Cellulite Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cellulite, including details on treatment, reduction, removal, cures.

Abdominoplasty with total abdominal liposuction for patients with massive weight loss.

Espinosa-de-Los-Monteros A, Torre JI, Rosenberg LZ, Ahumada LA, Stoff A, Williams EH, Vásconez LO

Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham and The Center for Advanced Surgical Aesthetics, 510 20th Street, South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.

BACKGROUND: Massive weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with significant skin excess, laxity, and ptosis over the abdomen. Good results have been achieved with abdominoplasty and circumferential lipectomy. However, blood transfusions are sometimes needed, and patients may require long hospital stays. Furthermore, morbidity rates are high. Total abdominal liposuction performed with abdominoplasty allows for the preservation of lymphatic vessels below Scarpa's fascia and eliminates the need for upper flap undermining. This study aimed to evaluate this technique in patients with anterior abdominal redundancy attributable to massive weight loss after bariatric surgery. METHODS: The charts of 60 patients treated between December 2001 and October 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients had undergone previous bariatric surgery as well as subsequent total abdominal liposuction and abdominoplasty. RESULTS: The average amount of wetting solution used was 3.1 l, and the average total aspirate was 2.5 l. The mean pannus weight was 3,649 g, and the average dimension was 48 x 25 x 6 cm. No patient required a blood transfusion. The median in-hospital stay was 1 day, with 42% of the patients treated as outpatients. The median follow-up period was 3 months. Morbidity was 22%. Factors associated with the development of complications were weight of the pannus, transverse dimension of the pannus, and body mass index. All the patients were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSIONS: Total abdominal liposuction followed by abdominoplasty is adequate treatment for anterior abdominal redundancy for patients with massive weight loss.

Published 2 February 2006 in Aesthetic Plast Surg, 30(1): 42-6.
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