Management of the Postbariatric Medial Thigh Deformity:

Vertical Medial Thigh Lift with the 'Anchor L Liposculpture' Technique in Massive Weight Loss Patients: Preliminary results

BACKGROUND

Among all post bariatric surgical procedures, vertical thigh lift has the highest complication rates. Many modifications have been described to achieve better aesthetic results and decrease complication rates. The study aimed to present ''Anchor L Liposculpture Technique'' and discuss the results in the light of current literature.

METHOD

Between 2016 and 2020, 33 patients were operated with the Anchor L Liposculpture technique. In this technique, liposuction is performed similarly with the other techniques, but the liposuction area is not extended to posterior or anterior compartments to prevent complications. The technique also used a deepithelized flap to anchor the superficial fascial system to the pubic arch periosteum. The patients' characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, amount of weight loss, comorbidities) volume of liposuction and postoperative complications were recorded. Results were compared between uncomplicated (group A) and complicated patients (group B).

RESULT

Six (n=6, %18.2) out of 33 patients experienced complications (Group B). There were no major complication. The most common complications are wound dehiscence (n = 2) and lymphocele (n = 2). All complication cases managed conservatively. Age and amount of liposuction were found to be statistically associated with increased complications. Other comparisons between group A and B did not show any significant difference. Scar migration was not observed in any patient during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Anchor L Liposculpture technique is an easy-to-apply and reliable technique aimed better surgical results and lower complication rates. Surgeons especially at beginning of the learning curve or who experienced high complication rates can utilize this technique.

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 .

Complications of Body Contouring Surgery in Postbariatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a major global health problem. With an increasing number of bariatric surgeries, the need for body-contouring procedures has grown. These procedures are associated with multiple complications because of various patient characteristics and risk factors.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we performed a systematic literature review of all the complications of postbariatric body contouring surgeries, as well as a meta-analysis to estimate the effects of body mass index (BMI) and the weight of the tissue resected during body contouring on the development of complications.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search of the PubMed and Cochrane databases in September 2020, using the MeSH terms plastic surgery, weight loss, and complications. Studies were included if they involved more than 35 postbariatric patients and reported postoperative complication rates and types.

RESULTS

In total, 561 articles were initially identified, and 25 studies were included after the final review. The overall weighted rate of postbariatric body contouring surgical complications in all studies was 31.5%. The most frequent complication from all regions of body contouring was seroma (weighted rate 12.7-13.9%). Regarding risk factors, analysis indicated that a BMI < 30 kg/m² and low mean weight of resected tissue were associated with fewer complications.

CONCLUSION

Body contouring procedures are relatively safe. Although complications after contouring are common, most either resolve spontaneously or require minimal intervention. In body contouring after bariatric surgery, there is a 37% increased risk of developing complications if the BMI is ≥ 30 kg/[Formula: see text] before body contouring. A higher weight of resected tissue appears to be linked to a greater risk of complications.

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 .

Helix Thigh Lift. A Novel Approach to Severe Deformities in Massive Weight Loss Patients

BACKGROUND

After massive weight loss, the severe gynoid body contour deformities are not always faceable with optimal results. The thigh is one of the most demanding area to address; therefore, the approach should be virtually individualized. The authors describe the helix thigh lift: A novel technique that combines vertical with horizontal axis of pull. The goal of this ultimate customization is to dramatically impact physical functioning and esthetics of this patient population.

METHODS

Thigh lift patients from 2016 to 2019 were assessed retrospectively; fourteen patients were selected for helix thigh lift procedure. Preoperative markings, surgical technique and outcomes were described. The mean follow-up time was 14.8 ± 3.2 months. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate the results.

RESULTS

Fourteen female patients (mean age, 42 ± 4.8 years) underwent helix thigh lift after massive weight loss. The overall complication rate was 36 percent. They were all minor complications and were treated in an outpatient setting. Seroma formation was the most frequent, at 29 percent. No skin necrosis was reported. Complication development was straight related to the age of the patient (p = 0.0455). The patients were very satisfied with the overall outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Helix thigh lift effectively addresses the severe gynoid body contour deformities. The high satisfaction and the reasonable complication rate suggest that this is a safe and effective technique. The age of the patient was significantly associated to complication development. A dramatic improvement of ease in performing activities of daily living along with reduction of the skin problems leads to significant improvement of the quality of life.

Near-circumferential Lower Body Lift: A Review of 40 Outpatient Procedures

Lower body lift surgery has increased in popularity. A circumferential body lift or belt lipectomy is often recommended to treat skin redundancy. A drawback for this procedure is the midline scar bridging the lower back causing elongation of the gluteal cleft. Autoaugmentation methods have not been shown to provide a net increase in buttock volume.