A New Surgical Technique for Female-to-Male Top Surgery: The Posterioinferior Pedicle (PIPe) Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Most of the time, female-to-male (FtoM) chest surgery involves mastectomy techniques and free transplantation of the nipple-areola complex. With the increasing prevalence of gender dysphoria and the demand for female-to-male gender reassignment surgery, the need for FtM top surgery is also rising. To meet this demand, we present a new approach: the PIPe technique, based on a fasciocutaneous flap with a posteroinferior pedicle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with FtoM gender dysphoria undergoing surgery using the posteroinferior pedicle flap technique in the Plastic Surgery Department at Rennes University Hospital Center were included. The procedure involved extensive liposuction of the lower internal and external mammary quadrants, followed by liposuction of deep tissues in the upper quadrants, except in the pedicle area. After removing skin from the lower quadrants down to the dermis and de-epithelializing the posteroinferior pedicle flap, the thoracic flap was lowered and the areola transposed. RESULTS: From July 2022 to March 2023, fifteen patients underwent surgery, and their results were collected prospectively. The average age was 25 years, the mean weight was 76.6 kg, and the average BMI was 28.1 kg/m2. The average operating time was 102 min, and the mean weight excised was 459.5 g. The average length of hospital stay was 3.3 days, and the drainage duration was 2.4 days. No major complications were reported, and there were no cases of reintervention or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Our study presents a novel surgical approach utilizing the posteroinferior pedicle technique. Its key benefit lies in the preservation of neurovascular function, which makes it an attractive option for patients seeking to retain nipple sensitivity. This procedure is reliable, reproducible, and recommended as a first-line treatment for grade II and III gynecomastia due to its low rate of major complications and favorable functional and aesthetic outcomes. 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 .

Superior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction of deep sternal wound infection.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of deep wound sternal infection requires loco-regional pedicled flaps, usually with muscular flaps. Perforator propeller flaps represent the ultimate progress in the history of reconstructive surgery. We report here our experience with the superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flaps to repair sternal defect. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients presenting deep sternal wounds infection were treated with SEAP propeller flap, between March 2015 and June 2017. The mean age was 71.5 (range 53-83) years. The mean length and width of the defect were 16.2 × 7 cm (ranging 8-20 × 4-10). An elliptical skin flap pedicled on the SEAP was harvested in the inframammary fold and rotated up to 90° to cover the defect. RESULTS: All SEAP flaps achieved a successful entire coverage of the defect. The mean size of the skin paddle of the flap was 20.2 × 7.3 cm (ranging 14-27 × 6-9). All flaps were able to provide a complete sternal wound cover. Venous congestion was present in five cases and adequately treated by leech therapy; necrosis was distal in one case, and interesting the entire superficial flap in two cases but with deep tissues remaining viable and able to cover the mediastinum: an infected flap required revision. Satisfyingly, at 2-years postoperative follow-up all-patients were alive with a successful mediastinal cover. CONCLUSIONS: The SEAP Perforator propeller flap is an alternative to muscle flaps to achieve treatment of deep and large sternal wound infection.

Impact of Lipo-Body Lift Compared to Classical Lower Body Lift on Postoperative Outcome and Patient's Satisfaction: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Lately, the growing number of bariatric procedures performed each year led to an increasing demand for lower trunk reconstruction. Our team previously described the lipo-body lift (LBL) technique into lower duration of drainage and therefore seromas and other complications. In this study, we compared the classical body lift (CBL) technique to the LBL procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent a LBL or CBL after massive weight loss between November 2012 and October 2017 were included. Surgery outcome parameters were collected as well as patient satisfaction through a satisfaction score realized at least after 1 year postoperative. Comparisons between CBL and LBL were conducted to assess the surgery's safety and the patient's satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were included, 61 patients who had a LBL were compared to 69 patients who had a CBL. The mean patient age was 39.64 ± 9.97 (21-66) years old, the mean body mass index before plastic surgery was 26.83 ± 3.08 kg/m2 (19.83-32.69), and the average weight loss was 53.40 ± 17.37 kg. The two groups had comparable preoperative data. Duration of drainage and hospital stay was significantly lower in the LBL group than in the CBL (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Surgical outcomes were comparable between groups as well as patient satisfaction scores. CONCLUSION: Lipo-body lift allows early discharge of the patient by reducing the duration of drainage without increasing the risk for complications. In our opinion, this technique should be used for type 1 and 2 patients with no contraindication for abdominal liposuction. 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.

The Use of Pedicled Perforator Flaps in Chest Reconstruction: A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Reliability.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, pedicled perforator flaps have revolutionized plastic surgery by reducing donor site morbidity and ensuring larger and deeper reconstructions with local pedicled cutaneous flaps. The aim of the study was to make a systematic review of perforator pedicled propeller flaps (PPPFs) in chest reconstruction. METHODS: Pubmed and Cochrane databases were searched from 1989 to October 2016 for articles describing the use of PPPFs in chest reconstruction. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta analyses statement was used in the selection process. The review was registered on international prospective register of systematic reviews. Furthermore, operative technique, indications and complications were searched. RESULTS: Twenty-four articles were selected (174 patients and 182 flaps). Oncological surgery was the first etiology (34.5%), followed by infections (11.5%), chest keloid scars (6.23%), malformations (4.6%), burns (3.4%), chronic ulcers (2.3%), Verneuil disease (1.8%), and acute wounds (1.8%). The arc of rotation was between 90° and 120° in 24.2%. The mean surface of flaps was 127.45 ± 123.11 cm. Dissection was subfascial in 78.5% of the cases. Complications were found in 9.9% of patients and included mainly wound dehiscence (4.4%) and hematoma/seroma (2.2%). One case of total necrosis (0.5%) and 2 cases of partial necrosis (1.1%) were found. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of numerous pedicles makes it possible for PPPFs to offset most areas of wall chest defects. Furthermore, this surgical technique is reliable and reproducible, with lower donor site morbidity than that in the case of muscular flaps, which are classically used in this location.

Postero-Inferior Pedicle Surgical Technique for the Treatment of Grade III Gynecomastia.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of Grade III gynecomastia generally utilizes mastectomy techniques and free transplantation of the nipple-areola complex. Moreover, with rising obesity rates and the development of bariatric surgery, an increasing demand for correctional surgery for pseudogynecomastia has been observed, which is comparable to Grade III gynecomastia in terms of its surgical management. Here, we describe an innovative technique to deal with these new demands: fascio-cutaneous flap by postero-inferior pedicle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients in the Department of Plastic Surgery from our University Hospital suffering from Grade III gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia underwent surgery via the postero-inferior pedicle flap technique. Briefly, we performed extensive liposuction of the infero-internal and infero-external mammary quadrants followed by liposuction of the deep tissues of the superior quadrants, except in the area of the pedicle. After removing the skin just above the dermis of the inferior quadrants and performing de-epithelialization of the postero-inferior pedicle flap, the thoracic flap was lowered and the areola transposed. RESULTS: Nine patients underwent surgery between March 2015 and March 2016, and their results were collected prospectively. The mean patient age was 46.6 years, the mean weight was 94.2 kg, and the mean body mass index was 30.8 kg/m2. In addition, the mean operative time was 132 min, the mean liposuction volume was 633 mL, the excised weight was 586 g, and the mean hospitalization and drainage durations were 3.8 days. No major complications occurred, no re-intervention was required, and no recurrence was found. CONCLUSIONS: We report a new operative technique using a postero-inferior pedicle. Its main advantage is preservation of neurovascular function, which makes this a promising technique for patients who wish to maintain nipple sensitivity. This surgery is reliable and reproducible. We recommend it as the first line treatment for Grade III gynecomastia because of its low rate of major complications and favorable functional and esthetic results. 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 .

Circumferential Contouring of the Lower Trunk: Indications, Operative Techniques, and Outcomes-A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Increasing obesity prevalence and development of bariatric surgery have led to the development of skin re-draping techniques. Several contouring techniques have been described for treating the circumferential excess of the lower trunk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review to summarize surgical indications, operative techniques, peri-operative management (nutritional supplementation, antibiotic prophylaxis, thrombo-prophylaxis), outcomes, complications, patient satisfaction, and impact on quality of life of circumferential contouring of the lower trunk procedures. A systematic review, based on the PRISMA criteria, was conducted using the Pubmed and Cochrane databases. RESULTS: The review included 42 articles and 1748 operated patients. Two studies only were graded as level of evidence II; the others were graded as levels III to V. The most frequently reported indication was massive weight loss. All the described techniques derived either from belt lipectomy or lower bodylift. Belt lipectomy resulted in a posterior scar situated at the waistline and allowed a better correction of hip back rolls, whereas lower bodylift was more effective on buttock and lateral thigh ptosis. The most reported complication was wound dehiscence. Patient satisfaction and quality of life scores were high in all studies. CONCLUSIONS: This review included a majority of low-level evidence studies that limit extrapolability of the results. Future randomized prospective studies may generate stronger evidence, with a standardization of surgical indications and operative techniques. 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 .

Are There Factors Predictive of Postoperative Complications in Circumferential Contouring of the Lower Trunk? A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The massive weight loss patient may require a circumferential contouring of the lower trunk. OBJECTIVES: To summarize the complication rates and explore the possibility of predictive risk factors for complications. METHODS: We performed a systematic review using the PubMed and Cochrane databases to identify published articles on the topic. Random effects meta-analyses and meta-regression were conducted to synthesize the data gathered. RESULTS: The analysis included 28 studies and 1380 patients. All but one were retrospective cohorts or case studies. Circumferential contouring of the lower trunk resulted in 37% [95%-CI 30%; 44%] overall complications; 17% [95%-CI 12%; 24%] wound dehiscences; 4% [95%-CI 3%; 5%] skin necrosis; 5% [95%-CI 3%; 9%] infections; 3% [95%-CI 2%; 4%] hematomas; 13% [95%-CI 9%; 18%] seromas; 12% [95%-CI 7%; 21%] scar irregularities; 3% [95%-CI 2%; 5%] thromboembolism; and 5% [95%-CI 3%; 8%] revisions for complications. Lower body lift-related techniques were associated with a higher rate of overall complications than belt lipectomy-related techniques (P = .002). No difference in complication rate was shown when performing a gluteal augmentation with flap. Due to insufficient data reported in the studies, risk factors for postoperative complications could not be assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The whole literature provides very low reliable information. Confusion factors could not be ruled out to explain the increased complications rate for the lower body lift compared to the belt lipectomy. This finding needs to be confirmed in randomized trials. Collaborative efforts must be made to improve the evidence level of our practices and to serve patients in an optimal way. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Therapeutic.

Liposuction Preserves the Morphological Integrity of the Microvascular Network: Flow Cytometry and Confocal Microscopy Evidence in a Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction is a very popular technique in plastic surgery that allows for the taking adipose tissue (AT) on large surfaces with little risk of morbidity. Although liposuction was previously shown to preserve large perforator vessels, little is known about the effects of liposuction on the microvasculature network. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of liposuction on the preservation of microvessels at tissue and cellular levels by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy following abdominoplasty procedure. METHODS: Percentage of endothelial cells in AT from liposuction and en bloc AT was determined by multicolor flow cytometry. Moreover, vessel density and adipocyte content were analyzed in situ in 3 different types of AT (en bloc, from liposuction, and residual AT after liposuction) by confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Flow cytometric analysis showed that en bloc AT contained 30.6% ± 12.9% and AT from liposuction 21.6% ± 9.9% of endothelial cells (CD31(pos)/CD45(neg)/CD235a(neg)/CD11b(neg)) (P = .009). Moreover, analysis of paired AT from the same patients (n = 5) confirmed a lower percentage of endothelial cells in AT from liposuction compared to en bloc AT (17.7% ± 4.5% vs 21.9% ± 3.3%, P = .031). Likewise, confocal microscopy showed that en bloc AT contained 8.2% ± 6.3%, AT from liposuction only 1.6% ± 1.0% (P < .0001), and AT after liposuction 8.9% ± 4.1% (P = .111) of CD31(pos) vessels. Conversely, adipocyte content was 39.5% ± 14.5% in the en bloc AT, 45% ± 18.4% in AT from liposuction (P = .390), and 18.8 ± 14.8% in AT after liposuction (P = .011). CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we demonstrate that liposuction preserves the microvascular network. Indeed, a low percentage of endothelial cells was found in AT from liposuction and we confirm the persistence of microvessels in the tissue after liposuction.

Ischial pressure ulcers: long-term outcome of 2 surgical techniques.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to analyze which of these 2 techniques (biceps femoris myocutaneous flap vs gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap) gave the best result for ischial pressure ulcers treatment. METHODS: A retrospective comparative analysis of medical records for stage III and IV pressure ulcers was conducted between the 2 groups by Fisher exact test for categorical variables (significance level P <0.05) followed by a survival analysis by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were treated with biceps femoris flap against 8 patients with gluteus maximus flap, primary healing was obtained without complications in 32% of cases in biceps femoris group versus 62.5% in gluteus maximus group. No surgical techniques were statistically correlated with a lower recurrence (32% vs 0%, P = 0.152). CONCLUSIONS: We had no significant difference in recurrence rate between the 2 flaps. However, we had less morbidity in gluteus maximus flap group; indeed, we had zero rate of reoperation and a zero rate of recurrence. For that reason, we think that gluteus maximus flap seems to be the best technical coverage of ischial pressure ulcers.

Medial thighplasty after massive weight loss: are there any risk factors for postoperative complications?

BACKGROUND: With the increasing incidence of obesity in Western societies, an increasing number of patients undergo bariatric surgery that leads to functional and aesthetic sequelae related to a rapid and massive weight loss, namely, skin and fat excess. The goal of surgical management after massive weight loss is to optimize the functional results obtained from bariatric surgery or diet by removal of the redundant skin folds. The authors report their experience with medial thighplasty after massive weight loss and identify factors predictive of postoperative complications. METHODS: This retrospective study investigated 53 patients who underwent surgery for medial thighplasty after massive weight loss. Data were collected through chart review and submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The average weight loss before thighplasty was 43.5 ± 14.9 kg, and 39.6 % of the patients experienced at least one complication. The complications were seroma (9.4 %), wound dehiscence (20.8 %), scar migration (17 %), wound infection (5.7 %), and partial skin necrosis (1.9 %). The body mass index (BMI) before massive weight loss and the BMI before medial thighplasty were found to be risk factors for the development of a postoperative complication. CONCLUSION: Few guidelines exist for the optimization of care and safety in this complex patient population. The information from this retrospective study complements the current data from the literature and can help surgeons select patients eligible for medial thighplasty. This report shows that the BMI before medial thighplasty should be taken into consideration for patients willing to undergo a body-contouring procedure. 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 .

The Naso-Orbito-Frontal (NOF) Complex In Facial Feminization Surgery.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing demand for facial feminization surgery, there is a growing need for reliable and reproducible techniques to enhance outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single-stage Naso-Orbito-Frontal (NOF) complex reshaping in facial feminization surgery. Effectiveness was gauged by CT scan assessments and an unvalidated patient satisfaction survey at 6 months post-operative. METHODS: The study included 155 transfeminine patients undergoing surgery of the upper third of the face. Outcomes were compared in patients receiving either Orbito-Frontal (OF) surgery or combined Naso-Orbito-Frontal (NOF) surgery. A comparative analysis of pre- and postoperative standardized CT scan sections was performed, focusing on multiple anatomic angles in two dimensions. A self-administered satisfaction questionnaire based on six FACE-Q items was completed at 6 months. RESULTS: Among the 155 patients, 65 underwent OF surgery, and 90 underwent NOF surgery. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 36 months, with an average of 18 months. Significant changes in craniometric measurements were observed: in the OF group, average changes in nasofrontal, frontal tilt, and metopion angles were +12.3±0.2°, -8.5±2.2°, and +20.0±0.1° respectively (p<0.001); in the NOF group, same metrics were +28.5±0.3°, -9.3±2.4°, and +23.9±0.1° (p<0.001). The NOF group demonstrated higher overall satisfaction (Median: 4/5) compared to the OF group (Median: 3/5). No early complications were reported. CONCLUSION: The NOF complex surgery is an effective approach in gender-affirming surgery of the upper third of the face, yielding predictable results and higher patient satisfaction.Level of Evidence 3.

Superior pedicle reduction mammoplasty: A multivariable analysis of 1306 patients. Risk factors for complications and development of a predictive score.

INTRODUCTION: Breast reduction surgery for hypertrophy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in plastic surgery. This surgery exposes patients to complications well documented in the literature. The objective of this study is therefore to identify the risk factors in order to establish an estimate of the risk of developing complications. We propose the first predictive score of postoperative complications including continuous preoperative variables like Body Mass Index (BMI) and Supra Sternal Notch - Nipple Distance (SSN:N). RESULTS: 1306 patients were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression showed three independent risk factors : active smoking (OR 6.10 [4.23; 8.78] p < 0.0001), BMI (OR 1.16 [1.11; 1.22] p < 0.0001), SSN:N (OR 1.14 [1.08; 1.21] p < 0.0001). The Rennes Plastic Surgery Score estimating occurrence of postoperative complications was determined, integrating regression coefficient of each risk factor. CONCLUSION: Active smoking, BMI and SSN:N distance are independent preoperative risk factors for the occurrence of breast reduction complications. The Rennes Plastic Surgery Score including the continuous values of BMI and SSN:N allows us to provide to our patients a reliable estimate of the risk of occurrence of these complications. EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE LEVEL II: Lesser-quality prospective cohort or comparative study; retrospective cohort or comparative study; or untreated controls from a randomized controlled trial.

Abdominoplasty and lower body lift surgery improves the quality of life after massive weight loss: a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the impact of abdominoplasty and lower body lift surgery following massive weight loss on both the general quality of life and the sexual life of patients. METHODS: We performed a multicenter prospective study on the quality of life after massive weight loss using three scoring questionnaires: The Short Form 36 questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire, and the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire. Seventy-two patients who underwent lower body lift and 57 patients who underwent abdominoplasty in three centers with pre and post-operative evaluation were included. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 43.2 ± 13.2 years. All categories of the SF36 questionnaire were statistically significant at 6 months, and all categories except health change were significantly improved at 12 months post-operative. Overall, the Moorehead-Ardelt questionnaire showed a higher quality of life in general (1.78 ± 0.92 and 1.64 ± 1.03, at 6 and 12 months respectively) and in all domains (self-esteem, physical activity, social relationships, work performance, and sexual activity). Interestingly, global sexual activity improved at 6 months but not at 12 months. Some domains of sexual life improved at 6 months (desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction), but only the desire stayed improved at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Abdominoplasty and lower body lift improve the quality of life of patients after massive weight loss as well as the sexual quality of life. This should be an additional valid reason for promoting reconstructive surgery for massive weight loss patients.

Gluteal Propeller Perforator Flaps: A Paradigm Shift in Abdominoperineal Amputation Reconstruction.

Abdominoperineal amputation (AAP) is a gold standard procedure treating advanced abdominal and pelvic cancers. The defect resulting from this extensive surgery must be reconstructed to avoid complications, such as infection, dehiscence, delayed healing, or even death. Several approaches can be chosen depending on the patient. Muscle-based reconstructions are a reliable solution but are responsible for additional morbidity for these fragile patients. We present and discuss our experience in AAP reconstruction using gluteal-artery-based propeller perforator flaps (G-PPF) in a case series. Between January 2017 and March 2021, 20 patients received G-PPF reconstruction in two centers. Either superior gluteal artery (SGAP)- or inferior artery (IGAP)-based perforator flaps were performed depending on the best configuration. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected. A total of 23 G-PPF were performed-12 SGAP and 11 IGAP flaps. Final defect coverage was achieved in 100% of cases. Eleven patients experienced at least one complication (55%), amongst whom six patients (30%) had delayed healing, and three patients (15%) had at least one flap complication. One patient underwent a new surgery at 4 months for a perineal abscess under the flap, and three patients died from disease recurrence. Gluteal-artery-based propeller perforator flaps are an effective and modern surgical procedure for AAP reconstruction. Their mechanic properties, in addition to their low morbidity, make them an optimal technique for this purpose; however, technical skills are needed, and closer surveillance with patient compliance is critical to ensure success. G-PPF should be widely used in specialized centers and considered a modern alternative to muscle-based reconstructions.

Axillary Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Comparison between Two Perforator Flap Reconstructive Approaches after Radical Surgical Management.

Background: Axillary hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can result in significant functional impairment in both personal and professional lives. Stage 3 HS requires radical surgical treatment. Flap reconstruction allows for faster healing and better functional and aesthetic outcomes. We compared the results of thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) and propeller inner arm artery perforator (IAAP) flap reconstructions after radical surgical treatment of axillary HS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study that included 13 consecutive patients who underwent stage 3 axillary HS treatment between August 2015 and January 2023. Seven patients underwent reconstruction by islanded TDAP flaps, whereas six patients underwent reconstruction by propeller IAAP flaps, with one patient undergoing bilateral reconstruction. The data collected from the patient records included age, gender, smoking status, body mass index, comorbidities, operative time, defect size, flap size, hospital stay, and complications. Results: Although not statistically significant (P = 0.1923), a higher rate of flap complications is reported here with propeller IAAP flaps (42.86 %), whereas islanded TDAP flaps had no flap complications (0%). We found a statistically significant difference in operative time (P = 0.0006), defect size (P = 0.0064), and flap size (P = 0.0012) between the two groups. All patients exhibited satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes. Fourteen flaps were performed in total; only one case exhibited recurrence (7.14%). Conclusion: After radical surgical management, both islanded TDAP and propeller IAAP flap reconstructions offer excellent outcomes for stage 3 axillary HS. We strongly encourage our peers to consider performing perforator flaps over secondary healing for these patients with a major functional impairment.