Body lift: an account of 200 consecutive cases in the massive weight loss patient.
BACKGROUND
The epidemic of obesity in the United States has led to a rapid increase in the number of bariatric procedures performed over the past several years. The dramatic changes to the torso following massive weight loss are only partially addressed by routine procedures such as abdominoplasty and liposuction. Circumferential body lifts or simultaneous abdominoplasty, thigh, and buttock lifts are becoming the method of choice for treating the postbariatric condition. In this article, the authors review the senior author's experience of 200 body lifts with massive weight loss individuals.


METHODS
The charts of 200 consecutive body lift patients were reviewed for complications and other variables. The preoperative markings, current surgical technique, and postoperative care are described. The patients were classified into three types according to their body mass index at the time of surgery. Type I individuals had a body mass index less than 28, type II individuals had a body mass index between 28 and 32, and type III individuals had a body mass index greater than 32.


RESULTS
Type I and II patients in many instances achieved a nearly ideal body contour. Type II and III individuals also had a significant functional and aesthetic improvement but were more likely to have complications. The overall complication rate was 50.0 percent. The most frequent complications were skin dehiscence and seroma formation at 32.5 percent and 16.5 percent, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The body lift very effectively addresses the functional and aesthetic concerns of the massive weight loss patient. Careful patient selection and education are essential to a good outcome.
Nemerofsky
Robert B
RB
Meadowlands Hospital, Secaucus, NJ, USA.
Oliak
David A
DA
Capella
Joseph F
JF
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D050110:Bariatric Surgery; D015992:Body Mass Index; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004954:Esthetics; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000453:epidemiology; D013653:Tattooing; D013848:Thigh / Q000601:surgery; D015431:Weight Loss