24 Extensive Abdominoplasty and Large Volume Lipoplasty

24 Extensive Abdominoplasty and Large Volume

Lipoplasty

Lazaro Cardenas Camarena

24.1

Introduction

Aesthetic surgery of the abdominal region is one of the most frequent surgical procedures performed in plastic surgery [1 – 3]. The increased utilization of this proce- dure is due to the fact that the abdominal region is one of the areas where the feminine figure undergoes more changes. These changes are due to two basic factors, which are common to women: flaccidity of the abdomi- nal area produced by pregnancy and the accumulation of adipose tissue in this region. These factors are due to the anthropometric and hormonal physiological char- acteristics of women [4]. As a result, even the slightest weight gain is evident primarily in the thoracoabdomi- nal area. When we speak about the thoracoabdominal area, we are referring not only to the anterior abdomi- nal area, but also to the flanks, the lumbar region, and the supragluteal area. In all of these areas, the accumu- lation of adipose tissue is very marked in patients who have any degree of obesity. We can, therefore, point out that the thoracoabdominal area can be divided into two topographical regions according to the aesthetic alter- ations produced therein. These two regions undergo different changes, as well as differencing etiologic fac- tors, thereby requiring a different aesthetic surgical management.

24.2

Surgical Anatomy

From the strictly aesthetic surgical point of view, the abdominal area encompasses laterally the mid-clavic- ular lines, superiorly the inferior mammary creases, and inferiorly the pubic region. A second area extends from the mid-clavicular lines posteriorly to the lumbar area, while being limited inferiorly by the gluteal re- gion. This area thus circumferentially completes the thoracoabdominal region (Fig. 24.1). Within this sec- ond area, a considerable part of the anterior abdomi- nal wall is encountered, which corresponds to the re- gion between the mid-clavicular and mid-axillary lines (Fig. 24.2).

Fig. 24.1. Posterior thoracoabdominal region, limited superior- ly by the scapular region, and inferiorly by the gluteal region

Fig. 24.2. Anterior abdominal region, included between the midclavicular line and the anterior axillary line, should be viewed as an annexed portion of the posterolateral region. As such, it should be treated with lipoplasty

Chapter 24

The inclusion of the anterior lateral abdominal area is due to the fact that the aesthetic alterations and man- agement are similar to the posterior region; thus we should surgically include it in this area. For that reason, the aesthetic surgical management of the abdomen in- cludes a first area including part of the anterior abdom- inal region and a second area which is much more ex- tensive and including part of the anterior abdomen, flanks, and the lumboscapular region. These areas will share two common structurally aesthetic changes, but in different proportions: firstly, the presence of tissue laxity with resulting flaccidity, and, secondly, the accu- mulation of adipose tissue, which produces lipodystro- phy.

The initial change produced in these two areas is li- podystrophy. When it is moderate and the patient has not undergone any significant weight change, either due to pregnancy or obesity, the presence of flaccidity is minimal. On the other hand, if the patient presents a significant degree of obesity, significant weight change or multiple pregnancies, or with a large weight gain with pregnancy, the anterior abdominal area will be- come flaccid. Nevertheless, the rest of the thoracoabdo- minal area almost always undergoes lipodystrophy without significant flaccidity, even though the patient possesses predisposing factors for flaccidity of the ab- dominal area.

24.3

Patient Evaluation and Selection

Taking into account these two surgical anatomical con- siderations, the patient should be evaluated beforehand to determine the ideal surgical procedure. When a sig- nificant degree of flaccidity of the anterior abdominal area is encountered, with or without lipodystrophy, the surgical procedure of choice is abdominoplasty [4]

(Fig. 24.3). Abdominoplasty is a very safe surgical pro- cedure with a low incidence of complications [5, 6]. On the other hand, if the anterior abdominal area displays predominately lipodystrophy without or minimal flac- cidity, the procedure of choice is lipoplasty assisted by suction [7 – 9] (Fig. 24.4). This procedure when per- formed in an adequate and correct manner also is asso- ciated with a low incidence of complications [10 – 14].

On some special occasions, in spite of the existence of important lipodystrophy and flaccidity of the ab- dominal region, the exclusive use of lipoplasty assisted by suction may be utilized [13, 14]. This generally is in- dicated when the patient does not desire a large scar re- sulting from an abdominoplasty, or if the patient is nul- liparous and/or desires future pregnancies. In these cases, although the results are not ideal due to the per- sistence of some abdominal flaccidity, the improve- ment is great (Figs. 24.5, 24.6).

Fig. 24.3. Patient for which an ideal surgical indication is an abdominoplasty

Fig. 24.4. Patient with indication for a lipoplasty to improve her

body contour

5 6

Figs. 24.5, 24.6. Patient whose

ideal surgical procedure is an abdominoplasty com- bined with lipoplasty, but was treated only with lipo- plasty with good results

In the area included from the lateral abdominal region to the lumboscapular region, the procedure of choice almost always is lipoplasty assisted by suction. Even though the patient displays a great degree of lipody- strophy with very evident flaccidity, cutaneous retrac- tion in this area is very good, and rarely is additional surgery required. Because of this, if a patient presents with significant flaccidity and severe thoracoabdomi- nal lipodystrophy, the anterior abdomen should be treated with abdominoplasty, and the rest should be corrected with lipoplasty assisted by suction.

In fact, controversy exists over the manner in which these two procedures should be performed. Many au- thors prefer to perform these procedures separately in order to diminish morbidity [15, 16]. Nevertheless, there are authors who report a low incidence of compli- cations utilizing abdominoplasty combined with other procedures, such as gynecological, abdominal, or aes- thetic surgery [17 – 22]. At the same time, there are oth- er authors who utilize abdominoplasty combined with liposuction with very good results [23, 24]. We prefer to combine both procedures, but in contrast to previous authors, our area of lipoplasty and the amount of fat ex- tracted is greater than in their reports. The reason for combining the procedures is the fewer complications reported for each procedure [23, 24], and the low num- ber of complications when using the combined proce- dures [17 – 22]. Equally our means of extracting large quantities of fat is based on multiple large volume lipo- plasty studies showing good results and few complica-

tions [13, 25 – 27], and also our experience with this type of procedure [14, 28]. Therefore we use a complete abdominoplasty in conjunction with lipoplasty, ex- tracting large volumes during the same surgical proce- dure, but always following certain principles in order to maximally avoid complications.

24.4

Surgical Technique

After surgical selection, an internal medical specialist evaluates all patients. The patient’s laboratory tests are evaluated, which include a complete blood count, pro- thrombin time, coagulation time, and a complete uri- nalysis. If required, the patient undergoes a cardiologic evaluation, including a PA (posterior anterior) chest X- ray, and electrocardiogram. In order for a patient to un- dergo surgery it is required that no abnormalities are found during the medical evaluation, or that any ab- normality be completely controlled, thus not adding to the morbidity of the procedure.

In all those patients who are considered for extrac- tion of fat during liposuction larger than 8 l, 500 ml of blood is drawn 10 days prior to the surgical procedure.

This blood is used during the postoperative period in an autologous manner. All patients are given 1 g of cefalexin as a preoperative prophylaxis 6 h prior to surgery. Surgi- cal operative areas are totally marked preoperatively with the patient standing. The area where the abdomi-

24.4 Surgical Technique 203

noplasty procedure will be undertaken is delineated, as well as the suction assisted lipoplasty area. Additional lipoplasty areas are also marked (Figs. 24.7 – 24.10). All patients receive regional anesthesia with an epidural block for the surgical procedure; this prevents the need for lidocaine in the solutions which infiltrate the subcu- taneous tissues in order to obtain tumescence, and per- mits the use of postoperative analgesia utilizing the epi- dural catheter during the hospital stay.

7 8

9

10

Figs. 24.7 – 24.10. Complete marking of a patient who underwent an extensive ab- dominoplasty and circum- ferential large volume lipo- plasty

Management of intraoperative fluids begins preop-

eratively by administering an average of 1 l of isotonic

saline solution (0.9 %) with 5 % glucose before arriving

at the operating room. The purpose of this is to hydrate

the patient, who has been fasting for 8 h. Prior to sur-

gery, a urinary catheter is placed as an aid to intraope-

rative fluid management. The surgical procedure is al-

ways initiated in the posterior region with the patient

in the prone position. The liposuction region is infil-

trated with a consistent solution of 1 l of normal saline with 1 mg of adrenaline. The quantity of infiltrated flu- id is the amount necessary to produce tumescence of the subcutaneous tissues. Usually this quantity is more than expected to extract during the procedure when performing lipoplasty using tumescent technique. The posterior area is infiltrated completely prior to initiat- ing the extraction of fat. Liposuction is carried out in the flanks, lumbar region, and lower subscapular re- gions as well as the trochanteric and inner thigh areas if necessary. Assisted lipoplasty with internal ultrasound is not used nor is external ultrasound, since studies have shown that there is no major benefit over pure tu- mescent lipoplasty [29, 30].

Lipoplasty is performed in a combined and simulta- neous manner by two plastic surgeons, one opposite the other, but always under the direction of the primary surgeon. Mercedes, cobra or Illouz cannulas are used in lipoplasty, 3 – 5 mm in diameter. Lipoplasty is initiated in the deeper plane using larger cannulas in order to fin- ish with thinner cannulas. A fan technique is employed at all times in order to insure a better homogeneous re- sult and to prevent irregularities. The pinching maneu-

11

13

Figs. 24.11 – 24.14. Determination of the regularity and thickness of the flap by means of the pinch test, and by observation of the cannula through the flap

ver and the observation of the thickness of the skin flap over the cannula indicate the point in which the lipo- plasty should be terminated (Figs. 24.11 – 24.14). Two small drains are left in place through the intergluteal incisions, directed towards both sides of the liposuc- tion, in order to facilitate the exit of the residual fluids resulting from tissue tumescence. The drains are left in place for 5 – 7 days to prevent the appearance of sero- mas.

After finishing the posterior lipoplasty, the patient is placed in the supine position in order to begin the ante- rior procedure. Lipoplasty is carried out on the residual areas corresponding to the space between the mid-cla- vicular and axillary lines. The technique used is similar to that described for the posterolateral region. Fat is not extracted in areas where an abdominoplasty will be performed. The type of incision used for an abdomino- plasty will depend on the particular characteristics of each patient. We prefer to use the Grazer or Baroudi [6, 31] type of incision, but we consider that the type of in- cision does not modify the results of the procedure.

The abdominoplasty area is infiltrated with the same solution used for lipoplasty, but in lesser quanti-

12

14

24.4 Surgical Technique 205

Fig. 24.15. Central detachment of the abdominal flap as neces- sary to make the plications. The lateral portions are not de- tached, nor are they liposuctioned

Fig. 24.16. Management of the anterior abdominal region. The region marked in red, which corresponds to the flanks, and which is situated between the midclavicular and the midaxil- lary lines, is treated with lipoplasty. The infra-abdominal area in green is the tissue to eliminate. The supraumbilical area in blue includes the extension of the detachment and lifting of the flap. The white area, included between the flanks in red and the area of detachment in blue, is not treated with detachment, or with lipoplasty. This is not done in order to preserve the vascu- larity of the flap

ties, only to obtain vasoconstriction. The detachment of the abdominal skin flap is carried out to the xyphoid process, but in the supraumbilical area only the neces- sary part is undermined in order to permit the place- ment of the abdominal rectus muscle plicatures (Fig. 24.15). This limited lateral undermining main- tains maximal vascularity of the skin flap and prevents postoperative necrosis. This undermining also pre-

vents communication between the area of the lipopla- sty and the area of the abdominal skin flap. Different surgical techniques may be used on the anterior ab- dominal area (Fig. 24.16). A plication suture is placed on the abdominal rectus muscle fascia in a vertical fashion from the xyphoid process to the suprapubic re- gion, using two planes of nonabsorbable sutures. Usu- ally the umbilical scar is left free without fixing it to the rectus fascia. This is because the majority of our pa- tients are overweight with a very thick skin flap, which makes it difficult to extract the umbilicus. On the other hand, if the patient is thin, fixation to the fascia is car- ried out. The patient is flexed, and the excess skin flap is eliminated. Negative suction drainage is left in the anterior area for approximately 5 days, being removed when the 24-h collection is less than 30 cc. The quanti- ties removed are always quantified. In the case of lipo- plasty, the total amount extracted is quantified, noting the difference between the supranatant and infranatant material. In the case of abdominoplasty, each extirpat- ed flap is weighed individually.

For the intraoperative management of fluids, only crystalloids are used, proportionally approximately 300 cc for each liter of material extracted during lipo- plasty. This amount is adjusted according to the partic- ular characteristics of each patient, such as urine out- put, age, body mass, hematocrit, and the proportion of supernatant and infranatant obtained by liposuction.

After surgery, the patient is wrapped with a soft com- pressive bandage with cotton. A girdle is not used in the immediate postoperative period, since it could roll up and compress in an irregular fashion, thus producing compromise of the skin flap. Also, due to the tumescent technique used, the girdle becomes abundantly wet, and would have to be changed very often, which may be painful.

24.5

Postoperative Management

The patient remains hospitalized on an average of 36 – 48 h. During this time crystalloids are adminis- tered on an average of 3,000 ml in 24 h. If a blood trans- fusion is needed it is given during the first 6 h postoper- atively. Analgesics are administered through the epidu- ral catheter, and bed stay is indicated for 24 h postoper- atively. The intravenous fluids are discontinued when the patient is able to tolerate oral intake without prob- lems while drinking abundant fluids. The drains are re- moved between 5 and 7 days postoperatively, depend- ing on the residual outputs.

The postoperative girdle is indicated on the 5th day

and has to be used most of the time for 6 – 8 weeks. Be-

tween the third and fifth postoperative day, therapeutic

external ultrasound is begun, using 3 W cm

. This

treatment is carried out every 3rd day for 3 weeks. Its principle objective is to improve postoperative edema and vascular congestion

Lastly, the patient is treated with subdermal therapy for 1 month using endermology, 50 min every 3rd day.

This therapy has the objective of improving the subcu- taneous scarring process and maximally preventing ir- regularities. During all this period, for the same reason, oral enzymatic anti-inflammatories are used.

24.6

Results (Patients 1 – 8, Figs. 24.17 – 24.24)

This surgical procedure has been performed on more than 200 patients during the past 6 years. In all these patients extraction by liposuction was more than 2,500 ml, and all cases were done in conjunction with abdominoplasty. The range of liposuctioned material, including infranatant and supranatant, was between 2,500 and 14,000 ml, with an average of 4,800 ml, while the range of the flap eliminated was between 380 and 5,100 g, with an average of 870 g.

Approximately 15 % of the patients were given autol- ogous blood transfusions. The decline in hematocrit

Fig. 24.17. Patient 1. Top Female, 24 years old. Bottom Four months postoperatively. Extraction of 3,600 cc through lipoplasty and 450 g through abdominoplasty. Mammary lift was also performed at the same surgery

and hemoglobin, according to a pilot study, is an aver- age of 9 % and 2.8 g respectively. The patients have shown an average weight reduction of 7 kg and up to six dress sizes, with a satisfaction index greater than 90 %.

Several of our patients treated with this technique are presented.

24.7

Complications

The combination of an extensive abdominoplasty with large volume lipoplasty extraction should be consid- ered as major surgery, with all of the implications therein. Therefore, it is not a surgery exempt of com- plications. These complications may be divided into minor and major. The complications may be due to er- rors in surgical technique, or complications inherent in the procedure. Complications such as seromas, pal- pable or visible irregularities, hyperpigmentation, asymmetry of scars, and overcorrection should be viewed as minor, but preventable. Cutaneous necrosis, infection, or fat embolism syndrome should be consid- ered as major complications, and demand our maxi- mum attention.

24.6 Results 207

Fig. 24.18. Patient 2. Top Female, 31 years old. Bottom Eight months postoperatively. Extraction of 3,900 cc with lipoplasty, and 490 g with abdominoplasty. Mammary lift was also performed during the same surgery

Fig. 24.19. Patient 3. Top Female, 28 years old. Bottom Seven months postoperatively. Extraction of 4,500 cc with lipoplasty, and

550 g with abdominoplasty

Fig. 24.20. Patient 4. Top Female, 34 years old. Bottom Two months postoperatively. Extraction of 6,100 cc with lipoplasty, and 850 g with abdominoplasty

Fig. 24.21. Patient 5. Top Female, 32 years old. Bottom Two months postoperatively. Extraction of 7,300 cc with lipoplasty, and 1,200 g with abdominoplasty

24.6 Results 209

Fig. 24.22. Patient 6. Top Female, 48 years old. Bottom Two years postoperatively. Extraction of 8,200 cc with lipoplasty, and 1,900 g with abdominoplasty

Fig. 24.23. Patient 7. Top Female, 44 years old. Bottom Three years postoperatively. Extraction of 9,400 cc with lipoplasty, and

2,900 g with abdominoplasty

Fig. 24.24. Patient 8. Top Female, 32 years old. Bottom Six months postoperatively. Extraction of 10,700 cc with lipoplasty, and 3,900 g with abdominoplasty

24.7.1 Seromas

This is one of the commonest complications. The accu- mulation of fluid may occur in the lipoplasty or abdo- minoplasty region. The frequency of seromas is high due to tumescence, which is used in lipoplasty. Fluid may pass to the area of abdominoplasty and can also accumulate in the anterior region. In order to prevent the formation of seromas, drains must always be used in the anterior as well as the posterior regions. A fre- quent error is to remove the drains early in the postop- erative period, which almost always carries the risk of seroma formation. Because of this, the drains should not be removed until practically no fluid is draining through them, which usually occurs between the 5th and 7th postoperative day. Following this rule, we have maximally reduced this complication. The use of fixa- tion sutures of the abdominal skin flap to the rectus muscle fascia helps to eliminate the formation of sero- mas in the abdominoplasty region. Additionally, it is very beneficial to use postoperative compression gir- dles. If a seroma appears, treatment consists of periodic drainage of the fluid and constant compression, or placing a drain and leaving it in place until fluid pro- duction is nil.

24.7.2 Irregularities

Irregularities appear primarily in the area of lipoplasty.

Initially the irregularities are only palpable, but if more severe, may be visible, which may be more troublesome for the patient. The presence of irregularities is due to, among other things, errors of surgical technique in not leaving a homogeneous skin flap. This fault in homoge- neity of the skin flap may be due to the excessive elimi- nation of fat in some part of the operated area, or else not eliminating a sufficient amount in all areas of the skin flap. In order to prevent this complication one should follow certain delineations, such as using thin cannulas for regulating the skin flap, constant use of the pinching maneuver and visualization of the thickness of the skin flap to prevent overcorrection, and by using the fan technique to extract the fat. One should be pre- pared to infiltrate fat intraoperatively in case of exces- sive elimination of one area.

These precautions importantly diminish the devel- opment of irregularities, but it should be known that subcutaneous scar formation could also lead to irregu- larities. This problem is more frequent in those patients in whom there exists marked lipodystrophy and flac- cidity, since subcutaneous retraction is more probable

24.7 Complications 211

in an irregular form. We have significantly diminished the appearance of this complication by employing ul- trasound with subdermal endermologic therapy in the postoperative period.

24.7.3

Scar Hyperpigmentation

Scar hyperpigmentation following abdominoplasty is secondary to the personal factors of each patient. Nev- ertheless, scar hyperpigmentation following lipoplasty is often due to friction burns secondary to the surgical procedure. Employing two maneuvers may prevent scar hyperpigmentation: (1) protection of the wound by iso- lating the skin from the cannula by additional skin pro- tectors, or (2) by enlarging the wound slightly so that the rubbing is not as severe. We prefer the second meth- od, since the use of skin protectors is found to be some- what uncomfortable during the surgical procedure.

24.7.4

Scar Asymmetry

This problem occurs principally in the abdominoplasty scar. It appeared in our first patients and was felt to be due to the lack of experience in the cutaneous retrac- tion produced following extensive lipoplasty. Cutting the abdominal flap should always be based on exact previously determined measurement prior to initiating abdominoplasty. After lipoplasty of the flanks and an- terior abdomen, the liposuctioned area and the flexion of the patient can distort the cut area of the abdomino- plasty. This distortion suggests that the cut should be made over the crease that is produced by lipoplasty, since it appears that by not doing it this way will leave quite a bit of flaccidity in the lateral portions of the ab- dominoplasty. Nevertheless, the cutaneous retraction is so good that following the cut just as planned does not leave residual flaccidity, while making the cut over the creases that appear following lipoplasty will always produce scar asymmetry.

24.7.5 Overcorrection

This problem is caused by a poor surgical technique, with an incorrect appreciation of how the aesthetic contour should be. The cause is due to an excessive elimination of fat. This complication is more noted where there exists a transition between the treated area by lipoplasty and the area not treated, which may be noted by a depression or step. In order to prevent this, very thin cannulas should also be used in the transition area of lipoplasty. In case an overcorrection occurs, and is noted intraoperatively, fat infiltration resolves the problem efficaciously.

24.7.6 Infection

While leaving drains in place longer than usual helps to prevent seromas, it may produce ascending contamina- tion. Infection is a very rare complication if aseptic standards are followed during the surgical procedure.

Nevertheless, if special postoperative care of the drains is not observed, infection may occur. This is more com- mon in the posterior drains near the anal region. Be- cause of this, the patient should be informed about the presence of drains, and about how to preserve hygiene.

In case an infection is noted after the 7th postoperative day, one should think about an ascending contamina- tion through the drains with coliform microorganisms.

Microbiological confirmation with a culture and sensi- tivity will guide treatment, usually with excellent re- sults.

24.7.7

Cutaneous Necrosis

Cutaneous necrosis following this type of surgery may follow either lipoplasty or abdominoplasty. The princi- pal cause of necrosis in the lipoplasty area is generally due to inadequate management of the tissues during surgery. This mismanagement consists of applying ex- cessive pressure or pinching the flap against the cannu- la during lipoplasty, or the excessive traumatization of the skin with the tip of the cannula. This damage with the cannula tip is more common above all at the level of the flanks, since this area is where lipoplasty is per- formed in an oblique manner and not parallel to the skin as in the rest of the surgery. In order to prevent this complication, the tissues should be handled appropri- ately, and by careful observation of the noted concepts already mentioned.

Fortunately, the areas of necrosis following lipopla- sty are small and superficial, and tend to resolve by sec- ondary reepithelization. Necrosis that presents in the area of abdominoplasty is due generally to poor vascu- larity of the edge of the flap. This may be due to predi- sposing preoperative factors, such as cigarette smok- ing, or transverse abdominal scars, but the most fre- quent cause is damage to the vascular plexus of the flap during surgery.

In our series, we have had only one case of partial

necrosis of the abdominal flap caused by liposuctio-

ning the flap at the same time. For this reason we do not

recommend liposuctioning the detached area, even

though the patient requires this maneuver. In these

cases the patient is advised that it is probable that it will

be necessary to perform lipoplasty of that area with lat-

er surgery. Similarly, lipectomy of the distal border of

the flap is not usually done, the flap is handled in a gen-

tle manner, and we always limit the detachment of the

superior aspect of the abdominoplasty to that neces- sary for the placement of plication sutures of the rectus muscles. A less common cause of cutaneous necrosis is a very tight bandage or one that has rolled up in the im- mediate postoperative period, which therefore requires special caution in its use. With these guidelines, the ap- pearance of necrosis should not be a problem in this type of surgery.

24.7.8

Fat Embolism Syndrome

This is a serious complication, but fortunately very in- frequent, which carries a good prognosis if treated in a timely manner. We have had only one case in more than 6 years using this technique. Suspicion should be raised when the patient presents blood pressure alter- ations without apparent cause generally 24 h postoper- atively. The diagnosis is principally clinical and treat- ment should be undertaken in the intensive care unit in order to maximally diminish mortality. The cause of fat embolism is due to the introduction of particles of fat into the circulatory system, with the resulting alter- ations that accompany this syndrome. Nonetheless, in spite of numerous theories and studies about its etio- logic pathogenesis, total prevention is not yet possible, and therefore general existing measures need to be fol- lowed to prevent its occurrence. Keeping in mind that its prevention is difficult, one should always be alert to the appearance of fat embolism, in order to treat it ade- quately.

24.8 Conclusions

The combination of large volume lipoplasty with abdo- minoplasty should be a safe surgical procedure. One should take all the details into account when perform- ing this type of surgery. With the passage of time, our procedure has been modified, and this has enabled us to offer more satisfactory and safer results for patients.

The teaching learning curve fulfills a very important role in this type of surgery, since it not a very common combination in plastic surgery. Therefore, experienced surgeons in both procedures should perform this sur- gery in order to achieve good results. It is a procedure that, if performed in an adequate manner, provides very satisfactory results. The basic factors in order to maximally minimize risks and improve outcomes should be taken into account. It is essential to use the tumescent technique for lipoplasty. Do not use lido- caine in the infiltrating solutions in order to prevent li- docaine toxicity. The use of cannulas smaller than 5 mm greatly improves the aesthetic results. Gentle ma- nipulation of the tissues prevents cutaneous compro-

mise. Not liposuctioning the flap prevents necrosis of the flap. Above all, this procedure should not be used as a means to lose weight, but as a surgical procedure, which improves the body contour in patients with dif- fering degrees of obesity. Always following these guide- lines gives us the best results not only for our patients, but also for us.

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