity, classic abdominoplasty is still associated with a significant rate of complaints from patients such as: fullness of flanks and epigastric areas, lack of a posterior lumbar curve, hanging skin over the incision line, and visible scars over the flanks and beyond underwear or swimming suit coverage. This study reviews the authors' experience in redo abdominoplasty when the patient is not or partially satisfied with the primary procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 115 female and 32 male patients underwent revision abdominoplasty with truncal liposculpting between 2007 and 2016. The age distribution of patients ranged from 33 to 73 years, with a mean of 43.1 years. All the patients included in the study had undergone classic abdominoplasty in a different institution. Overall satisfaction with the body appearance after the combined procedure was rated on a scale of 1-5, where 1 is 'poor,' 2 is 'fair,' 3 is 'good,' 4 is 'very good,' and 5 is 'excellent.' The evaluation was made 12 months after the composite body-contouring procedure.

RESULTS

Four hundred to 1500 ml of fat were obtained with liposuction (mean 840 ml). The amount of clean, adipose tissue transplanted to the buttocks varied from 95 to 425 (mean 286 ml) and to the lower limbs from 75 to 270 ml (mean 195 ml). The stromal-enriched lipograft technique was used in all the cases to enrich the fat transplantation. There was no hematoma, infection or deep vein thrombosis. Seventy-five percent reported that their appearance after composite body contouring was 'very good' to 'excellent' (30% 'excellent' and 45% 'very good') and 20% responded that their appearance was 'good.' Only 5% of patients thought their appearance was less than good ('fair'). The average follow-up time for this group of patients has been 6.3 years (range 1-10 years).

CONCLUSION

Truncal liposculpting with modified abdominoplasty accomplishes very good aesthetic results in a single surgical procedure with a low rate of complications and high patient satisfaction in cases of revision abdominoplasties.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

1000 Consecutive Cases of Laser-Assisted Liposuction Utilizing the 1440 nm Wavelength Nd:YAG Laser: Assessing the Safety and Efficacy

BACKGROUND

Liposuction remains one of the most popular aesthetic surgery procedures performed today, and it has undergone continuous refinements over the past four decades. Advancements in anesthesia, improvements in instrumentation, better understanding of fluid dynamics and the addition of energy to liposuction have led to better outcomes with improved safety and efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to review 1000 consecutive laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) cases utilizing the 1440 nm wavelength. Emphasis was placed on complication rates and the need for revision procedures.

METHODS

The charts of 611 patients who underwent 1000 consecutive LAL operations were reviewed. All cases were performed either under general anesthesia or under local with sedation, and the cases were performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures. All patients went to presurgical testing and had preoperative laboratory and additional clearance by a specialist when indicated. Before and after medical photographs were obtained of all patients. All operations were done in an accredited office-based operating room. Demographic information, tumescent volume, aspirate volume, surgical time, complications and other data were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were one minor complication and no major complications such as burns, hospitalizations or mortalities. One patient developed a small hematoma, which was likely caused by the patient self-aspirating edema fluid during the immediate post-op period. The hematoma resolved with non-surgical management. The average laser energy applied was 15,756 J with an average total aspirate volume of 1256 cc. Fourteen anatomic areas were treated with LAL, and 59 operations were combination cases.

CONCLUSION

Energy-assisted liposuction using the 1440 nm wavelength has been shown in this series to have a very low complication rate when performed alone or in combination with other aesthetic operations under local and general anesthesia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Surgical Training and Standardised Management Guidelines Improved the 30-Day Complication Rate After Abdominoplasty for Massive Weight Loss

Background

An increasing number of patients need reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss. The hypothesis was that surgical experience together with standardised management guidelines significantly decreases early complication rates after abdominoplasty for massive weight loss. The primary aim was to assess the 30-day complication rate after abdominoplasty following increased surgical training and experience. The secondary aim was to assess whether optimised management guidelines have an impact on the complication rate and patient safety.

Methods

The outcome of 69 consecutive abdominoplasties operated by surgeons in 2011 (Group A) and 70 consecutive patients operated by plastic surgeons in 2010–2012 (Group B) was compared. Another Group of 70 consecutive patients operated by surgeons in 2013–2014 (Group C) was assessed since standardised guidelines for pre- and post-operative treatments and refinement of surgical technique had been introduced. The same surgeons participated in operations of Groups A and C. χ²-test and Fisher’s exact test were applied to dichotomous data. Logistic regression test and ANOVA were used.

Results

Group C had more comorbidities and was significantly older. 48 patients in Group A (70%), 31 in Group B (44%) and 13 patients in Group C (19%) had early complications. A significantly decreased rate of complications occurred with improved guidelines and surgical training and experience. (A vs. C p < 0.001 and A vs. B p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the rate of early complications after abdominoplasty for massive weight loss can be significantly reduced with improved surgical experience and standardised management guidelines.

Registered at Clinical Trial.gov (ID: NCT02679391).

The Three-Hour Lower Body Lift: Evolution of a Technique and Personal Experience after 155 Consecutive Cases

BACKGROUND

Body-contouring is a surgical field in growing demand, as the number of massive weight loss patients following bariatric surgery is increasing. The purpose of this study was to provide a straightforward and time-efficient circumferential body lift technique to achieve optimal lower truncal contouring.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 155 massive weight loss patients (133 women and 22 men) underwent lower body lift surgery between 2006 and 2018. The mean preoperative weight reduction and body mass indices were 56.5 ± 16.6 kg and 26.7 ± 4.7 kg/m2, respectively. The preoperative markings focused on the back and gluteal region, and the modified surgical technique are described. Additionally, improvements of intra-operative repositioning of the patient and how to deal with sterilization and dressings are elucidated.

RESULTS

The average intra-operative time was 178 ± 54.6 minutes. The mean follow-up of all patients was 8.2 ± 2.4 years. The most common complications were related to wound dehiscence (n = 38) and seroma (n = 18). The mean weight of the resected tissue was 3 056 ± 1 816.5 g.

CONCLUSION

The lower body lift represents an effective and safe body contouring procedure to treat massive weight loss patients with multiple regions of concern. The current study describes a modified surgical technique that reduces operating time and complications, notably.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .

Electrochemical degradation and saponification of porcine adipose tissue

Body contouring achieved via subcutaneous adipose tissue reduction has notably advanced over the past century, from suction assisted lipectomy to techniques with reduced degrees of invasiveness including laser, radiofrequency, high frequency focused ultrasound, cryolipolysis, and drug-based injection approaches. These costly techniques have focused on damaging adipocyte cell membranes, hydrolyzing triglycerides (TGs), or inducing apoptosis. Here, we present a simple, low-cost technique, termed electrochemical lipolysis (ECLL). During ECLL, saline is injected into the subcutaneous adipose tissue, followed by insertion of needle electrodes and application of an electrical potential. Electrolysis of saline creates localized pH gradients that drive adipocyte death and saponification of TGs. Using pH mapping, various optical imaging techniques, and biochemical assays, we demonstrate the ability of ECLL to induce acid and base injury, cell death, and the saponification of triglycerides in ex vivo porcine adipose tissue. We define ECLL's potential role as a minimally-invasive, ultra-low-cost technology for reducing and contouring adipose tissue, and present ECLL as a potential new application of an emerging electrochemical redox based treatment modality.

Abdominal Contouring and Combining Procedures

The abdomen is the most common area of concern among patients with massive weight loss (MWL). Abdominal contouring techniques in the MWL population include panniculectomy, standard abdominoplasty, fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, reverse abdominoplasty and various combinations of these techniques as part of circumferential procedures such as, circumferential abdominoplasty, and lower body lift. The authors believe that the optimal surgical approach to the abdomen is an integration of the patient aesthetic preferences and the surgeon assessment and experience. The authors recommend to limit total body reconstruction of MWL patients to 2 stages, and include the abdominal area in the first stage.

The Bidirectional, Absorbable, No-Drain Abdominoplasty

This article outlines the author's technique, and the concepts of Bidirectional, Absorbable, No-Drain Abdominoplasty (BAND-Abdominoplasty). The attendant advantages and disadvantages are reviewed in the context of a retrospective, 5-year, single surgeon series. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Neck Contouring Without Rhytidectomy in the Presence of Excess Skin

BACKGROUND

Patients with severe neck skin laxity due to excess submental adipose tissue have required either standard rhytidectomy or direct excision of neck skin with Z-plasty and submental lipectomy. Our recent experiences with four patients who declined cervicofacial rhytidectomy demonstrate that submental lipectomy and platysmarrhaphy appear to obtain sufficient improvement.

METHODS

The submental area, submandibular area, and lateral neck are injected with local anesthetic. An incision is made in the submental area anterior to the existing crease, and the incision is taken through the subcutaneous tissue to the underlying fat. The skin is undermined in the deep subcutaneous plane. The lateral fat that cannot be visualized directly is suctioned using a number 2 cannula. Supra-platysmal and subplatysmal excess fat are excised under direct vision. The anterior bellies of the digastric muscle are excised partially or completely to obtain a flat contour if necessary. The submaxillary gland is partially or totally removed as indicated. The platysmarrhaphy is performed, and a TLS drain is placed in position and brought out through the left post-auricular sulcus using the attached trocar. The submental incision is then closed without skin excision.

RESULT

Non-excisional surgical neck rejuvenation was performed on four patients with significant skin laxity. There was adequate improvement in the cervicomental angle and neck profile contour in all patients, indicating that significant improvement may be achieved without skin excision.

CONCLUSION

Patients with excess skin can achieve acceptable results with submental lipectomy and platysmarrhaphy without rhytidectomy or direct excision of neck skin.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Surgical Calf Augmentation Techniques: Personal Experience, Literature Review and Analysis of Complications

BACKGROUND

More attention is paid to calf appearance, both in males and females, and several surgical techniques are available. Different studies have been published over time for calf augmentation, but, to the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive literature review and complications analysis have been published.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study is to analyse the overall complication rate of calf augmentation surgical procedures and complication rates associated with the investigated techniques, namely subfascial implant placement, submuscular implant placement and fat grafting or lipofilling. Demographic analysis, including age and gender, is also performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review on the PubMed database was performed for clinical studies regarding calf augmentation surgical procedures. The authors selected and analysed 26 articles among the actual literature on this field and reported personal experience in calf augmentation surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies, published from 1993 to 2018, were included in the study for a total amount of 1498 patients, with a total of 2629 calves treated. Three different surgical techniques have been reviewed, excluding medical procedures: subfascial implant augmentation (n = 1929), submuscular implant augmentation (n = 435) and fat grafting (n = 265). The overall complication rate was 4.4883%. Calf augmentation with subfascial implants presented a total complication rate of 5.702%. The submuscular implant placement complication rate was 0.92%. Fat grafting presented a global complication rate of 1.509%.

CONCLUSIONS

Calf augmentation, with all reviewed surgical techniques, has a low rate of complications compared to other body contouring procedures, but a high rate of satisfaction among patients. Fat grafting has the lowest rate of complications, but multiple sessions are required. Specific complications of implants, such as capsular contracture, malposition or rupture, are less common compared to the use of implants for other cosmetic purposes. Procedures should always be performed by experienced plastic surgeons.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

One-Stage Combined Postbariatric Surgery: A Series of 248 Procedures in 55 Cases

INTRODUCTION

Combined and/or multistage operations often are needed in postbariatric surgery.

AIM

With this retrospective study of a series of 55 cases, we aim to determine the effectiveness and safety of one-stage combined postbariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 248 postbariatric procedures were performed in one session (except one-staged gynecomastia case) in 55 patients. The procedures included face and neck lifting, upper and lower trunk lifting, gluteal fat injection, mammoplasty, gynecomastia correction, abdominoplasty, and thigh and arm lifting. Sagged tissues of the trunk and extremities were removed by avulsing after tumescent liposuction. Liposuction was performed also on the neighboring tissues. Multilayer repair from superficial fascia to the skin was carried out after meticulous hemostasis and suction drain insertion.

RESULTS

At least two plastic surgeons and two assistants entered the operations; operation time never exceeded 4.5 h except in one, and blood transfusion was needed only in one case. All patients were discharged from the hospital after 1 or 2 nights. Postoperative problems included infection (3.64% of the patients), delayed wound healing after seroma formation (32.73%), abnormal scar formation (1.82%), and demanded scar revision and revisionary liposuction by 10 patients (18.18%).

CONCLUSION

Combined postbariatric operations are very effective and the likelihood of serious complications could be decreased significantly when performed under certain conditions. The tumescent dermolipectomy method is a very useful method for these cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Focus on the Importance of Lipomid-Abdominoplasty in the Body Contouring Surgery

BACKGROUND

During the last few years, the surgical principles of abdominoplasty remained unchanged. Therefore, many observed results have misaligned, high and straight abdominal transverse scars, leading to the final positioning of the umbilical scar to be very close to the transverse scar, which gives the impression of a short abdomen. We propose that the abdominoplasty should change the basic conception of its marking, because we believe that it is important to place the transverse scar lower in the medial and pubic region, and higher in the lateral extremities, thus allowing a rotation of the flap of the anterior flanks back lumbar in the median inferior direction.

MATERIALS

We analyzed 136 patients with abdominal deformities and subjected them to lipomid-abdominoplasty making a marking with strong upper concavity and lateral sides of the scar oriented to the lower transverse line of the abdomen, 4 cm equidistant from the root of the thigh. We also associate liposuction as a complementary treatment to body contouring.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to determine the area of the abdominal deformity and its classification, to establish the strategies of treatment, and association of complementary procedures. A lower marking respecting the treatment areas will allow a better esthetic scar and a harmonic body contour as well as an adequate placement of the elements: umbilical scar, pubis and lateral extremities of transverse abdominal scar.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

High-Definition Excisional Body Contouring: Mini Lipoabdominoplasty (FIT Mommy) and Enhanced Viability Abdominoplasty

The abdominoplasty procedure poses a number of unique challenges. If the stigmata of the operation is to be avoided, careful planning and surgical execution are required. We describe our experience in full and mini abdominoplasties with a 360-degree approach, involving all muscular groups and body segments as described by high-definition liposculpture. Selective fat grafting is also safely performed in specific areas to improve projection and volume.