Update on Oblique Flankplasty: Easily Executed, Long-Lasting, Integral Component of Total Body Lift Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Twenty years ago, coordinated aesthetic surgery for laxity and lipodystrophy after massive weight loss (MWL), so-called total body lift surgery (TBL), encompassed circumferential hip hugging transverse lower body lift (LBL) with possible buttock auto-augmentation, and a transverse bra line upper body lift (UBL) with breast reshaping. Brachioplasty and vertical thighplasty were often included. Disappointing aesthetics of the posterior torso led to innovation with J-torsoplasty and oblique flankplasty. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to demonstrate in a large clinical series and in a range of case presentations from 2 plastic surgeons that oblique flankplasty with lipoabdominoplasty (OFLA) optimally narrows the waist, suspends lateral buttocks and thighs, and integrates with J-torsoplasty and vertical thighplasty to tighten skin and aesthetically contour the torso and thighs with an acceptable rate of complications. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 151 consecutive flankplasties between June 2010 and April 2023, including sex, age, BMI, associated operations, complications, and revisions was performed. Five case presentations were accompanied by limited photographs and a marking video. RESULTS: Across a broad clinical spectrum, malleable oblique flankplasty resected bulging flanks and, facilitated by neighboring liposuction and/or J-torsoplasty, consistently pulled in lax skin and anchored through cadaver-proven dense dermal adherences lax tissues to create a long-lasting skintight shapely torso and upper thighs, with only 3.3% problematic wounds. Five diverse cases showed broad applicability. CONCLUSIONS: OFLA, often with J-torsoplasty and neighboring liposuction, aesthetically recontours torso skin laxity in a variety of presentations with a low rate of complications in a high-risk population.

Mini-invasive technique of sclerotherapy with talc in chronic seroma after abdominoplasty - a case report and literature review.

The formation of a seroma after abdominoplasty is one of the most common complications faced by plastic surgeons. A 59-year-old man underwent lipoabdominoplasty and developed a large subcutaneous seroma that persisted for 7 months. Percutaneous sclerosis with talc was performed. We present the first report of chronic seroma after lipoabdominoplasty successfully treated with talc sclerosis.

H-Wing Neoumbilicoplasty: A New Technique for Advanced Abdominoplasty and Umbilical Zones by Gender.

BACKGROUND: Multiple umbilicoplasty techniques have been described, even more after the advent of full tummy tuck procedures and the neoumbilicoplasty (X-shaped incision) described by the authors in a previous report. The authors decided to upgrade the technique (H-wing incision) because the former procedure is associated with relatively common complications. The authors report a case series of an upgraded technique for neoumbilicoplasty (H-wing technique), comparing its outcomes with their previous standard procedure (X-shaped incision). METHODS: The authors reviewed their records for neoumbilicoplasties performed between January of 2014 and December of 2019. The authors divided the procedures according to the surgical technique and performed a detailed analysis regarding timing, complications, uses, and quality standards according to patients' opinion through a nonstandardized survey. RESULTS: A total of 407 procedures were distributed between two techniques: X-shaped incision, 179 procedures; and H-wing technique, 228 procedures. The former was performed from January of 2014 to October of 2016 and the latter from September of 2016 to December of 2019. High satisfaction indexes were found for both procedures; however, fewer complications were seen in the H-wing group. The X-shaped incision is thought to generate a greater force of tension over the flaps compared to that from the H-wing technique, which consequently increased the risk of flap necrosis and flattening. CONCLUSIONS: The H-wing technique for neoumbilicoplasty decreases the risk of postoperative complications such as dehiscence, skin necrosis, and navel flattening, and maintains high aesthetic standards and satisfaction indexes among patients. The technique can be used after either lipoabdominoplasty or secondary procedures.

Parálisis aislada del nervio axilar tras liposucción, una complicación excepcional / Isolated axillary nerve palsy after liposuction, an exceptional complication

La lesión aislada del nervio axilar asociada a la posición quirúrgica del paciente es una complicación muy poco frecuente, y en la mayoría de los casos está asociada al prono durante una cirugía de columna. La presentación de esta patología en relación con cirugías de otra índole es excepcional, existiendo solo unos pocos casos en la literatura científica.Presentamos el caso de una paciente que desarrolló clínica de parálisis aislada del nervio axilar izquierdo tras someterse a una lipoabdominoplastia y reducción mamaria, en la que se alternaron la posición en prono y en supino. La utilización de una solución de infiltración con lidocaína y adrenalina pudo contribuir a la aparición de la lesión en este caso único. Finalmente, el cuadro clínico se resolvió en su totalidad gracias al tratamiento conservador (AU)

Isolated injury to the axillary nerve associated with the patient́s surgical position is a very rare complication, and in most cases it is associated with the prone during spinal surgery. The presentation of this pathology in relation to surgeries of another nature is exceptional, with only a few cases in the scientific literature.We present the case of a patient who developed symptoms of isolated left axillary nerve palsy after undergoing lipoabdominoplasty and breast reduction, in which the prone and supine positions were alternated. The use of an infiltration solution with lidocaine and epinephrine could have contributed to the appearance of the lesion in this unique case. Finally, the clinical picture was fully resolved thanks to conservative treatment (AU)

[Lipoabdominoplasty in post-bariatric Surgery: a relevant Alternative to Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty?] / Lipoabdominoplastik in der postbariatrischen Chirurgie: eine relevante Alternative zur Fleur-de-Lis-Abdominoplastik?

BACKGROUND: The number of bariatric procedures, and thus also the number of post-bariatric operations, has increased dramatically in recent years. Although long scars are common in post-bariatric surgery and accepted in favour of body shape reconstruction, we increasingly notice the wish for aesthetically pleasing results in addition to the desire for body contouring. In particular, Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty (FdL) is viewed critically by younger patients after massive weight loss due to the visible vertical scar. Surgeons are also often bothered by the unsatisfying aesthetic outcome as well as the higher rate of complications. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 20 female patients with massive weight loss following bariatric surgery, who received lipoabdominoplasty instead of Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty in the period from January 2019 to June 2020. Data analysis was based on measurements of preoperative vertical and horizontal excess skin and fat (Pittsburgh Rating Scale), Body Mass Index, surgical technique and final result. RESULTS: Twenty female patients with an indication for FdL abdominoplasty underwent radical liposuction of the abdomen combined with abdominoplasty. The original weight before massive weight reduction ranged between 100 and 168 kg. Average weight reduction was 56.5 kg. The mean BMI was 27.3 kg/m². The average age of our cohort was 40 years. One patient (5 %) had a major complication. This was an infected seroma which could be treated conservatively. Two other patients (10 %) developed an uninfected seroma as a minor complication. CONCLUSION: Our work shows that lipoabdominoplasty can be performed safely and well even in patients after massive weight loss. It is possible to achieve good body contours without vertical incisions and with a high degree of patient satisfaction. The number of patients who have to undergo FdL abdominoplasty can be successfully reduced by this technique.

TULUA Male High-Definition Abdominoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is a surgical technique for body contouring that has been shown to improve the patient's quality of life. It has become more common among male patients, so clear differences between procedures for men and women have to be stated. The authors present their experience with high-definition lipoabdominoplasty with transverse plication in men. METHODS: Records of male patients undergoing transverse plication full abdominoplasty in addition to high-definition liposculpture were analyzed. A total of 24 consecutive cases were found between January of 2017 and June of 2019. Patient ages ranged from 24 to 60 years. Patients aged 18 years or younger were excluded. Body mass index ranged from 25 to 33 kg/m2. Photographic records were taken before and during follow-up at 2 days and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Male TULUA (transverse plication, no undermining, full liposuction, neoumbilicoplasty, and low transverse abdominal scar) with high-definition lipoabdominoplasty was successfully achieved in 24 cases. No major complications were reported. Six minor complications were reported (25 percent). Rectus abdominis diastases are less common in men compared to women, as pregnancy is the most determining factor in its development. Fat distribution is also a key difference when performing lipoabdominoplasty for the male or the female patient. The authors recommend a transverse plication of the abdominal wall, instead of a vertical one, as flap viability is preserved and enhanced muscular definition can be accomplished. CONCLUSIONS: Combining transverse plication with high-definition lipoabdominoplasty (transverse plication, no undermining, full liposuction, neoumbilicoplasty, and low transverse abdominal scar plus high-definition lipoabdominoplasty) is a safe and reproducible technique for the male patient. It offers higher aesthetic results in line with modern beauty ideals. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

TULUA: Effects of Flap Undermining and Type of Wall Plicature in a Rat Model Abdominoplasty.

BACKGROUND: TULUA, a transverse plication lipoabdominoplasty, which excludes elevation of the supraumbilical flap and includes a skin graft neoumbilicoplasty, claims greater safety and better results. An animal study was designed to compare it, with two current techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three matched groups of 12 rats had combined liposuction and abdominoplasty. Liposuction was extensive and unrestricted. Groups 1 and 2 had vertical plication and transposition umbilicoplasty, and group 3 had transverse plication and neoumbilicoplasty. Flap elevation in the epigastrium was wide to costal margins in group 1, limited to a tunnel in group 2, and no dissection in group 3. The animals were observed for 21 days and then euthanized. Intraoperative, postoperative, and postmortem variables and findings were measured and analyzed to find differences between groups. RESULTS: Transverse lipoabdominoplasty demonstrated a wider wall plication area, as well as a decrease in tension to close the wound, causing the horizontal scar to remain in a low position. In vertical plication lipoabdominoplasty groups, flap necrosis and seromas were more frequent, and the umbilical position descended due to secondary healing and scar contraction. The scar's scores were better in the transverse group and were confirmed when evaluated by external observers.In postmortem examination, horizontal plication presented less widening; perforator vessels were preserved when surgical undermining of the upper abdomen was not performed, and there were fewer seromas. CONCLUSION: In a rat model, TULUA demonstrates superior results and a decrease in complications when compared to lipoabdominoplasties with vertical plication and wide or tunneled dissection in the upper abdomen. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: 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 .

TULUA Lipoabdominoplasty: Transversal Aponeurotic Plication, No Undermining, and Unrestricted Liposuction. A Multicenter Study of 845 Cases.

BACKGROUND: TULUA (transverse plication, no undermining, full liposuction, neoumbilicoplasty, and low transverse abdominal scar) is the acronym for a radically different lipoabdominoplasty, intended to add simplicity, improve vascular safety, and attain good results. Modifications are unrestricted liposuction, no flap detachment, massive transverse infraumbilical plication, umbilicus amputation, neoumbilicoplasty, diminished tension wound closure, and low transverse scar settlement. The objectives of this article are to describe the technique and analyze a multicenter experience. METHODS: Sixty-eight plastic surgeons from 10 countries provided data for a retrospective review of 845 patients. Aesthetic results were scored by each surgeon using the Salles scale and analyzed in combination with complications to identify associations between patient and surgery characteristics. RESULTS: Of the patients, 95.5 percent were female, 19.7 percent were obese, 35.6 percent had prior scars, 10.4 percent had undergone previous abdominoplasty, 6.5 percent were postbariatric, and 6.6 percent were smokers. One patient had a kidney transplant, and 16.5 percent had comorbidities. Surgery characteristics varied widely, being on average as follows: lipoaspirate, 2967 ml; resection, 1388 g; and surgical time, 3.9 hours; 46.5 percent were not hospitalized. Averaged results were 8.68 of 10 points, besides adequate positioning and proportion of scar and umbilicus, without epigastric compensatory bulging (4.97 of 6 points). Overall complications were 16.2 percent, mostly seroma (8.8 percent); vascular-related complications (i.e., necrosis, wound dehiscence, and infection) constituted 2.7 percent. There were no fatalities. The logistic regression model demonstrated that smoking and obesity duplicate the risk of complications; if age older than 60 years is added, the risk of complication increases seven to nine times. Reported indications were multiple; however, pathologic diastasis was excluded. CONCLUSION: TULUA lipoabdominoplasty is a new reproducible procedure with good quantified results and an acceptable complication rate. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Influences of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy on Edema and Postoperative Patient's Satisfaction After Lipoabdominoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Lipoabdominoplasty (LABP) is a frequently performed surgical procedure in the field of plastic surgery that often requires physical therapy in order to minimize postoperative complications, augment the postoperative outcomes, and enhance recovery. Intermittent pneumatic compression therapy (IPCT) is a physical therapy modality that may be used in the management of LABP population. This study aimed to assess the influences of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy on the resolution of edema and improvement in postoperative patient satisfaction following LABP. METHODS: Forty-three females, aged 35-55 years, who underwent LABP, were involved in this prospective randomized study. They were divided into two groups: group A wherein 22 patients wore a compression garment (CG) for 24 h, through 4 weeks; group B wherein 21 patients wore CG besides the application of IPCT for 45 min, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks. The abdominal circumferences were measured at three positions: 3 cm above the umbilicus, at the umbilicus, and 3 cm below the umbilicus. Additionally, patient satisfaction rate was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS; in mm). All patients were assessed three times (Initial Assessment, During Assessment, and Final Assessment). RESULTS: With reference to the abdominal circumferences at three levels and VAS satisfactory scores, there were statistically significant differences between both groups in Final Assessment (p < .04) in favor of group B. CONCLUSION: Application of IPCT while wearing CG was superior as compared to CG alone in reducing the abdominal edema and improving postoperative patient satisfaction following LABP. 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 .

Safety of a Modified Lipoabdominoplasty Technique for Donor-Site Closure in Abdominal-Based Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The aesthetic and functional outcomes of the donor site following abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction have been suboptimal. The objective of this study is to evaluate a modified liposuction-assisted abdominoplasty technique combined with rectus plication (LPARSP) adopted from cosmetic abdominoplasty practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All abdominal-based free flap breast reconstructions from 01/2017 to 03/2019 were reviewed. Patients with central fullness and sufficient tissue surplus on the abdomen, thighs and flanks who received LPARSP and rectus plication were identified (LPARSP group) and matched for age and body mass index with patients who underwent conventional abdominoplasty (CA group). Abdominal skin sensation, objective functional and aesthetic measures of the abdomen, as well as patient-reported outcomes (Breast-Q), were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were included. Groups were similar in demographics. The mean amount of lipoaspirate in the LPARSP group was 1054±613.5 ml. The postoperative course was similar in both groups. The LPARSP technique resulted in a lower positioned horizontal scar (p = 0.03). The aesthetic outcome was superior in the LPARSP group (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the LPARSP group presented with a decreased bulging rate (p = 0.05), and secondary refinement procedures were less frequently demanded (p = 0.02). In addition, the abdominal wall sensation of the flanks was improved in the LPARSP group (p = 0.05), whereby patient-reported outcome measures did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lipoabdominoplasty with rectus plication represents a safe approach for donor-site closure in selected patients undergoing abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction. Superior functional and aesthetic results paired with improved abdominal wall sensation are achieved compared to CA. 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 .

Evaluation of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in lipoabdominoplasty surgical procedure: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a well-known regional nerve block, used for the pain control in various surgeries. There are only few studies in the literature, which have evaluated analgesic efficacy of TAP block in Abdominoplasty; A surgery in which post-operative pain is of major concern for both patient and operating surgeon. OBJECTIVES: We conducted randomized control trial, to assess the efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block in Abdominoplasty patients for controlling post-operative pain. METHODS: Sixty patients planned for lipoabdominoplasty were randomly assigned to two groups A and B, with thirty Patients in each group. The ultrasound guided TAP block was administered in group A patients whereas no block was administered to group B. The patients in two groups were compared for demographic characteristics, pain intensity on mobilization, opioid consumption, time to first rescue analgesic dosage and nausea- vomiting incidences. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. The Group A Patients required significantly smaller mean dose of opioids and had significantly longer mean time of first request for analgesic medication. The Median VAS score on mobilization in Group A was significantly lower than Group B. Only few patients in group A experienced nausea-vomiting compared to group B. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound guided TAP block provides effective analgesia after Lipoabdominoplasty, which allows more convenient early post-operative mobilization and decreases opioid requirement as well as its related side-effects. Hence we suggest that ultrasound guided TAP block should be considered in most lipoabdominoplasty cases for better patient experience.

TULUA Lipoabdominoplasty: No Supraumbilical Elevation Combined With Transverse Infraumbilical Plication, Video Description, and Experience With 164 Patients.

BACKGROUND: TULUA (transverse plication, undermining halted at umbilicus, liposuction [without restrictions], umbilicoplasty with a skin graft, and abdominoplasty with low transverse scar localization) is a fundamentally different lipoabdominoplasty technique intended to reduce the risk of vascular compromise, correct wall laxity through a unique plication, allow freedom in choosing the umbilical position, reduce tension on closure, and keep the final scar low. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this article were to describe the TULUA technique and its variations, delineate the indications and contraindications, show the expected results, and determine its safety profile. METHODS: A series of 164 patients is presented. The technique's basic tenets were (1) infraumbilical wide transverse plication; (2) no undermining above the umbilicus; (3) unrestricted liposuction, including the supraumbilical tissues; (4) umbilical amputation and neoumbilicoplasty in the ideal position with a skin graft; and (5) low transverse scar placement. Complications were recorded and tabulated. Results were evaluated utilizing Salles' and the author's graded scales. RESULTS: Scores averaged 9.4 out of 10 on the Salles' scale and 5.6 out of 6 on the author's scale, demonstrating adequate correction of the abdominal contour and the wall and skin laxity, with properly placed scars and umbilici, and without compensatory epigastric bulging. Overall, 20% of the patients experienced a complication: 9.7% experienced a delay in either the healing or graft take of the umbilicus, 0.6% developed skin necrosis, 0.6% experienced a wound dehiscence, 2.4% had an infection, and 4.9% developed a seroma. CONCLUSIONS: The TULUA lipoabdominoplasty technique was found to improve abdominal wall laxity and aesthetics to a degree that is similar to traditional abdominoplasty, based on the evaluated parameters. The complications associated with the procedure are within the range of other abdominoplasty techniques, and the technique potentially has a reasonable safety profile with less risk of vascular compromise.

Embarazo posterior a lipoabdominoplastia de plicatura transversa, sin disección supraumbilical, liposucción irrestricta, neoumbilicoplastia y colocación baja de la cicatriz (TULUA): reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Pregnancy after transverse plication lipoabdominoplasty, undermining halted at umbilicus, liposuction without restrictions, umbilicoplasty with a skin graft, and low transverse scar localization (TULUA). Literature review and case report

RESUMEN Objetivo: Reportar el caso de una gestante con antecedente de abdominoplastia con plicatura transversa (transverse plication lipoabdominoplasty, undermining halted at umbilicus, liposuction without restrictions, umbilicoplasty with a skin graft, and low transverse scar localization - TULUA) y revisar la literatura disponible en torno al efecto queproduce la abdominoplastia sobre el embarazo y el impacto de la gestación sobre el resultado estético en una paciente con esta intervención. Materiales y métodos: Se reporta el caso de una mujer de 23 años, en estado de gestación, con antecedente de abdominoplastia ocho meses antes de su embarazo. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en Medline vía PubMed, Cochrane library, SciELO, LILACS, BVS y Google Scholar, sin restricción por tipo de idioma o fecha de publicación. Se incluyeron estudios de cualquier diseño, incluyendo reporte de casos. Se excluyeron capítulos de libro y guías de práctica clínica. Resultados: La búsqueda identificó 1.158 estudios, de los cuales 13 cumplieron los criterios de inclusióny de exclusión, estos fueron series o reportes de caso, para un total de 111 pacientes. No se encontraron reportes de TULUA antes de embarazo. El rango de edad al momento del parto fue de 19 a 37 años y todos los neonatos fueron a término con peso adecuado para la edad gestacional. Once estudios describieron la vía de parto, siete por cesárea y cuatro por vía vaginal; dos estudios reportaron el desarrollo de prolapso cervical uterino, uno de ellos a las 15 semanas de gestación y otro al momento del trabajo de parto; tres pacientes experimentaron deficiente bloqueo nervioso en la pared abdominal durante la cesárea. En lo que respecta a los resultados estéticos después del parto, la literatura es limitada a la hora de describir una posible recidiva de laxitud cutánea o diástasis. No obstante, dos reportes de caso señalaron un resultado estético satisfactorio. Conclusión: la literatura sobre embarazo posterior a una abdominoplastia es escasa y se limita a reportes de caso. La abdominoplastia podría incrementar la frecuencia de prolapso cervical y de cesárea, sin que se conozca con precisión el impacto de la intervención sobre los resultados perinatales. La reparación de la pared abdominal aparentemente se mantiene. Se requieren más estudios que aborden el resultado perinatal en mujeres con abdominoplastia y el impacto de la gestación sobre los resultados de la intervención.

ABSTRACT Objective: To report the case of a pregnant woman with a history of transverse plication abdominoplasty (TULUA) and to conduct a review of the available literature on the impact of this intervention on the course of gestation and vice versa. Materials and methods: Case report of a 23-year-old pregnant woman with a history of TULUA abdominoplasty performed eight months before pregnancy. A literature search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane Library, SciELO, LILACS, BVS and Google Scholar, with no restriction by language or date of publication. Studies of any design were included, including case reports. Book chapters and clinical practice guidelines were excluded. Results: Overall, 1,158 studies were identified, of which 13 case reports or case series met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, for a total of 111 patients. No reports of TULUA before pregnancy were found. Age at the time of delivery ranged between 19 and 37 years and all births were at term, with newborns of adequate birth weight. Eleven studies described the route of delivery, including 7 cases of cesarean section and 4 vaginal deliveries. Two studies described the development of cervical prolapse, one at 15 weeks of gestation and the second at the time of labor. Three patients experienced impaired abdominal wall nerve block during the cesarean section. Regarding cosmetic results after delivery, there is a paucity of data about potential relapse in the form of skin laxity or diastasis. However, satisfactory cosmetic results were reported in two cases. Conclusion: There is a paucity of literature on the topic of pregnancy following abdominoplasty, and it is limited to case reports. The literature suggests that abdominoplasty could increase the frequency of cervical prolapse and cesarean section, although the impact on perinatal outcome is not clear. It appears that abdominal wall repair is maintained. Additional studies focusing on perinatal outcomes in women with abdominoplasty and the impact of gestation on the results of the intervention are required.