Access to reconstructive plastic surgery for patients undergoing bariatric surgery in the Unified Health System (SUS).

INTRODUCTION: obesity is one of the most common diseases worldwide, and the most effective treatment to it is the bariatric surgery. One of the negative impacts of this procedure is the body dysmorphia caused by overhanging skin. In Brazil, the national health system - Sistema Único de Sáude (SUS) - provide body contouring surgery to treat post-bariatric patients, since 2007. This article aims to describe the Brazilian public health approach to post bariatric patients and perform an analyze in the Brazilian health care database. METHODS: in Brazilian Health System database, a search for the post-bariatric procedures performed between 2007 to 2021 was done. The variables analyzed were geographic location, year, mean days of hospitalization, death, and mortality rate. Also, we evaluated the number of bariatric procedures done in the same period. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student-t and the chi-square tests and p-value <0.5 was considered significant. RESULTS: a total of 12,717 plastic surgery procedures in post bariatric patients were done, with a national prevalence of 13.8%. Dermolipectomy was the most performed procedure, with 6,719. The years of 2020 and 2021 suffered a decreased of 64.3% and 70.9% in the number of surgeries (p<0,001). Bariatric Procedures had a high rate and a higher percentage of growth comparing to post bariatric surgery (p<0,001), totalizing 93,589 surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Brazil had a significant number of body contouring surgery, however with a low prevalence. Dermoliepctomy was the most common procedure performed. We could notice a significant impact of COVID pandemic in those procedures .

Monsplasty for women after massive weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Ptosis with excess skin in the pubic area is a very common deformity in patients after massive weight loss. This deformity requires adequate surgical treatment whether combined with abdominoplasty or not. The enlarged pubogenital area may lead to psychosocial distress and impaired quality of life. METHODS: A series of 23 women with a mean age of 39.5 years who previously underwent bariatric surgeries and later presented with pubogenital ptosis underwent monsplasty. The preoperative surgical markings and the surgical technique presented are easily reproducible. In this prospective study, the surgical outcomes were assessed by questionnaires applied to the patients, who scored the following parameters: movement dynamics, aesthetic appearance, sexual performance, improved hygiene, and use of clothing items. RESULTS: Four of the parameters assessed (movement dynamics, aesthetic appearance, hygiene, and use of clothing items) showed clear improvement, with scores ranging from good to very good. A small percentage of the patients (13%) reported fair improvement in sexual performance. CONCLUSION: The findings showed monsplasty to be a simple and reproducible technique with favorable outcomes and low morbidity rates. 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 at www.springer.com/00266.

Systemic inflammatory reaction after silicone breast implant.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation after augmentation mammaplasty with modern silicone implants is not currently recognized. In a prospective controlled study, C-reactive protein and other variables were monitored, aiming to test this hypothesis in a young cohort of patients. METHODS: Females (18-30 years old, BMI = 18.5-30 kg/m(2), N = 52) were consecutively recruited for breast implant (n = 24, Group I) and for abdominal liposuction (n = 28, Group II/Controls). Patients were interviewed at baseline and followed until 6 months after operation. Variables included demographic and clinical information, surgical outcome, inflammatory markers and autoantibodies. RESULTS: Operations were well tolerated, without surgical or infectious complications. Mean prosthesis size was 258 ± 21 ml (range = 220-280) and mean aspirate of liposuction was 1972 ± 499 ml (range = 1200-3000). Preoperative, 2-month, and 6-month C-reactive protein concentrations for breast implant patients were 1.3 ± 1.2, 4.8 ± 3.0, and 4.3 ± 6.4 mg/l and for liposuction 3.5 ± 2.7, 3.5 ± 2.1, and 2.2 ± 2.2 mg/l, respectively. Change at 2 months was significant (p = 0.001). Autoantibody investigation failed to reveal remarkable aberrations, except for anticardiolipin elevation, which was nearly symmetrical in the two groups. CONCLUSION: C-reactive protein levels increased after operation and correlated with proinflammatory and procoagulatory indices. A mild increase in anticardiolipin IgM occurred but differences between populations were lacking. Despite excellent cosmetic outcomes and lack of complications, acute phase reaction could signal ongoing immunogenicity of silicone and long-term monitoring is recommended.

Mammaplasty with inferior pedicle flap after massive weight loss.

BACKGROUND: After massive weight loss, one of the stigmas that afflict women is the remaining deformity of the breasts which become flaccid and ptotic, with an absent or flat upper pole. The authors propose the use of a well-established mammaplasty technique to fill the upper pole, reshape the breast cone, and correct ptosis with nipple-areola complex (NAC) repositioning. METHODS: A total of 16 patients were analyzed; all underwent gastroplasty between 18 and 24 months prior to mammaplasty. The mean age was 41.6 years (range = 26-62) and the mean BMI previous to the mammaplasty was 29.2 kg/m(2) (range = 24.9-38.9). The technique included a dermo-lipo glandular flap pedicled on the inframammary fold (IMF) together with a superior flap containing the NAC. RESULTS: All patients who underwent surgery were satisfied with the outcomes since a more aesthetic breast shape was achieved, with projection of the upper pole and correction of ptosis. Adverse events included dehiscence at the junction point of the flaps in the inframammary fold, which resolved with secondary-intention wound healing in three patients; partial necrosis of the areola in one patient; epidermolysis in one of the NACs in one patient; and infection in one of the breasts in one patient, which resolved with proper antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: When compared to the current mammaplasty techniques performed in formerly obese patients, this is a good surgical option because it uses tissues adjacent to the breast itself and does not require silicone prosthesis for breast augmentation. The patients reported increased self-esteem and improvement in their quality of life.

Analysis of inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in patients submitted to abdominoplasty after bariatric surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the serum variations of Interleukins (Il) and CPR of abdominoplasties in post-bariatric patients and, to equate the homeostasis (HOMA) from the variations of glycemia and insulin to evolute the metabolic modifications. METHODS: Fourteen women were submitted to abdominoplasties with weight loss after a gastroplasty. Levels of IL4, IL6, IL10, CRP, glycemia and insulin were obtained during the pre-operative, trans-operative, 24 hours post, 7th and 14th postoperative days. RESULTS: The IL4 was higher at 24 hours post-surgery, and after a moderate decrease, it remained high until the 14th day. The IL6 and CRP had an expressive increase during the trans-operative period. The CRP remained high, and the IL6 decreased on the 7th and 14th days. The IL10 increased during the transoperative period, and it posteriorly decreased to lower levels in comparison to the pre-operative period. The already increased glycemia during the pre-operative period was even higher during the trans-operative and then, returned to preliminary values on the 7th and 14th days after surgery. The HOMA accompanied the insulin. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory and glycemic serum levels decrease after abdominiplasty in obese post-bariatric patients.

Quality of life after abdominoplasty in women after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal skin overhang is not unusual after massive weight loss induced by antiobesity interventions, and poor quality of life should be feared in such circumstances, especially in women. However, long-term results of quality of life have not been often documented in this setting. With the purpose of addressing this question, a prospective study was designed. METHODS: Patients (n = 16, 100% females, age 40.1 +/- 8.0 years) submitted to standard or combined circumferential abdominoplasty were recruited for this study. All had undergone open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between 24 and 48 months earlier with stable weight in the last 12 months. Quality of life was assessed by a trained psychologist employing of a semistructured interview, the Adaptative Operationalized Diagnostic Scale (AODS), covering affectivity/personal relations, productivity, social/cultural performance, and organic/somatic health. RESULTS: Circumferential abdominoplasty was followed by few problems (serous fluid collections in 18.8%, anemia because of blood loss in 6.3%). The best overall response to the AODS questionnaire corresponded to the social and cultural domain where 81.3% of the patients had excellent adaptation (level 1). For the other three domains, results were remarkably similar with 62.5% of the tests displaying the highest value of adaptation and rare total failures. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The current operation corresponded to the expectations of the patients with few complications and favorable body contouring result. (2) Quality of life, quantified by means of adaptation and social adjustment scores, was adequate in most circumstances. (3) Outstanding responses for social/cultural performance were registered with encouraging findings for affectivity/personal relations, productivity, and organic/somatic health as well.

Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) in bariatric candidates.

BACKGROUND: Mild lymphedema of lower limbs and eventually abdomen is not exceedingly rare in morbid obesity. However, few large symptomatic masses have been reported. In a consecutive series of patients, all requiring resection of the lesion before bariatric treatment, clinical features and surgical findings are described, aiming to clarify the nature of this intricate problem. METHODS: Subjects (n=4, 50% females, age 34.0+/-13.7 years (19-53), BMI 56.4+/-10.5 kg/m(2) (44.1-73.1) displayed lesions on the anteromedial aspect of the thigh (n=3) and hypogastrium (n=1). All reported episodes of intertrigo of local skin-folds in the preceding years, managed by local care and antibiotics. The mass was described as a serious nuisance, impairing walking, dressing and personal hygiene. RESULTS: The mass was surgically removed without requirement for blood transfusion except in the case of one huge mass. Complications were relatively minor and consisted of partial skin dehiscence and lymph leakage for 2-3 weeks. Histologically, a complex pattern was observed including skin hypertrophy, edema, fibrosis, foci of microabscesses and dilated blood vessels, along with the pathognomonic lymphangiectasia. On follow-up to 6 months, improvement or restoration of the ability to walk occurred, with no additional skin infection and no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Surgical treatment was effective. 2) Functional rehabilitation was achieved. 3) No recurrence was observed within the follow-up period.

Surgical treatment of lymphedema of the penis and scrotum.

PURPOSE: Lymphedema of the penis and scrotum, regardless of its etiology, is determined by reduced lymphatic flow with subsequent enlargement of the penis and scrotum. The clinical course of this condition is characterized by extreme discomfort for patients, with limitation of local hygiene, ambulation, sexual intercourse, and voiding in the standing position. The purpose of the present study is to present the experience and results of the treatment of lymphedema of the penis and scrotum by removing affected tissues and correcting the penoscrotal region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with lymphedema of the penis and scrotum were treated with a modified Charles procedure, which consists of the excision of the affected skin followed by scrotoplasty and midline suture simulating the scrotal raphe. The penis is covered with a split-thickness skin graft by means of a zigzag suture on its ventral surface. RESULTS: Regression of symptoms and improvement of previous clinical conditions were verified in the follow-up which ranged from 6 months to 6 years. One patient who had undergone lymphadenectomy with radiation therapy due to penile cancer had recurrent scrotum lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Charles procedure for the treatment of penoscrotal lymphedema is easily reproducible and allows better local hygiene, easier ambulation, voiding in the standing position, resuming sexual intercourse, and finally, better cosmetic results in the affected area with remarkable improvement in quality of life.

Abdominoplastia circunferencial simples e composta: evolução técnica, experiência de 10 anos e análise das complicações / Simple and composite circumferential abdominoplasty: technical evolution, 10-year experience and analysis of complications

Introdução: Pacientes portadores de obesidade mórbida submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica, após perda ponderal maciça, evoluem com grandes dobras de pele em várias regiões do corpo, incluindo abdome. Nos pacientes com excessos dermogordurosos em toda circunferência abdominal e ptose da região glútea, a abdominoplastia circunferencial (simples ou composta) tem demonstrado ser uma solução cirúrgica eficaz, pois a abdominoplastia convencional ou "em âncora" traz resultados insatisfatórios naqueles pacientes com dismorfia severa. O objetivo é analisara evolução técnica da abdominoplastia circunferencial simples e composta e suas complicações. Métodos: Foram avaliados 29 pacientes, sendo 28 do sexo feminino, com média etária de 41,17 anos, submetidos à abdominoplastia circunferencial, entre 2002 e 2012. Este estudo retrospectivo, realizado através de dados colhidos dos prontuários médicos, avaliou: tempo de cirurgia, peso da peça cirúrgica ressecada, tempo de internação hospitalar, antibioticoterapia utilizada, complicações associadas e alterações ocorridas na técnica operatória neste período. Resultados: A abdominoplastia circunferencial composta foi realizada em 23 pacientes (79,3%) e a simples em seis (20,7%). O tempo cirúrgico médio foi de 346 minutos e o peso médio da peça operatória foi 4323 gramas. Três pacientes (10,3%) tiveram complicações maiores (anemia sintomática e deiscência de sutura maior) e cinco (17,2%) complicações menores (pequenas deiscências, pequeno sangramento espontâneo, seroma e cicatriz hipertrófica). Entre 2002 e 2004 ocorreram 75% das complicações. O índice de reoperação foi de 6,9%. Conclusão: Houve importante evolução técnica na realização da abdominoplastia circunferencial, sendo que a incidência de complicações e a taxa de reoperação foram similares àquelas encontradas na literatura.

Introduction: Morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery after massive weight loss evolve with large skin folds in various body regions, including the abdomen. In patients with dermofat excesses throughout the abdominal circumference and ptosis of the gluteal region, circumferential abdominoplasty (simple or composite) has been an effective surgical solution conventional or "anchor" abdominoplasty brings unsatisfactory results in those patients with severe dysmorphia. The objective is to analyze the technical evolution of simple and composite circumferential abdominoplasty and its complications. Methods: Twenty-nine patients were evaluated, 28 females, with a mean age of 41.17 years, submitted to circumferential abdominoplasty between 2002 and 2012. This retrospective study, conducted through data collected from medical records, evaluated: surgery time, the weight of the resected surgical specimen, length of hospital stays, antibiotic therapy used, associated complications, and changes in the surgical technique in this period. Results: Composite circumferential abdominoplasty was performed in 23 patients (79.3%) and the simple one in six (20.7%). The mean surgical time was 346 minutes, and the surgical specimen's mean weight was 4323 grams. Three patients (10.3%) had significant complications (symptomatic anemia and major suture dehiscence) and five (17.2%) minor complications (minor dehiscence, slight spontaneous bleeding, seroma, and hypertrophic scarring). Between 2002 and 2004, 75% of the complications occurred. The reoperation rate was 6.9%. Conclusion: There was a significant technical evolution in circumferential abdominoplasty performance, and the incidence of complications and the rate of reoperation were similar to those found in the literature.

Circumferential abdominoplasty for sequential treatment after morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: The severely obese patient, after considerable loss of weight, has large remaining skin folds. Classic transverse abdominoplasties leave bulges in the flanks. This article presents an alternative procedure, circumferential abdominoplasty, which involves the perimeter of the abdomen. METHODS: Average age of the patients was 39.5 years, consisting of 10 females and two males. Incisions were made like those of the classic transverse abdominoplasty, but were extended dorsally without tension on the suture-line. RESULTS: Pre and postoperative aspects revealed the huge impact achieved after resection of the excess panniculus, with improvement of body contour, posture, ambulation, social and psychological integration, hygiene and sexual performance. In some patients, seromas, partial dehiscences, flap infection and atelectasis were immediate complications. Hypertrophic scars and some remaining skin folds were late complications. CONCLUSION: The major disadvantage of the circumferential abdominoplasty is the resulting scar. However, this procedure should be taken into consideration as an option to achieve a more harmonious body contour. Complications are not enough to contraindicate the surgery, because the patients preferred better social and professional integration, as well as behavioral improvement due to enhancement in their self-confidence.

C-reactive protein decrease after postbariatric abdominoplasty.

In a prospective study, indices of glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, and systemic inflammation were monitored after an aesthetic abdominoplasty, aiming to scrutinize the possible metabolic benefits for abdominal fat removal. Premenopausal females with substantial weight loss (N=40) undergoing circumferential abdominoplasty (index group, n=20) or augmentation mammoplasty with mastopexy (controls, n=20) were recruited. All of them originally underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Variables included BMI, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, glucose, and HbA1c. Follow-up reached 20.3 ± 13.6 months for index cases and 29.5 ± 17.4 months for controls. The metabolic and inflammatory indices improved after the bariatric surgery. Subsequent monitoring indicated a stable body weight and biochemical profile in both groups. The exceptions were HDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein, which respectively increased and diminished after the abdominoplasty, consistent with an inflammatory and metabolic advantage for this operation. This is the first long-term study in a weight-stable population to point out such a pattern after abdominoplasty.

Improved double-fuse technique for post-bariatric brachioplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of modified brachioplasty, investigating in late postoperative complications and satisfaction with the outcome, in women previously submitted to bariatric surgery. METHODS: The population (N = 18, age 49.2 ± 11.3 years), which had undergone brachioplasty 25.2 ± 11.9 months after the bariatric procedure, was contacted after 31.7 ± 38.8 additional months. Surgical complications and satisfaction with the operation were estimated by interviews, including a questionnaire designed for this purpose. RESULTS: pre-bariatric body mass index (BMI) was 57.1 ± 11.1 kg / m(2), being 28.3 ± 6.0 kg/m(2) before the brachioplasty, without significant changes thereafter. Three minor surgical complications were recorded (3 / 18, 16.7%), namely, temporary paresthesia, seroma and small imperfection of the scar. The satisfaction rate was approximately 90%, with the three most rewarding results for the patients being the ease of dressing (P = 0.01), decreased weight of the arm (P = 0.03) and absence of edema (P = 0.04). There was a negative correlation between severe weight loss and degree of satisfaction, however, no patients regretted the procedure. CONCLUSION: the modified brachioplasty was successful in cases with severe brachial ptosis with possible extension to the chest. The study confirmed functional and aesthetic benefits, and thanks to the technique applied, most of the complications and disappointments could be avoided.

Histological comparison of the alar nasal cartilages in unilateral cleft lip.

UNLABELLED: Patients with unilateral cleft lip display characteristic nasal changes that are independent of the degree of deformity. Defenders of the intrinsic theory consider these deformities to be due to embryogenic alterations of the alar nasal cartilages. Those that propose the extrinsic theory defend the thesis that the deformity is due to disorganization of the perioral muscles deformed by the cleft. The purpose of this study is to contribute histological evidence to help clarify the issue. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Specimens of the lateral portion of both the healthy and the cleft side of the alar cartilages were obtained from 18 patients. These uniformly cut specimens were stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Samples from 2 patients were excluded due to imperfections. The same pathologist examined all the slides. He was unaware of the origins of the specimens; he counted the number of chondrocytes and quantified the cartilage matrixes. RESULTS: All data was analyzed statistically, and no significant statistical differences were apparent, either in the number of chondrocytes or the cartilage matrix between the healthy side and the cleft side. DISCUSSION: These results apparently support the group that defend the extrinsic theory; nevertheless, the doubt about the composition of the cartilage matrix remains, not only concerning the glycosaminoglycans that compose them, but also regarding elastin and collagen and its linkages that can cause different degrees of collagen consistency.

Surgical treatment of lymphedema of the penis and scrotum

INTRODUÇÃO: O linfedema peno-escrotal, independentemente da etiologia, é determinado pela redução do fluxo linfático com conseqüente aumento do volume do escroto e pênis. A evolução clínica da doença é caracterizada com extremo desconforto ao paciente, limitando a higiene local, a deambulação, o intercurso sexual e a micção em posição ortostática. OBJETIVO: Apresentar a experiência e resultados no tratamento da patologia com remoção dos tecidos comprometidos e correção peno-escrotal. MÉTODO: Foram tratados 17 pacientes com linfedema do escroto e pênis com a técnica de Charles modificada, que consiste na excisão da pele comprometida seguida de escrotoplastia e sutura mediana simulando a rafe escrotal. O pênis é recoberto com enxerto de pele parcial suturado em linha quebrada na face ventral. RESULTADOS: No seguimento dos pacientes, que variou entre 6 meses e 6 anos, constatou-se regressão dos sintomas e melhora das condições clínicas prévias. Um paciente submetido à linfadenectomia com radioterapia por câncer de pênis teve recidiva do linfedema escrotal. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica de Charles modificada no tratamento do linfedema peno-escrotal é facilmente reprodutível e possibilita com seus resultados melhor higiene local, melhor movimentação, micção em posição ortostática, retomada do intercurso sexual e, finalmente, melhor aparência à região comprometida com franca melhora da qualidade de vida.