Impact of Lipo-Body Lift Compared to Classical Lower Body Lift on Postoperative Outcome and Patient's Satisfaction: A Retrospective Study.

[INTRODUCTION] Lately, the growing number of bariatric procedures performed each year led to an increasing demand for lower trunk reconstruction. Our team previously described the lipo-body lift (LBL) technique into lower duration of drainage and therefore seromas and other complications. In this study, we compared the classical body lift (CBL) technique to the LBL procedure.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] All patients who underwent a LBL or CBL after massive weight loss between November 2012 and October 2017 were included. Surgery outcome parameters were collected as well as patient satisfaction through a satisfaction score realized at least after 1 year postoperative. Comparisons between CBL and LBL were conducted to assess the surgery's safety and the patient's satisfaction.

[RESULTS] A total of 130 patients were included, 61 patients who had a LBL were compared to 69 patients who had a CBL. The mean patient age was 39.64 ± 9.97 (21-66) years old, the mean body mass index before plastic surgery was 26.83 ± 3.08 kg/m (19.83-32.69), and the average weight loss was 53.40 ± 17.37 kg. The two groups had comparable preoperative data. Duration of drainage and hospital stay was significantly lower in the LBL group than in the CBL (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Surgical outcomes were comparable between groups as well as patient satisfaction scores.

[CONCLUSION] Lipo-body lift allows early discharge of the patient by reducing the duration of drainage without increasing the risk for complications. In our opinion, this technique should be used for type 1 and 2 patients with no contraindication for abdominal liposuction.

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