A Novel Approach for Tuberous Breast Correction Using Power-Assisted Liposuction, Loops, and Lipofilling (PALLL).

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting has recently gained popularity in breast and reconstructive procedures. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to describe a tricomposite tuberous breast reconstruction that comprises matrix dissociation through extensive tunnelization, tissue recruitment with loops, and autologous fat transfer. This approach, called "matrix modeling," was implemented by the power-assisted liposuction, loops, and lipofilling (PALLL) technique as a method to expand the lower pole, reshape the breast, and increase breast volume. METHODS: Between 2014 and 2020, a total of 47 patients underwent tuberous breast correction by combined lipofilling and the use of breast loops. The patient population included patients with unilateral or bilateral tuberous breasts of any stage. Patients who were active smokers, lean, or who desired large breasts were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Of the 47 patients (mean age, 26 years), 31 had bilateral malformations. The mean recruited flap volume was 212 mL. A single session (mean transfer volume, 163 mL) was required in 34 cases (72%). A second session (mean transfer volume, 182 mL) was necessary in the remaining 28% of cases. Patients were very satisfied in 93% of cases and satisfied in 7% of cases. One infection was observed. The mean operative time was 67 minutes. Imaging performed preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively did not reveal any anomalies other than oil cysts (4%). CONCLUSIONS: Tricomposite breast reconstruction by PALLL is a novel, simple, safe, and alternative technique for tuberous breast correction by remodeling the matrix. The aesthetic outcome is natural, implant free, and long lasting.

Scarless Composite Breast Reconstruction Utilizing an Advancement Skin Flap, Loops, and Lipofilling.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting has gained popularity in breast reconstructive surgery. To further increase the breast volume and provide a reliable breast shape, a skin flap can be advanced from the upper abdomen and lateral thorax to the breast. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to propose a method of breast reconstruction utilizing the principles of power-assisted liposuction and lipofilling (PALL) for breast matrix dissociation applied through infiltration, tunnelization, extensive undermining and lipofilling, in combination with loops (PALLL) to recruit a vascularized flap to reshape the breast. METHODS: A prospective study was performed from January 2014 to January 2019. Demographic data, surgical procedure information (including volumes of the recruited advancement flap and lipofilling, and stages of lipofilling), and complication data were collected. Patient-reported outcomes, including satisfaction and well-being, were measured by a questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 37 women (41 breasts) underwent breast reconstruction by PALLL with an average follow-up of 26 months. The mean age of the patients was 54 years, and their mean BMI was 29 kg/m2. The mean recruited flap volume was 197 mL, and the mean lipofilling volumes were 153 mL for the first session, 190 mL for the second session, and 110 mL for the third session. Nine patients needed 3 sessions, 27 patients 2 sessions, and 1 patient only 1 session. Overall, 94% of patients were satisfied with their breast shape. All patients reported sensitive breasts. There were minimal complications. CONCLUSIONS: Breast reconstruction with PALLL is a minimally invasive alternative to reconstructing and reshaping sensate breasts in which a vascularized skin flap recruited by loops from breast surroundings is combined with fat grafting. This approach provides long-term shape stability with minimal scarring and low complication rates.

The Combined Effect of Intravenous and Topical Tranexamic Acid in Liposuction: A Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) use in surgical procedures due to its hemostatic effects has been gaining an increased interest. In plastic surgery, the effects of TXA have been studied intravenously (IV), and there have been some reports regarding local use. OBJECTIVES: A comparative study examining the combined effect of IV and local TXA was conducted. METHODS: A randomized double-blinded controlled trial was performed for patients undergoing breast reduction treatment with liposuction and resection following the power-assisted liposuction mammaplasty (PALM) technique. All patients received 5 mL IV of 0.5 g/5 mL TXA on induction. Before installation, one researcher prepared two solutions of 1 L normal saline: one with 5 mL of 0.5 g/5 mL TXA associated with epinephrine 1:100,000 and the other with only epinephrine 1:100,000. These were randomly infiltrated in either the left or right breast. Clinical dermal bleeding was assessed for both breasts after deepithelialization. The lipoaspirate from these breasts was then compared with each other. A postoperative evaluation at 24 hours was performed to compare the ecchymosis rate. RESULTS: Ratios of decanted volume to total lipoaspirate was measured in bottles and compared between breasts. There was a statistical difference (P = 0.0002) in the ratio of decanted to lipoaspirated volume when comparing the control group (ratio: 0.21) with the treatment group (0.13). Video analysis revealed decreased dermal bleeding in the TXA group and postoperative evaluation less ecchymosis. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of IV and local TXA can help reducing blood loss in liposuction as measured by decantation in separate drain bottles and as assessed clinically preoperatively and postoperatively.

Composite Breast Remodeling After Implant Removal by Tissue Recruitment and Loops Fixation With Power-Assisted Liposuction and Lipofilling (PALLL).

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of women wish breast implant removal whilst maintaining an acceptable projection and form were possible. OBJECTIVES: The authors propose a technique to remodel the breast after implant removal utilizing internal suture loops to project the breast, recruit abdominal and axillary tissue cranially and medially, and provide a matrix for lipofilling. METHODS: A prospective analysis was performed of consecutive patients undergoing implant extraction followed by power-assisted liposuction loops and lipofilling. Patient characteristics were measured. The aesthetic results were evaluated by 2 independent raters. Patient-reported satisfaction was measured by standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: Implants in 52 patients with an average age of 55 and body mass index of 23.7 were extracted followed by breast remodeling. A total of 73% of patients had implants for aesthetic reasons, 41% were smokers, and 43% of the reconstruction cases received radiotherapy. A total of 28% had implant extraction for rupture, 58% for capsular contracture, and 14% due to pain and migration. The average volume of the implants removed was 292 cc, followed by an average lipofilling of 223 cc, yielding a ratio of 0.76 to 1. The average tissue recruited by loops was 82.5 cc. Independent raters measured 79% of results as good, 13% as acceptable, and 8% as requiring improvement; 80% of patients were satisfied to very satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: The authors propose implant extraction followed by power-assisted liposuction loops and lipofilling can provide footprint definition, sustained projection, and high patient satisfaction. Moreover, the recruitment of a vascularized adipo-cutaneous flap by loops allows a reduced ratio of fat grafting to implant volume.

No-Scar Breast Reduction Utilizing Power-Assisted Liposuction Mammaplasty, Loops, and Lipofilling.

BACKGROUND: In continued interest to develop and refine minimally invasive procedures, recent publications reported a scarless approach in breast lifting. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to describe a power-assisted lipomodeling technique combined with surgical loops to achieve breast reduction and reshaping with minimal scars. METHODS: Between 2014 and 2018, 94 patients underwent breast reduction by combined liposuction and loops. Following infiltration of the breasts, liposuction of the outer quadrants and the lower pole was achieved to reduce the breast footprint and the lateral and inferior heaviness of the breast. After multiaxial multiplanar tunnelization, 3 types of loops were taken around the breast to suspend and elevate the breast skin envelope and parenchyma. Each loop was guided through a 3-mm, 3-hole cannula passed through skin stab incisions. The first loop was designed to reduce the breast footprint and enhance the breast projection, whereas the second loop was designed to achieve breast conus remodeling. The third loop was passed circumferentially around the areola and then cephalad along the breast axis and pulled until the desired nipple-areola complex elevation was reached. Each loop was pulled to achieve the desired breast projection and shape. RESULTS: The authors achieved breast reduction with a mean nipple elevation of 7.3 cm, and 88% of patients were satisfied with their breast shape. The total complication rate was 1%, including mild cellulitis in 1 breast, treated efficiently with oral antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed technique is a novel, simple, and safe alternative to achieve breast reduction and reshaping without a scar.

A New Suturing Method for Optimal Wound Healing: Technique and Experience.

BACKGROUND: Wound closure utilizing barbed sutures has been associated with healing problems, such as thread extrusion, infection, and the increase of an inflammatory response around the scar. OBJECTIVES: In our study, the senior author described a novel technique of skin incision and wound closure based on de-epithelization and bi-layer tension-free closure that minimizes complications. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the authors reviewed the evolution of wound healing for the novel technique developed by the senior author by analyzing clinical reports of 817 patients who underwent surgery for abdominoplasty or breast reduction utilizing power-assisted liposuction mammaplasty with the new incision and closure technique. In addition, three separate plastic surgeons reviewed the wound characteristics and overall appearance by analyzing photographs that were taken over the course of 12 months to document the healing process. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 14.1%, with 0.4% hematoma, 1.25% infection, 0.8% seroma, 1.5% necrosis, 3.75% erythema, 3.3% delayed wound healing, and 3.1% suture extrusion. The authors reported the rate of step-off border (9%), contour irregularities (6.5%), margin separation (1.25%), edge inversion (3.2%), excessive distortion (0.9%), and bad overall appearance (6.4%) of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: This new technique in wound incision and closure based on de-epithelization and bilayer tension-free closure reduces the complications associated with barbed sutures.

Corrigendum to: A New Suturing Method for Optimal Wound Healing: Technique and Experience.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/asjof/ojaa008.].

Power-Assisted Liposuction and Lipofilling: Techniques and Experience in Large-Volume Fat Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Power-assisted liposuction and lipofilling (PALL) is a simple and reproducible surgical technique for large volume fat grafting. OBJECTIVES: The authors share their 7-year experience with their large-volume fat transfer technique, PALL. METHODS: A total of 417 patients who underwent PALL-related surgeries involving the breast and buttock were evaluated in a retrospective study. Liposculpting and fat harvesting were performed with power-assisted liposuction. Fat was transferred with simultaneous power-assisted vibration and tunnelization to provoke expansion of the recipient site. Following lipofilling, additional external vibration of the recipient site was performed to enhance diffusion of the injected fat. RESULTS: Liposuction volumes up to 5000 mL were recorded, and injection volumes ranged from 300 to 900 mL per side for each session. Operating times ranged from 45 to 120 minutes. Patients were followed-up for 1 to 4 years. No major complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: PALL is an efficient, safe, and reproducible procedure with myriad applications in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.Level of Evidence: 4.

Brachioplasty by Power-Assisted Liposuction and Fat Transfer: A Novel Approach That Obviates Skin Excision.

BACKGROUND: Current brachioplasty techniques include excisional surgery alone or in combination with liposuction. These techniques are associated with poor outcomes, such as residual contour deformities and unfavorable scarring. OBJECTIVES: The authors proposed a new classification system and treatment algorithm for brachial ptosis and described their experience with power-assisted liposuction and lipofilling to treat brachial ptosis without excisional surgery. METHODS: Ninety-five patients with grades 1, 2, or 3 brachial ptosis who underwent brachioplasty were evaluated in a prospective study. Power-assisted liposuction was applied to the posterior arm and para-axillary region, and power-assisted lipofilling was applied to the so-called "bicipital triangle" of the medial arm. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 39 years, mean body mass index was 28 kg/m(2), mean lipoaspirate volume was 240 mL per arm, and mean fat-injection volume was 110 mL per side. The mean operating time was 50 minutes, and the average follow-up period was 24 months. Hematoma developed in 2 patients who underwent brachioplasty in combination with another body contouring procedure (1 abdominal hematoma and 1 thigh hematoma; 2.1% complication rate). No other complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Brachioplasty by means of power-assisted liposuction and lipofilling is a safe and reliable option that obviates excisional surgery in patients with mild to moderate brachial ptosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Therapeutic.

Power-Assisted Liposuction Mammaplasty (PALM): A New Technique for Breast Reduction.

BACKGROUND: Resection and reshaping of the parenchyma are common procedures to produce a natural breast shape in reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy. The challenges of these practices include maintaining sensitivity of the nipple-areola complex (NAC), achieving upper-pole fullness, and preserving an adequate blood supply for patients with massive breast ptosis. OBJECTIVES: The authors describe their experience with power-assisted liposuction mammaplasty (PALM), a novel technique for breast reduction. METHODS: One hundred fifty consecutive women (300 breasts) who underwent PALM were evaluated in a prospective study. Minimizing skin undermining and glandular resection ensured maximal blood supply to the breast. A lateral pedicle was created to preserve NAC sensitivity. The transposed gland was contained within a large pocket made in the upper-inner quadrant. Glandular suspension sutures from the dermis to the chest wall stabilized the breast and recreated the inframammary fold. RESULTS: The mean distance from the nipple to the sternal notch was 36 cm, the mean NAC elevation was 16 cm, the mean lipoaspirate volume per breast was 650 cc, and the mean glandular resection mass per breast was 240 g. Complications included wound infection (6 of 300 breasts, 2%), wound dehiscence (3 breasts, 1%), and seroma (9 breasts, 3%). Partial areolar necrosis occurred in 2 of 150 patients (1.3%), and 9 patients (6%) underwent revisional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: PALM is a safe and reliable option for breast reduction and is indicated for patients with massive breast ptosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic.

Power-assisted gluteal augmentation: a new technique for sculpting, harvesting, and transferring fat.

BACKGROUND: A simple and reproducible surgical technique for gluteal shaping and augmentation with autologous fat is needed. OBJECTIVES: The authors describe a novel approach to large-volume gluteal augmentation that combines power-assisted liposculpting and fat harvesting of the zones around the buttock with autologous fat transfer. METHODS: One hundred ten patients who underwent gluteal augmentation were evaluated in a prospective study. Liposculpting and fat harvesting were performed with power-assisted liposuction. Fat then was transferred to the gluteal region with simultaneous power-assisted vibration and tunnelization. A questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction was administered at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean body mass index of the patients was 30 kg/m(2) (range, 26-36 kg/m(2)). Liposuction volumes ranged from 1400 to 5000 mL, and injection volumes ranged from 300 to 900 mL per side for each session. Operating times ranged from 60 to 120 minutes. Patients were monitored for an average of 20 months (range 12-48 months). Complications included a burning sensation in 5 of 110 patients (4.5%), persistent swelling in the lower back in 3 patients (2.7%), and a mild infection in 1 patient (0.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Power-assisted gluteal augmentation with autologous fat is an efficient, safe, and reproducible procedure that produces an aesthetically pleasing gluteal projection and contour. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Therapeutic.

Immediate Large-Volume Grafting of Autologous Fat to the Breast Following Implant Removal.

BACKGROUND: To optimize autologous breast augmentation, a simple and reproducible surgical approach that maximizes the volume of fat transferred to the breast while minimizing the number of sessions and the operating time is needed. OBJECTIVES: The authors describe a novel approach for large-volume fat grafting to the expanded skin and subcutaneous tissue of the breast immediately after explantation, exchanging the volume provided by the implants with transplanted fat in a single session. METHODS: Eighty patients (160 breasts) undergoing explantation and autologous fat transfer were evaluated in a prospective study. Fat was harvested with the lipomatic power-assisted liposuction machine (Lipomatic Eva SP, Euromi SA, Verviers, Belgium) and was injected with simultaneous vibration and tunnelization of the recipient site by means of the same machine with suction disabled. Changes in breast volume were measured in terms of bra cup size, and patients were monitored by mammography and ultrasonography. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a questionnaire administered 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Injected fat volumes ranged from 300 to 600 mL per breast. Operating times ranged from 45 to 90 minutes. For all patients, one injection session was sufficient to replace the volume of the previous implant. Patients were monitored for an average of 2 years, and complications included cyst formation in 9 of 160 breasts (5.6%) and infection in 2 breasts (1.25%). CONCLUSIONS: Power-assisted transfer of autologous fat to the breast improves the ability of the recipient site to receive the graft and allows for explantation and fat transplantation in a single session. This approach is suitable for patients who desire a natural-appearing breast that is similar in volume to their previous implant.