Abdominolipoplasty: a system of classification and treatment for combined abdominoplasty and suction-assisted lipectomy

Feasibility of abdominoplasty with Cesarean section

Abdominoplasty is an esthetic surgical procedure that restores abdominal contouring. Repeated pregnancies combined with advancing maternal age usually lead to lower abdominal skin redundancy and excess fat accumulation. Delivery via Cesarean section adds weakness to the lower abdominal wall muscles and yields a lower transverse Cesarean scar. Some patients request whether abdominoplasty can be performed with Cesarean section in the same setting, to avoid a future surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the outcome of combined abdominoplasty with Cesarean section. The study included 50 pregnant women from September 2009 to June 2010 with an average follow-up period of 9 months. Nine patients (18%) developed wound infection; three of them (6%) developed wound dehiscence. Six patients (12%) developed lower abdominal skin necrosis; three of them (6%) were treated conservatively and healed by secondary intention, while surgical debridement and secondary sutures were needed in the other three patients (6%). Residual abdominal skin redundancy in nine patients (18%), outward bulging of the abdomen and lack of waist definition in 16 patients (32%), and outward bulging of the umbilicus in twelve patients (24%) were the reported unesthetic results. The results were compared with results of 80 abdominoplasties in nonpregnant women.

The efficacy of a lidocaine-infused pain pump for postoperative analgesia following elective augmentation mammaplasty or abdominoplasty

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain management following aesthetic plastic surgery traditionally has been achieved by systemic administration of several narcotic pain medications. Because this method can lead to undesirable side effects such as sedation, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression, a more efficacious method of postoperative analgesia with fewer side effects needs to be implemented in outpatient cosmetic surgery.

METHODS

From March of 2003 until December of 2008, 690 patients underwent augmentation mammaplasty and 215 patients underwent abdominoplasty. All of these patients were equipped with an elastomeric continuous infusion pump postoperatively and were prescribed oral narcotics. Prior to 2003, patients were prescribed only oral narcotics postoperatively. A retrospective chart review of patients before and after implementation of the pain pump was undertaken to review the perceived pain patients experienced postoperatively with and without the pump. The self-administration of oral narcotics was also assessed.

RESULTS

Patients equipped with the pain pump experienced a statistically significant decrease in perceived pain compared to those without the pump (augmentation mammaplasty: 2.27 vs. 3.68, p < 0.05; abdominoplasty: 2.81 vs. 4.32, p < 0.05). Similarly, patients with the pump saw a statistically significant decrease in the use of the oral narcotic Vicodin™ at 72 h postoperatively (5 mg hydrocodone/500 mg acetaminophen, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) (augmentation mammaplasty: 26.5 mg/2650 mg vs. 49 mg/4900 mg, p < 0.01; abdominoplasty: 29.5 mg/2950 mg vs. 56.5 mg/5650 mg, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The utilization of a continuous-infusion pain pump following augmentation mammaplasty or abdominoplasty is an efficacious method to significantly reduce both the amount of pain patients experience and the quantity of narcotics used postoperatively.

Abdominoplasty combined with Cesarean delivery: evaluation of the practice

Abdominoplasty is an aesthetic surgical procedure that restores abdominal contouring. Repeated pregnancy usually leads to lower abdominal skin redundancy and excess fat accumulation. Delivery via Cesarean section adds weakness to the lower abdominal wall muscles and yields a lower transverse Cesarean scar. Recently and in some cultures, abdominoplasty is requested at the same time of Cesarean delivery. Those women usually want to get the benefit of undergoing the abdominoplasty combined with Cesarean delivery in the same setting, thus avoiding a future surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the aesthetic outcome of combined abdominoplasty with Cesarean delivery. The study included 50 pregnant women from February 2008 to December 2009 with an average follow up period of 6 months. Nine patients (18%) developed wound infection; three of them (9%) developed wound dehiscence. Six patients (12%) developed lower abdominal skin necrosis; three of them (6%) were treated conservatively and healed by secondary intention, while surgical debridement and secondary sutures were needed in the other three patients (6%). Residual abdominal skin redundancy in 9 patients (18%), outward bulging of the abdomen and lack of waist definition in 16 patients (32%), and outward bulging of the umbilicus in 12 patients (24%) were the reported unaesthetic results. The results were compared with results of 80 abdominoplasties in nonpregnant women. The study concluded that abdominoplasty combined with Cesarean delivery carries a higher incidence of complications and does not give the desired aesthetic outcome. The authors do not recommend this practice.

SAFE circumferential liposuction with abdominoplasty

The SAFELipo technique allows for safe, consistent liposuction that does not damage flap blood supply and is easily taught to, and reproducible by, other surgeons. The fat separation used in the SAFELipo technique is performed without suction, which prevents suction avulsion injury to blood vessels by the cannula. Blood vessels then remain intact while free, separated fat is aspirated with small diameter cannulas.

A case for the safety and efficacy of lipoabdominoplasty: a single surgeon retrospective review of 173 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

The combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty has been slow to be accepted, primarily due to a perceived higher incidence of complications associated with the procedure. There has also been extensive debate about the combined procedure's effects on flap vascularity and viability and the extent to which liposuction may be performed in conjunction with surgical abdominoplasty.

OBJECTIVE

The authors present data from their four-year experience supporting lipoabdominoplasty as a safe and effective procedure for body contouring.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed a case series of lipoabdominoplasties performed between 2004 and 2008 by the senior author (KK). A total of 173 consecutive patients who presented for abdominal contouring were included in the study. Each patient underwent a combined procedure beginning with liposuction utilizing the superwet technique, followed by an inverted V-pattern abdominoplasty.

RESULTS

Of the patients included in this study, 171 (98.8%) were women and two (1.2%) were men. The average age of the patients was 41.53 years, and the average body mass index was 26. The average amount of total lipoaspirate from the flanks was 2166.09 mL, and the average specimen weight resected was 972.80 g. Complications included partial dehiscence/skin necrosis (12 patients; 6.9%), infection requiring antibiotic therapy and/or intervention (13 patients; 7.5%), suture spitting (one patient; 0.5%), seroma (six patients; 3.4%), major fat necrosis requiring local debridement (one patient; 0.5%), and skin flap necrosis requiring readvancement of the abdominal flap (two patients; 1.1%). There was a revision rate of 8.0%: two patients required additional liposuction to smooth out unevenness, five patients required scar revision, and seven patients had dog-ears requiring intervention. All revisions were performed under local anesthesia. There were also five instances of confirmed deep vein thrombosis (2.8%) and two cases of pulmonary embolism requiring hospitalization (1.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

The senior author's (KK) lipoabdominoplasty technique, combined with his current preoperative and postoperative protocols, is believed to be a safe procedure that results in excellent cosmetic results. In contrast to some of the current literature, the data show a reduction of overall complications as compared to historical norms.

Abdominoplasty: same classification and a new treatment concept 20 years later

Twenty years after my first paper on abdominoplasty, I find that the classification of abdominoplasty remains the same, but new operative techniques allow for accentuated improvement of the results through more liposuction, less undermining in tunnels, and reduction of skin traction. I use the same classification of diagnoses proposed in 1988, dividing the aesthetic alterations into five groups, and describe my experience during a 6-year period with 502 patients. I used vibroliposuction and performed plicature of the muscular aponeurosis through tunnels (where there are no important muscular perforator vessels), without damaging the vascularization. I propose an appropriate ratio of 1/1.5 between infra- and supraumbilical segments for uses in diagnosis and treatment, and the same ratio between the perimeter of the waist and the hips up to 1/1.618, known as the golden or divine proportion. According to this new treatment concept, vibroliposuction is used in GI. Vibroliposuction and suprapubic fusiform skin resection with an indigenous canoe shape are used in GII. Vibroliposuction, fusiform skin resection, and plicature of the external oblique muscle aponeurosis through two lateral tunnels are used in GIII. Vibroliposuction, fusiform skin resection, plicature of the rectus muscles aponeurosis through a medial tunnel, and detachment of the umbilicus aponeurotic implantation and reattachment in a maximum proportion of 1/1.6 between the infra- and supraumbilical skin segment with a bolster stitch are used in GIV. In GV, all the infraumbilical skin and a subcutaneous segment are removed after vibroliposuction, then a median tunnel from the umbilicus to the xiphoid process and a plicature of the rectus muscle aponeurosis from the pubis to the xiphoid process are made, and then the umbilicus is transposed. When necessary, a plicature of the oblique external muscle aponeurosis through two lateral tunnels is made resulting in three tunnels.

Composite body contouring

BACKGROUND

Aesthetic surgery of the thoracoabdominal region is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in plastic surgery. The combination of circumferential liposuction, autologous fat grafting of the buttocks and/or lower limbs, and the modified transverse abdominoplasty as an adjuvant procedure all done in a single surgical procedure is not very common. The authors present a prospective study of the surgical technique of composite body contouring, emphasizing the low rate of complications and the high overall patient satisfaction.

METHODS

A total of 64 consecutive female patients were operated on between January 2004 and January 2007. All the patients who were included in the study were candidates for a classical abdominoplasty. Posterior and lateral syringe-assisted liposuction combined with fat insertion into the buttocks and/or lower limbs was performed. Autologous fat grafting was done in the gluteal area for buttocks enhancement and in the lower limbs to correct contour deformities. Anterolateral liposuction with modified transverse abdominoplasty was done as an adjuvant procedure. Overall satisfaction with body appearance after composite body contouring was rated on a scale of 1-5.

RESULTS

From 1,500 to 4,600 ml of fat was obtained with liposuction (mean = 2,478 ml). Forty-five patients had fat grafting only to the buttocks area. Six patients had fat insertion into the lower limbs and 13 had fat injection into the buttocks and lower limbs. The amount of fat transplanted to the buttocks varied from 165 to 625 ml (mean = 346 ml) and to the lower limbs it varied from 75 to 270 ml (mean = 195 ml). Three patients (5%) suffered from early complications, including infection (3%) and hematoma formation (2%). Nine patients (14%) had late complications, including hypertophic scars (7.5%), dog ears (4.5%), and localized fat excess (2%). Nine patients (14%) underwent revision surgery. Sixty-three percent reported that their appearance after composite body contouring was "very good" (42%) or "excellent" (21%) and 27% responded that their appearance was "good." Only 10% thought their appearance was less than good, (7% "fair" and 3% "poor").The average follow-up time has been 3.2 years (range = 2-5 years).

CONCLUSION

Composite body contouring combines circumferential liposuction, fat grafting of the buttocks and lower limbs, and modified transverse abdominoplasty to accomplish very good aesthetic results in a single surgical procedure with a low rate of complications and high patient satisfaction.

[Postbariatric plastic surgery]

Approximately 1.7 billion people around the world are defined as being overweight or obese. Various surgical options to treat obesity have quite recently been developed. Following efficient and lasting weight loss, up to one-third of the patients will require plastic and reconstructive surgery. Plastic surgery will thus be the final part of a modern bariatric treatment plan. Postbariatric plastic surgery interventions do not treat obesity but rather remove excess skin and restore the normal body contour and function of the bariatric patient. The presented work summarizes current concepts and limitations in modern plastic and reconstructive surgery of the bariatric patient population.

Does abdominoplasty with liposuction of the love handles yield a shorter scar? An analysis with abdominal 3D laser scanning

The aim of this study was to evaluate the combination of abdominoplasty with liposuction of both flanks with regards to length of scar, complications, and patient's satisfaction. A retrospective analysis of 35 patients who underwent esthetic abdominoplasty at our institution between 2002 and 2004 was performed. Thirteen patients underwent abdominoplasty with liposuction of both flanks, 22 patients underwent conventional abdominoplasty. Liposuction of the flanks did not increase the rate of complications of the abdominoplasty procedures. We found a tendency toward shorter scars in patients who underwent abdominoplasty combined with liposuction of the flanks. Implementation of 3-dimensional laser surface scanning to objectify the postoperative outcomes, documented a comparable degree of flatness of the achieved body contouring in both procedures. 3-dimensional laser surface scanning can be a valuable tool to objectify assessment of postoperative results.

Miniabdominoplasty for the treatment of aesthetic defects after Pfannenstiel incisions

We describe the miniabdominoplasty technique adopted in patients with unfavourable aesthetic defects after Pfannenstiel incisions and give our results from 32 patients. Eligibility criteria were cutaneous ptosis after Pfannenstiel incisions, and skin elastic enough to do the miniabdominoplasty. Exclusion criteria were obese or previously fat subjects in whom the operation was not possible. The technique is based on the combination of a miniabdominoplasty done obliquely up to the fascia, and liposuction. We operated on 32 patients from September 2005 to May 2006. We saw no postoperative bleeding, haematoma, or seroma. Thirty-one patients had a good final result. In one case postoperative asymmetry required secondary remodelling, which was done under local anaesthesia as an outpatient. After six months follow-up we recorded no asymmetry or change in body shape. We use the miniabdominoplasty technique for the correction of cosmetic abnormalities after Pfannenstiel incisions. It is feasible and safe, with a short operating time, and gives good aesthetic results and few postoperative complications. Further studies, with more patients, are now required to validate these results.

Modified mini-abdominoplasty: navel transposition and horizontal residual scar

The classic mini-abdominoplasty is a surgery generally indicated for cases in which cutaneous laxity of the abdomen's inferior region is associated with adiposity. However, in some cases, the characteristics of the abdomen are such that resort to a traditional mini-abdominoplasty would involve an unsatisfactory final result due to the unavoidable caudalization of the navel. In answer to this problem, Pontes developed the type 4 modified mini-abdominoplasty. This procedure adds to the classic technique a complete resection of the navel and its transposition so that it leaves a residual vertical scar. With our version of the technique, the scar is more aesthetic in shape and appearance, horizontal, and parallel to the suprapubic scar.

Composition of postabdominoplasty seroma

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze the composition of postabdominoplasty seroma fluid at different intervals, compare it with blood and lymph, and determine whether it meets the criteria for being considered an exudate.

METHODS

The study enrolled 18 female patients with postabdominoplasty seroma diagnosed by clinical and ultrasound evaluation. All the patients had a Matarasso type 4 anterior abdominal wall deformity. None of the patients were overweight, and none had comorbidities. They all underwent a classical abdominoplasty procedure. Fluid samples were taken from the drains between postoperative days 5 and 7, and from needle aspiration between postoperative days 15 and 20. The fluids were assayed in the clinical laboratory at the University of Chile Clinical Hospital for chemical and cellular composition. Blood, lymph, and seroma values were compared by independent group analysis using a Tukey multiple comparison test with an alpha error of 0.05.

RESULTS

The total protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cholesterol levels for the early and late seroma fluids were lower than in the blood, but higher than in the lymph. The total protein seroma-to-plasma ratio was approximately 0.5; the LDH seroma-to-plasma ratio was approximately 0.6; and the cholesterol seroma-to-plasma ratio was 0.32. The platelet level was very low in the late seroma fluid, showing no statistical differences with the lymph level. The leukocyte level was low in the seroma fluid, with a higher percentage of neutrophils than found in the blood or the lymph.

CONCLUSIONS

The serous fluid formed under the flap after an abdominoplasty seems to be an exudate. In the early postoperative period, it is an inflammatory exudate that slowly turns into an exudate with some characteristics similar to those of lymph.

Progressive Tension Sutures in the Prevention of Postabdominoplasty Seroma: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the seroma reduction capabilities of progressive tension sutures and compare them with the conventional use of drains.

METHODS

Sixty female patients were randomized into four groups: group 1 (control, no drains, and no progressive tension sutures), group 2 (progressive tension sutures alone), group 3 (drains alone), and group 4 (progressive tension sutures and drains). All patients underwent a classic abdominoplasty and drains were left for 7 days in the corresponding groups. Clinical and ultrasound assessments were performed 2 weeks after the operation by blinded evaluators. Punctures, volumes, nonseroma complications, and aesthetic outcome were also measured.

RESULTS

Surgical time was 50 minutes longer in groups 2 and 4. Drain outputs were higher in group 3 than in group 4. The clinical and ultrasound seroma frequency was 35 percent and 90 percent respectively, without significant differences among the groups. The control group was interrupted at 10 patients because of considerably larger seromas and an increased amount of punctures needed for treatment. No differences were found in the other groups. There were no differences with respect to complication rates and aesthetic outcome after follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Progressive tension sutures increase surgical time, reduce drain outputs, and have the same clinical and ultrasound seroma frequency as the use of drains alone. The combination of both methods simultaneously does not add any advantages. However, complications and interventions increase if at least one of them is not used. The mechanism of action of progressive tension sutures could be the compartmentalization of the fluid collection under the flap facilitating absorption.

Decision making in abdominoplasty

BACKGROUND

Improvements and variations in abdominoplasty techniques have complicated patient and procedure selection. The authors describe their guidelines for selecting the ideal procedure to be used with patients by stratifying them into treatment groups according to the presence and location of excess skin and subcutaneous tissue, lipodystrophy, and abdominal wall laxity.

METHODS

A prospective study analyzed 151 female patients treated for abdominal contour deformities from January 2004 to July 2005. The patients were systematically classified into five treatment groups: mini-abdominoplasty (5%), standard abdominoplasty (42%), abdominoplasty with liposuction and minimal midline undermining (10%), standard abdominoplasty with removal of deep fat (13%), and circumferential abdominoplasty (30%).

RESULTS

The patients had a mean age of 42 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 26 kg/m(2). The prevalence of overweight (BMI, 25.0-29.9) was 37%, and that of obesity (BMI > 30.0) was 19%. Comparison of pre- and postoperative photographs included improved tension of the entire abdominal wall, enhancement of the waistline, and increased uniformity of the contour of the abdomen. There was a significant difference in mean BMI between preabdominoplasty (26 kg/m(2)) and postabdominoplasty (24 kg/m(2)) (p = 0.01). The prevalence of overweight and obesity decreased by 8% and 9%, respectively (p = 0.01), and a decrease in BMI occurred within each abdominoplasty subgroup (p = 0.01). The prevalence of complications was 11%. Seroma (4%) and delayed wound healing (4%) were the most common. One case of pulmonary embolus was encountered. Although there was a positive trend in complications with higher BMI, no statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.74). Half of the patients had additional procedures performed without a significant increase in complications (p = 0.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The described algorithm for abdominoplasty selection is safe, effective, and flexible, with long-term improvement in abdominal contour and BMI.

Surgical solutions to the problem of massive weight loss

In response to the global rise in obesity, bariatric surgery has become increasingly more popular and successful. As a result, the demand for body contouring following massive weight loss is rapidly growing. Although bariatric procedures may produce impressive weight loss, people who achieve massive weight loss are often unhappy with the hanging folds of skin and subcutaneous tissue that remain. This review examines the nature of the post-bariatric deformity in each body region and briefly reviews common approaches to their treatment.

Safe Abdominoplasty With Extensive Liposuctioning

In a review of the recent literature, liposuction and tumescent fluid injection are accompanied by hazards of ischemia, flap necrosis, and wound dehiscence at the time of abdominoplasty. The problems that generate complaints from patients and dissatisfaction with tummy tuck surgery are: 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. The purpose of this article is to introduce modalities to perform liposuctioning of the whole abdomen without confronting the danger of ischemia or flap necrosis. Wide lipoaspiration at the time of abdominoplasty and removing the flanks and epigastric fullness result in a shorter incision line and more natural-looking abdomen. In this article, the authors explain their experience using a new method to omit the complications of classic abdominoplasty surgery in 56 cases performed over a 3-year period (2000-2003).

Triple plication in miniabdominoplasty

A novel method for plication of the abdominal fascia in miniabdominoplasty addresses abdominal laxity and improves the waistline. The design comprises a vertical plication of the rectus fascia from xiphoid to pubis and fusiform plication of the oblique fascias with limited undermining and scars, all in the setting of a miniabdominoplasty. The procedure was performed for 10 women undergoing surgery between January and December 2004. The technique resulted in improved tension of the entire abdomen, a decreased perimeter of the waist, and improved uniformity in the contour of the anterior and lateral view, avoiding the epigastric bulking generated when infraumbilical vertical plication is used alone. There were few minor and no major complications. At the follow-up assessment 6 months to 2 years after surgery, there was no loss of the improved muscle-aponeurotic tension or abdominal contour. Triple plication of the fascia provides a good method for improving both the waistline and abdominal laxity in the setting of a miniabdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty, Liposuction of the Flanks, and Obesity: Analyzing Risk Factors for Seroma Formation

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine whether seroma formation following abdominoplasty is associated with simultaneous liposuction of the flanks and to stratify the risk of developing seromas according to body mass index.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of 118 consecutive patients who underwent abdominoplasty with or without flank liposuction from 1992 to 2002. Patients in the abdominoplasty with flank liposuction category were further substratified according to the use of conventional versus ultrasound-assisted liposuction. Data regarding patient age, body mass index, and the occurrence of seromas were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifteen of the 39 patients who underwent abdominoplasty alone (38 percent) developed seromas. This was comparable to the 23 of 79 patients (29 percent) who developed seromas after abdominoplasty combined with flank liposuction (p = not significant). Eight of 19 patients (42 percent) who had liposuction performed with ultrasound assistance developed seromas, compared with 15 of 60 patients (25 percent) who underwent conventional liposuction without ultrasound (p = not significant). When stratified according to body mass index, overweight or obese patients were more likely to develop seromas than patients of normal weight, whether liposuction was performed in the same setting or not [seromas in seven of 37 (19 percent) of normal weight patients versus 31 of 81 (38 percent) of overweight and obese patients, p < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

Liposuction of the flanks in concert with abdominoplasty does not appear to increase the risk of seroma formation. Patients who are overweight or obese present a statistically significantly higher risk for developing seromas postoperatively than patients of normal weight.

A classification of contour deformities after bariatric weight loss: the Pittsburgh Rating Scale

BACKGROUND

Contour deformities after massive weight loss are diverse and often severe in nature. Current progress has necessitated a valid, accessible, and comprehensive rating system that correlates appearance and appropriate surgical treatment. Presently, no existing rating system addresses the breadth and variety of deformities that can occur or allows for adequate postsurgical evaluation.

METHODS

The authors reviewed full-body photographs of over 300 female patients seen between October of 2002 and May of 2004. The authors targeted body areas most frequently demonstrating skin and soft-tissue laxity and ptosis. A 10-region, four-point grading system was designed to describe the common deformities found in each region of the body. To validate the scale, 12 trained observers applied the rating scale to photographs of 25 patients who showed the 10 regions. Each grading scale ranged from 0, indicating normal, to 3, indicating the most severe deformity. Repeat testing was performed at 2 weeks. Interobserver validity and test-retest reliability were determined using weighted kappa analysis.

RESULTS

In all 10 categories, the kappa value was 0.6 or higher (0.6 = threshold for good validity), with a mean kappa value of 0.68 (range, 0.61 to 0.78) and an overall agreement of 69 percent over two sessions. All 12 observers scored an individual mean kappa value of greater than 0.6, indicating good interobserver validity. A given observer had a mean 67 percent agreement, indicating reasonable test-retest reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

The Pittsburgh Rating Scale is a validated measure of contour deformities after bariatric weight loss. This scale may have applications in preoperative planning and evaluating surgical outcomes.

Lipoabdominoplasty: liposuction with reduced undermining and traditional abdominal skin flap resection

Abdominoplasty surgery has spread universally, as both an aesthetic and a reconstructive procedure, and new techniques are appearing with the goal of minimizing ischemic complications of the flap and bettering body contour. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that an abdominoplasty technique with limited undermining and preservation of the flap perforator vessels makes it possible to reduce the complication rate attributable to flap necrosis and seroma in abdominoplasty. Doppler flowmetry color study of the abdominal wall was performed before the surgical procedure and on postoperative day 15 after lipoabdominoplasty for a series of 20 patients to evaluate the blood supply of the abdominal wall. This study confirmed the preservation of perforator arteries in the periumbilicus area and right upper quadrant after abdominoplasty with liposuction and reduced undermining.

Clinical Outcome of Abdominal Wall after DIEP Flap Harvesting and Immediate Application of Abdominoplasty Techniques

BACKGROUND

Although breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a well-known technique, few publications have reported the aesthetic outcome of the abdomen and the donor-site closure techniques utilized. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of immediate clinical application of traditional abdominoplasty techniques after DIEP flap harvesting.

METHODS

Forty-four patients underwent 48 DIEP flap breast reconstructions, with 32 immediate and four bilateral procedures. All patients underwent full abdominoplasties with some technique of musculoaponeurotic system plication. Information on age, weight, height, smoking status, comorbid medical conditions, complications, and revision surgery was collected.

RESULTS

In all patients, the anterior rectus fascia was closed by a two-layer imbrication-type closure and the rectus diastasis was corrected by a median plicature. In 36 patients (81.8 percent), a contralateral rectus plicature was performed. In 21 patients (47.7 percent), plication of the external oblique aponeurosis was performed. All patients achieved an improved abdominal contour, and 41 (93.2 percent) were satisfied with their result. Ten patients (22.7 percent) had minor complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical application of abdominoplasty techniques is feasible immediately after DIEP harvesting and must address not only skin and subcutaneous tissue but also the muscular abdominal wall. All of the musculofascial plication techniques improved the definition of the waistline. Patient selection is crucial to achieve a satisfactory outcome. The main objective is that patients safely undergo dual procedures with no increased risk and with the added aesthetic benefits at the abdominal donor site.

Abdominal Contour Procedures: Evaluating the Options

Surgical science continues to increase the options available to an individual seeking an improved abdominal contour. Appropriately applied, abdominal-contouring procedures offer significant aesthetic improvements and result in a high level of patient satisfaction. Liposuction is one procedure in a continuum of techniques available for addressing abdominal contour, and it is the one with which patients are most familiar and most likely to request. Advising patients of the many available methods involves an understanding of the scope of each technique and an accurate assessment of individuals' anatomy and their expectations and perceptions of what a successful result represents. This article outlines the various surgical methods of abdominal contouring and fosters an understanding of how to select the appropriate procedure.

The male abdominoplasty

Men have a larger body surface area, distinguishing physical characteristics, and unique aesthetic concerns that present a different therapeutic challenge from women. The primary area of disappointment in males is the inability to alter the intra-abdominal submuscular fat compartment where fat redistributes with advancing age, resulting in enlarged abdominal girth. In general, men who have not experienced large weight fluctuations present with skin of good quality and tone and can benefit from liposuction surgery; those who have poor skin tone, with or without rectus muscle diastasis, may be candidates for a full abdominoplasty or a pannilectomy with liposuction. These procedures represent the overwhelming majority of abdominal contour operations performed in males.

Abdominal Dermolipectomy in an Abdomen with Pre-Existing Scars: A Different Concept

Although abdominal dermolipectomy is a frequently performed procedure, few publications have reported on the safety of the procedure in the scarred abdomen. The aim of this study was to stress the possibility of performing a natural-looking abdominoplasty with no complication such as skin necrosis or liponecrosis in the presence of abdominal scars and to clarify that the scarred abdomen is not a great limitation for full abdominoplasty as reported in the literature. Seventy-six abdominoplasties were performed on scarred patients from July of 1997 to June of 2003. Twenty-five patients had oblique subcostal scars, six patients had median supraumbilical scars, three patients had median infraumbilical scars, 10 patients had appendectomy scars, nine patients had paramedian supraumbilical scars, eight patients had paramedian infraumbilical scars, seven patients had long transverse scars of repaired ventral hernias, and eight patients had multiple small scars after laparoscopy. In addition, there were concomitant transverse cesarean delivery scars in 40 patients. All patients underwent full abdominoplasties, plication of the musculoaponeurotic system, and liposuction assistance if required (45 patients). Of 76 subjects, three patients had very limited liponecrosis at the watershed area. Eleven patients (14.5 percent) were morbidly obese and heavy smokers. In comparisons of postabdominoplasty complications, such as liponecrosis, wound infection, and dehiscence with and without liposuction in scarred abdomen, no significant differences were found. Secondary revision was more common among abdominoplasties without liposuction [seven of 45 (15.6 percent) versus 12 of 31 (38.7 percent); p = 0.02]. In conclusion, there is no limitation or contraindication for abdominal dermolipectomy with or without liposuction assistance on the previously scarred abdomen as long as the vascular zones of the abdomen are respected. The abdominal wall dissection is limited to allow only the plication of the musculoaponeurotic system, and aggressive liposuction is avoided.

Fleur-de-Lys abdominoplasty--a consecutive case series

Sixty-eight consecutive patients who had undergone Fleur-de-Lys abdominoplasty are described. The mean age was 39 years, (22-62 years) and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 29 kg/m(2) (17-47 kg/m(2)). Forty patients had documented weight loss, mean 39 kg (10-103 kg). The operation duration ranged from 1 h 10 min to 4 h 15 min. The mean mass of tissue resected was 2.4 kg, (0.3-9.1 kg). The overall complication rate was 42/68 (62%) and complications were categorised as early, late, general and aesthetic. Complications were significantly related to patients with a greater age (p=0.0091), increasing BMI (p=0.0039), greater weight (p=0.0014) and greater mass of tissue resected (p=0.0002). There was no significant association between smoking and complications. There was no significant association between previous gastric partitioning surgery and complications. Despite the significant complication rate, a single operation achieved a satisfactory outcome in 82% of patients. Our data reinforce findings from previous studies, which have demonstrated that patients should be required to reduce weight prior to body contouring surgery.

Lipoabdominoplasty with selective and safe undermining

Our objective is to present a new surgical concept for the aesthetic treatment of the abdominal region using the principles of liposuction associated with the traditional abdominoplasty. Lipoabdominoplasty is different from other techniques because it has the advantages of conserving perforator vessels of the abdominal wall, it preserves suprapubic sensibility, results in better abdominal contouring, has a low rate of complications, and a faster recuperation after surgery. The traditional abdominoplasty has been used for many years with several modifications intending to achieve better aesthetic contouring and to reduce complications. However, each modification solves problems only partially. The authors perform the surgery beginning with wet lipoplasty in superficial and deep fat layers. The skin below the umbilical scar is excised as in classical abdominoplasty. After that, selective and safe undermining of the dermocutaneous flap is done in the middle section of the upper abdomen between the borders of the rectus abdominis muscle, preserving mainly supply vessels of the abdominal wall.

Liposuction abdominoplasty: an evolving concept

Liposuction abdominoplasty-liposuction of abdominal subcutaneous tissue deep and superficial to Scarpa's fascia, with excision of excess abdominal skin and, when indicated, plication of the anterior rectus sheath without undermining-is an effective, low-risk approach to minimizing abdominal flap undermining. The technique allows aggressive thinning and "sculpting" of full-thickness abdominal subcutaneous tissue and achieves a natural (not featureless) abdominal contour. It minimizes the creation of "dead space," which often leads to postoperative complications, as well as preserves sensory nerve and blood supply to the abdominal skin. The operation may be performed with the patient under local anesthesia, which probably diminishes the risk for deep vein thrombosis. Moreover, additional procedures can be conducted safely and the postoperative course is short, uneventful, and without restrictions; patients return to normal activity within a week or so. New evaluation criteria for abdominoplasty are discussed in this article, the most important of which is the assessment of intraabdominal fat content and its impact on surgical outcome and the decision to perform anterior rectus sheath plication. The concept of a sliding, mobile, sensate abdominal flap, created by liposuction and sustained by multiple neurovascular mesenteries, is also offered.

Refinements in abdominoplasty

When performing traditional abdominoplasty, three fundamental defects of the abdominal wall must always be addressed by the plastic surgeon. They include redundant skin, excess fat, and musculofascial laxity. Plastic surgeons have found that this procedure consists of dermolipectomy and rectus plication, extremely effective in restoring the abdomen to its youthful shape in the vast majority of patients. This article will review the recent advancements in body contouring surgery while focusing on the recent technical refinements in abdominoplasty.

An aesthetic classification of the abdomen based on the myoaponeurotic layer

An objective classification for abdominoplasty based on myoaponeurotic deformities is described. Types A, B, C, and D correspond to different myoaponeurotic deformities. Patients with type A display rectus diastasis secondary to pregnancy, and plication of the anterior rectus sheath is indicated. Patients with type B present with laxity of the lateral and inferior areas of the abdominal wall after approximation of the anterior rectus sheaths. An L-shaped plication of the external oblique aponeurosis is performed in addition to the correction of rectus diastasis. Patients with type C are those whose rectus muscles are laterally inserted on the costal margins. Release and undermining of the rectus muscles from their posterior sheath and advancement of these muscles, attached to the anterior sheath, is the procedure of choice in these cases. Patients with type D display a poor waistline definition; external oblique muscle rotation associated with plication of the anterior rectus sheath is the procedure used to correct this deformity. Eighty-eight patients who underwent abdominoplasty were reviewed, and the incidence of each deformity was determined on this population. This study presents a practical classification that permits the plastic surgeon to critically evaluate which is the best option to correct abdominal deformities considering specific areas of myoaponeurotic weakness.

Triangular mattress suture in abdominal diastasis to prevent epigastric bulging

In the classic abdominoplasty, the treatment of large diastasis recti with simple or vertical mattress sutures may result in a nonaesthetic bulge. The surgeon may produce a craniocaudal bulge deformity by treating the flaccidity in the horizontal plane only, although it occurs in all directions. The authors describe the triangular mattress suture for the treatment of large diastasis recti, and demonstrate the mechanism involved in producing an epigastric bulge. Also presented is their clinical experience with 56 patients, with a 3-year follow-up, using this new plication method. The triangular mattress suture is a simple, quick, and effective way to correct abdominal diastasis and to avoid the epigastric bulge deformity with no added morbidity.

Abdominal dermolipectomies: early postoperative complications and long-term unfavorable results

A retrospective study was done on a population of 258 women who had undergone surgery for abdominal dermolipectomy between January of 1991 and May of 1996. The postoperative complications and flaws seen at long-term follow-up are discussed. The surgical techniques used, with or without lipoaspiration, were the infraumbilical plasty and full plasties with horizontal or inverted T scars. Six types of postoperative complications were noted: hemorrhage in 1.2 percent, lymphorrhea in 10.9 percent, infection in 7 percent, skin necrosis in 6.6 percent, secondary dehiscence of the scar in 2.3 percent, and thromboembolic accidents in 1.2 percent. No significant difference was found in the rate of necrosis development between patients who did and did not undergo lipoaspiration. However, a statistically significant difference was seen in the rate of skin necrosis between the T-type plasty (35.5 percent) and the other two procedures (1.43 percent for infraumbilical plasties and 4.60 percent for full plasties with horizontal scar). With regard to the flaws found at long-term follow-up, the rate of above-scar fat folds and/or dog-ears was 27.9 percent, and the rate of defective scars was 26 percent. No significant difference was found with regard to the rate of flaws. The rate of all secondary surgical procedures was 29.1 percent, but performance of secondary procedures depended on the willingness of the patient and on the surgeon's judgment. Abdominoplasty procedures involve a high risk of early complications. The rate of skin necrosis is clearly augmented in cases of T-type plasty. The need for secondary surgical correction is frequent, and the patient should be reminded of this possibility during preoperative consultation.