title: L-Shaped Lipothighplasty.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In addition to the already-known postoperative complications in patients formerly obese, for medial thigh lift, there are many more problematic issues. The main ones are represented as follows: by the frequent downward displacement of the scars that become, in this way, extremely visible; by the distortion of the vulva or scrotal region; by serious and disabling disorders of the lymphatic system; and by the early recurrence of ptosis in this anatomical site.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2004 to 2010, 16 patients with moderate to severe laxity of the medial area of the thighs were treated by an L-shaped medial thigh lift after selective liposuction. Ten have been previously treated with biliopancreatic diversion and 6 have been previously treated with gastric bypass. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) height before bariatric surgery was 1.62 (0.08) m, mean (SD) weight was 141.53 (23.12) kg, and mean (SD) body mass index was 57.13 (8.21) kg/m. After the intervention, mean (SD) weight decreased to 81.12 (16.43) kg, whereas mean (SD) body mass index decreased to 31.83 (8.51) kg/m.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After L-shaped lipothighplasty, 13 patients (81%) had no complications in the postoperative period. No skin necrosis, hematoma, seroma, or thromboembolic events were reported. Two patients experienced hypertophic scarring and 1 patient had a wound infection because of poor hygienic care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The medial lifting technique defined as L-shaped lipothighplasty is a valid, fast, and safe technique and can reduce early and late postoperative complications in a critical and troublesome area for the surgeon who is going to correct the deformity.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bracaglia
authors.forename: Damiano
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tambasco
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gentileschi
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: D'Ettorre
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D050110:Bariatric Surgery; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015187:Lipectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013848:Thigh / Q000601:surgery*; D015431:Weight Loss