Abstract
The use of lipostructure to treat burn sequelae is more and more common today. The regeneration capacities of mesenchymal stem cells appear promising on this sequelae skin, which is poorly vascularized, retractile and often painful. The aim of our study is to establish the analgesic properties, and the functional and aesthetic improvements gained by using lipostructure to treat burn sequelae. Forty-three patients who received lipostructure for burn sequelae according to the Coleman method between 2005 and 2017 were selected. Results regarding aesthetic, analgesic and mobility gain were recorded, with a minimum follow-up of one year postoperatively. Our patients consisted of 32 women and 11 men, with a mean age of 31.7 years (15 to 64 years). The mean follow-up during the study was 49.8 months (2 to 205 months). Patients received an average of 1.3 (1 to 3) sessions of lipostructure with an average of 153 cc (10 to 1040 cc) per session. Sequela sites were the face for 13 patients, the upper limb for 13 patients, the lower limb for 16 patients and the trunk for 4 patients. Twelve patients had lesions on multiple locations. Twenty patients benefited from this surgery for purely aesthetic or functional reasons, and 23 for painful sequelae. A significantly lower EVA was observed after surgery and a functional gain thanks to the restoration of no longer painful amplitudes. An aesthetic gain was also reported in more than three quarters of cases. In two cases, the analgesic effect decreased after one year and required a second lipostructure. The use of lipostructure in burn sequelae has already proved its efficiency with regard to the functional aspect, aesthetics and also analgesia. However, the evaluation of results is based on scales that are still imperfect. Lipostructure is not the only type of surgery used in burn sequelae. Local plasty or skin grafts are also used, but they are more invasive and have no direct analgesic effect. Lipostructure is only possible on mature, soft and non-adherent scars in order not to traumatize adipose cells. Post-burn skin is defined by retractions and adhesions to deep planes, requiring heavy rehabilitation work beforehand. Finally, the effect is not always sustainable and the duration of efficiency remains unknown. Lipostructure has its place in the treatment of hyperalgic and unsightly burn sequelae that are responsible for a functional and social disability in the patient.
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