Background: After massive weight loss, the severe gynoid body contour deformities are not always faceable with optimal results. The thigh is one of the most demanding area to address; therefore, the approach should be virtually individualized. The authors describe the helix thigh lift: A novel technique that combines vertical with horizontal axis of pull. The goal of this ultimate customization is to dramatically impact physical functioning and esthetics of this patient population. Methods: Thigh lift patients from 2016 to 2019 were assessed retrospectively; fourteen patients were selected for helix thigh lift procedure. Preoperative markings, surgical technique and outcomes were described. The mean follow-up time was 14.8 ± 3.2 months. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate the results. Results: Fourteen female patients (mean age, 42 ± 4.8 years) underwent helix thigh lift after massive weight loss. The overall complication rate was 36 percent. They were all minor complications and were treated in an outpatient setting. Seroma formation was the most frequent, at 29 percent. No skin necrosis was reported. Complication development was straight related to the age of the patient (p = 0.0455). The patients were very satisfied with the overall outcome. Conclusions: Helix thigh lift effectively addresses the severe gynoid body contour deformities. The high satisfaction and the reasonable complication rate suggest that this is a safe and effective technique. The age of the patient was significantly associated to complication development. A dramatic improvement of ease in performing activities of daily living along with reduction of the skin problems leads to significant improvement of the quality of life.
Oblique thighplasty in patients after massive weight loss Oblique thighplasty in patients after massive weight loss Coxoplastia oblíqua nos pacientes após grandes perdas ponderais ABSTRACT Background: Trophic skin alterations that occur during aging are observed more often in the thighs and arms than in other body regions. Patients experiencing substantial weight loss after bariatric surgery exhibit more evident problems, including unsightly appearance, discomfort, difficulty walking, and hygiene problems. The present surgical approach aims to reverse these effects by means of resection of the cutaneous excess. Methods: Thirty patients who previously underwent bariatric surgery and experienced substantial weight loss were selected. All patients also underwent abdominoplasty with or without brachioplasty simultaneously or at different times. The cutaneous resection was oriented along an oblique and sinuous line along the anterior face of the thighs in the projection of the sartorius muscle route. All patients were monitored for a minimum period of 6 months postoperatively. Results: The surgery significantly improved the internal contours of the thighs, improving the patients' quality of life. Four patients had small suture dehiscences, and 2 had lymphocele. No hematomas, infection, or distortions in the external genitalia were observed. Conclusions: The oblique resection of cutaneous excesses was applied specifically in patients who experienced substantial weight loss after bariatric surgery. This technique significantly decreased the volume of each thigh and readjusted contours without increasing morbidity.
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