Satisfaction and complications after lower body lift with autologous gluteal augmentation by island fat flap: 55 case series over 3 years.

[BACKGROUND] Major weight loss causes body deformities. Lower circumferential dermolipectomy with autologous gluteal augmentation by a fat island flap can restore a part of the body contour, but this procedure is associated with a high incidence of complications. The aim of this study was to analyse the benefit/risk ratio and the patients' satisfaction.

[METHODS] All patients who underwent this procedure at the Nancy University Hospital over a 3-year period (between January 2010 and 2013) were reviewed; the complications were analysed and the patients' satisfaction rated.

[RESULTS] A total of 55 patients were included with a mean age of 41.0 years. The average body mass index of the patients was 28.2 kg/m² with a mean weight of 76.8 kg at the time of the procedure and a mean weight reduction of 49.6 kg. The mean operative time was 4.85 h. The average hospital stay was 6.1 days. The average haemoglobin loss was 3.0 g/dl, and 12 (21.8%) patients required a blood transfusion. Of the total number of patients, 22 (40%) developed at least one complication, including six (10.9%) major complications. Fifty-two patients answered the questionnaire; 49 (94.2%) patients would go through this procedure again. The overall satisfaction was rated as excellent by 29 (55.8%) patients and as pleasing by 22 (42.3%). The outcome was judged as excellent or pleasing for the abdomen by 29 (55.8%) and 20 (38.35%) patients, respectively, and for the buttocks by 17 (32.7%) and 29 (55.8%) patients, respectively. The quality of life was rated better after than before the intervention by 49 (94.2%) patients.

[CONCLUSION] Despite a high complication rate, the majority of patients confirmed that they would opt for this procedure again, showing an improvement in their quality of life with an aesthetic and functional benefit.

[LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] III.