Adipose Tissue Transfer in Dynamic Definition Liposculpture PART III. The Arms: Biceps, Triceps, and Deltoids.

Arm contouring usually represents a challenge for the surgeon due to zones with high risk of irregularities/asymmetries, the variable degree of skin laxity, and the differences between patient/gender preferences. In men, the bigger and muscular the arms the better, while women tend to prefer a slim and soft silhouette. Methods: We performed arm cadaveric dissections and also searched our records for patients who underwent fat grafting of the arm in addition to HD2, from January 2016 to May 2022 at a single center in Bogotá, Colombia. Results: Two hundred eighty-nine consecutive patients (275 men and 14 women) underwent high-definition lipoplasty/HD2 plus fat grafting of the biceps (72 muscles), the triceps (46 muscles), the deltoids (426 muscles), or a combination of them. Mean age was 39 and 36 years for men and women, respectively. Range of the fat graft volume was 30-150 ml. No major complications were reported. Follow-up period ranged from 2 to 24 months. Most patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusions: Men usually seek an overall well-toned and muscular extremity, while women tend to prefer a slim but also athletic contour. Such outcomes can be achieved through intramuscular fat grafting of the biceps, triceps, and deltoids. The proper recognition of the pedicles and a precise surgical technique will ensure both its safety and the reproducibility of the results.

Adipose Tissue Transfer in Dynamic Definition Liposculpture Part II. The Lower Limb: Gastrocnemius, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, and Rectus Femoris Muscles.

One big challenge of body contouring surgery is the liposculpture of the lower limbs, probably because of the imperative symmetry and the risk of contour irregularities. We are reporting our experience in fat grafting of the thighs and calves for men and women undergoing dynamic definition liposculpture. Methods: We did cadaveric dissections of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles and identified each of their primary pedicles. We also performed fat grafting of these muscles in the contralateral virgin cadaveric specimen. We searched our records for patients who underwent fat grafting of the lower extremity in addition to dynamic definition liposculpture, from January 2016 to May 2022 at a single center in Bogotá, Colombia. Results: Seventy-three consecutive patients met the inclusion criteria (26 men and 47 women). We grafted 102 gastrocnemius muscles, 86 vastus medialis muscles, 98 vastus lateralis muscles, and 22 rectus femoris muscles. Mean age was 34 and 41 years for men and women, respectively. Range of the fat graft volume was 50-200 mL. No complications were recorded related to fat grafting. Almost all patients were satisfied with the procedure (89%). Follow-up period ranged from 2 to 36 months. Conclusions: Fat grafting of the lower limb muscles should be considered an alternative operative technique to enhance volume and athletic appearance of this body segment. Based on cadaveric dissections and clinical evidence, our technique is considered reliable and reproducible with remarkable outcomes and a very low complication rate.

High-Definition Liposculpture 18-Year Evolution: Patient Safety and Aesthetic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: High-definition liposculpture (HDL) emerged as an innovative surgical technique that allowed plastic surgeons to achieve improved aesthetic results with a natural and athletic appearance using minimal incisions and with imperceptible scarring. Its targets are high aesthetic standards and patient safety. PURPOSE: This article summarizes the evolution of HDL by explaining upgrades to the original technique and comparing the complication rates among them. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed records from four private medical centers (Evolution Medical Center, Santa Barbara Medical Center, and Dhara Clinic in Bogota and FOSCAL in Bucaramanga, Colombia) of patients who underwent HDL performed by the senior author (A.E.H) over an 18-year period (2002 through 2019). Patients were classified into three groups: suction-assisted lipoplasty (period 1), vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance-assisted HDL (period 2), and dynamic definition liposculpture (period 3). RESULTS: The authors established a cohort of 5052 patients (4300 women and 752 men): 923 in period 1, 1272 in period 2, and 2857 in period 3. The most common complications included seroma, bruising, hematoma, acute anemia, hyperchromia, wrinkled skin, wound dehiscence, and local infections. CONCLUSIONS: HDL and dynamic-definition liposculpture procedures are safe and reproducible techniques to achieve an athletic and natural body contour. Complication rates, especially those related to bleeding, decreased as the technique evolved. These procedures are aimed toward patient safety to provide higher aesthetic outcomes using extensive medical, anatomic, artistic, and technological knowledge. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Adipose Tissue Transfer in Dynamic Definition Liposculpture-PART I. Back: Latissimus Dorsi and Trapezius Muscles.

The aesthetics for the male posterior torso remain a topic not fully studied in body contouring surgery, neither the lipoinjection of its muscles have been considered before. As a result, we carried out a retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent fat grafting of either the trapezius or the latissimus dorsi muscles as part of dynamic definition liposculpture (HD2). Methods: We performed cadaveric dissections to support the fat grafting technique for both the trapezius and the latissimus dorsi muscles. We also searched our records for patients who underwent fat grafting of these muscles in addition to HD2 from January 2016 to November 2021 at a single center in Bogotá, Colombia. Results: Thirty-five consecutive patients met the inclusion criteria. In total, 22 (63%) and 7 (20%) of 35 underwent fat grafting at the trapezius and the latissimus dorsi muscles alone, respectively, and 6 out of 35 (17%) of both. Mean age is 39 years (range = 22-63). All patients were men. No complications were recorded related to fat grafting. Almost all patients were satisfied with the procedure (97%). Follow-up period ranged from 2 to 48 months. Conclusions: Liposuction might not be enough to achieve the ideal V-shape of the men's back in some cases; hence, fat grafting of the power muscles becomes the best option. Recognition of the main neurovascular pedicle, proper preoperative markings, and a correct surgical technique ensure both the safety and the reproducibility of the technique.

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.

Decision-Making Algorithm for Advanced Excisional Body Contouring: Dynamic Definition Solutions for Skin Laxity.

BACKGROUND: Excisional body contour surgery is the cornerstone treatment for skin laxity. Decision-making can be challenging when selecting the procedure. Dynamic definition liposculpture allows the surgeon to carve the underlying anatomy and provide more natural results, in which umbilical shape and position play a crucial role. The authors describe their experience using a decision-making algorithm as a tool to ease surgical planning for advanced excisional body contouring. METHODS: Following the algorithm designed by the senior author regarding excisional body contouring procedures, the authors searched their database for patients who were classified according to skin laxity and navel location to undergo one of the following procedures: mixed technologies plus umbilical mobilization, mixed technologies plus sliding mini-abdominoplasty, mini-tummy tuck with muscular plication, full abdominoplasty, reverse bridge abdominoplasty, or reverse full abdominoplasty. RESULTS: A total of 563 women were consecutively operated on from February of 2014 to January of 2020. The six-procedure model algorithm helped the authors achieve very good results with low complication rates in patients with some grade of abdominal skin laxity. Most complications were reported as minor (9.6 percent). Major complications (3.9 percent) included three localized infections, four abnormal skin retractions, two cases of skin flap necrosis, and 13 cases of postoperative anemia. CONCLUSIONS: This algorithm helped the authors choose the best excisional technique based on patients' anatomical features by following skin geometry to enhance aesthetic outcomes. Further studies are needed to support the algorithm validation and aesthetic outcomes. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Gynecomastia Treatment through Open Resection and Pectoral High-Definition Liposculpture.

BACKGROUND: Male chest definition surgery and patients complaining of breast tissue overgrowth have been increasing in recent decades. After the authors' first report of pectoral etching in 2012, patients and surgeons became more aware about gynecomastia resection when performing pectoral enhancement. The authors present their experience with pectoral high-definition liposculpture in addition to inverted-omega incision resection for gynecomastia. METHODS: The authors reviewed their records on pectoral high-definition lipo sculpture between January of 2005 and October of 2019 in four surgical centers in Colombia. Inclusion criteria were as follows: men diagnosed with gynecomastia and body mass index less than or equal to 32 kg/m2, adequate skin elasticity, and general good health. Photographs were taken preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Follow-up ranged from 2 months to 3 years. RESULTS: Gynecomastia resection plus high-definition liposculpture was successfully performed in 436 consecutive men (open inverted-omega incision resection, n = 132; liposuction, n = 304). Ages ranged from 18 to 66 years. Fat grafting volume ranged from 50 to 300 cc in each pectoral muscle. Minor complications (3.2 percent) included prolonged swelling, bruising, asymmetries, and residual gynecomastia. Major complications (1.6 percent) included unilateral hematoma and localized infection. No necrosis, systemic infection, or muscle paralysis was reported. A nonstandardized survey showed a very high satisfaction index. CONCLUSION: Gynecomastia treatment combining high-definition liposculpture to male breast tissue resection through a new, almost invisible incision allowed us to achieve an athletic and natural appearance of the male pectoral area with a very low rate of complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Variable Sculpting in Dynamic Definition Body Contouring: Procedure Selection and Management Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Currently, corporal perception has evolved among different ethnic groups and a tendency to change from a slim to an athletic shape has been influenced by geography, culture, race, gender, and social media. Although exercise improves health status, physical appearance does as well in the long term. Patients often opt for an immediate solution for which high-definition (HD) liposculpture has been the best choice. However, they differ on their preference regarding muscular definition. OBJECTIVES: The authors presented a new therapeutic algorithm for HD liposculpture in harmony with body biotypes and patients' preferences. METHODS: The authors reported their experience with 1772 consecutive patients, classified according to their body type in endomorph (217), ectomorph (195), and mesomorph (1360), and treated according to our new algorithm. Patients in general good health requesting HD liposculpture were included from June 2013 to September 2019. Pre- and postoperative photographs were taken to evaluate results. RESULTS: A total of 479 men and 1293 women were analyzed. Age ranged from 23 to 69 years in men and 18 to 57 years in women. Variable-degree HD liposculpture was successfully performed in all cases. Minor complications included port wound dehiscence (1.2%), seroma (4.1%), prolonged bruising (1.5%), and hyperchromia (10.4%). Superficial burns (0.7%), localized infection (0.4%), erratic skin adhesion (1%), and flap necrosis (0.4%) were also reported. A high-satisfaction index was reported in a nonstandardized patient survey. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' new algorithm helps in the decision-making for HD liposculpture according to variable degrees of muscle definition due to patients' preferences.

Male Aesthetics for the Gluteal Area: Anatomy and Algorithm for Surgical Approach for Dynamic Definition Body Contouring.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal prominence is a unique characteristic that is widely acknowledged in female contouring but ignored in the male population. This study focuses on male gluteal aesthetics based on a muscular anatomical approach. METHODS: A retrospective review of gluteal contouring in men from January of 2012 to September of 2019 was conducted. Male body sculpting surgery in the gluteal area was performed in most cases. Patients were included according to preoperative assessment and the American Heart Association risk analysis. The gluteal area was divided into four main anatomical contouring zones and classified according to the procedure type. The follow-up period of 3 months to 6 years was included with photographs and medical assessment data. A nonstandardized satisfaction survey was performed postoperatively. RESULTS: The analysis included data from 374 consecutive gluteal dynamic definition liposculptures performed in men (mean age, 38.2 years; range, 20 to 66 years). Patients were treated according to the authors' new classification of deformities. Fat extraction, liposhifting, and fat grafting were performed on a regular basis to enhance and define the gluteal area. A satisfaction index of 92.5 percent was reported. Minor complications were reported: seroma, 0.2 percent; prolonged bruising, 1.3 percent; and swelling, 1.8 percent. No necrosis, burns, or infections were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Men have been increasingly requesting improvement and definition of the buttocks, and our novel algorithm allows for a reliable method in this regard. The high satisfaction index supports the natural and athletic results accomplished with our new approach.

A Report of 736 High-Definition Lipoabdominoplasties Performed in Conjunction with Circumferential VASER Liposuction.

BACKGROUND: Several innovations and modifications to the abdominal lipectomy procedure have been performed through the years. Despite recent improvements, the lack of natural results, including high scars, navel deformities, and "tense" abdomen, are still challenging. The objective of this study is to present an alternative technique of combined 360-degree truncal liposuction with abdominal definition, abdominoplasty, and neoumbilicoplasty. METHODS: From January of 2005 to June of 2017, 736 VASER-assisted lipoabdominoplasties were performed. Only healthy women with a body mass index below 33 were included. A three-step procedure was performed: (1) truncal liposculpture, (2) dermolipectomy and plication of the rectus abdominis muscle, and (3) neoumbilicoplasty through a butterfly technique. The follow-up included photographs and medical assessment with a mean of 2 years (up to 5 years). A nonstandardized survey was performed to self-evaluate the results. RESULTS: Six hundred seventy patients answered the survey (91 percent). Six hundred fifteen patients were satisfied with the procedure (91.79 percent). Minor complications were reported: seroma in 7.3 percent, prolonged bruising in 10 percent, and swelling in 18 percent. Neither flap necrosis nor infections were reported. Neoumbilicoplasty was performed in all patients. Additional procedures were required in 4.6 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-assisted lipoabdominoplasty is an alternative lipectomy technique that prevents stigmata of the procedure. The abdominal definition improves the shape and recreates the superficial anatomy. Neoumbilicoplasty shape, form, and choice of its position over the abdominal wall provide significant improvements in results. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Dynamic definition mini-lipoabdominoplasty combining multilayer liposculpture, fat grafting, and muscular plication.

BACKGROUND: There is a select group of women for whom mini-abdominoplasty techniques combined with 3-dimensional liposculpture and fat grafting can effectively correct postpartum deformities. OBJECTIVE: The authors describe a multilayer and 360-degree approach, dynamic definition mini-abdominoplasty (DDM), to create athletic definition and contour and to restore a feminine appearance postpartum. METHODS: A total of 181 consecutive women ages 20 to 56 years underwent DDM between January 2005 and May 2012. Patients who were a minimum of 6 months postpartum and in good health, with a body mass index below 30, were considered for inclusion in the study. Fat grafting was performed in select cases in the buttocks, deltoids, and/or calves. A satisfaction index (SI) was estimated based on patient survey responses. RESULTS: An overall SI of 91.5% was achieved. No major complications were reported. Twenty-nine minor complications included postoperative anemia, seroma, and infection in the surgical wound. In most patients, the postpartum abdomen was restored to an aesthetic and even athletic appearance. Athletic definition to the rectus, arms, trunk, thighs, and buttocks was also achieved. No burns or flap necrosis were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic definition mini-abdominoplasty is safe and reproducible. It serves as a viable alternative to a full abdominoplasty in selected cases and for women who wish to restore an athletic and feminine appearance after childbirth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.