Luigi Losco1,2, Ana Claudia Roxo3, Carlos Weck Roxo2, Alessandro de Sire4,5, Alberto Bolletta1, Roberto Cuomo6, Luca Grimaldi6, Emanuele Cigna1, Carlos Del Pino Roxo2. 1. Plastic Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. 2. Plastic Surgery Unit, Andaraì Federal Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 3. Plastic Surgery Unit, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 4. Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy. 5. Rehabilitation Unit, Mons. L. Novarese Hospital, Moncrivello, Italy. 6. Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
Abstract
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.
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.
Authors: Luigi Losco; Ana Claudia Roxo; Carlos Weck Roxo; Alberto Bolletta; Emanuele Cigna; Carlos Del Pino Roxo Journal: Aesthetic Plast Surg Date: 2021-04-19 Impact factor: 2.326