Published in:
01-02-2014 | Original Article
Medial Thighplasty After Massive Weight Loss: Are There Any Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications?
Published in: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery | Issue 1/2014
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Background
With the
increasing incidence of obesity in Western societies, an increasing number of patients undergo bariatric surgery that leads to functional and aesthetic sequelae related to a rapid and massive weight loss, namely, skin and fat excess. The goal of surgical management after massive weight loss is to optimize the functional results obtained from bariatric surgery or diet by removal of the redundant skin folds. The authors report their experience with medial thighplasty after massive weight loss and identify factors predictive of postoperative complications.
Methods
This retrospective study investigated 53 patients who underwent surgery for medial thighplasty after massive weight loss. Data were collected through chart review and submitted to statistical analysis.
Results
The average weight loss before thighplasty was 43.5 ± 14.9 kg, and 39.6 % of the patients experienced at least one complication. The complications were seroma (9.4 %), wound dehiscence (20.8 %), scar migration (17 %), wound infection (5.7 %), and partial skin necrosis (1.9 %). The body mass index (BMI) before massive weight loss and the BMI before medial thighplasty were found to be risk factors for the development of a postoperative complication.
Conclusion
Few guidelines exist for the optimization of care and safety in this complex patient population. The information from this retrospective study complements the current data from the literature and can help surgeons select patients eligible for medial thighplasty. This report shows that the BMI before medial thighplasty should be taken into consideration for patients willing to undergo a body-contouring procedure.
Level of Evidence IV
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