Dermolipectomies following weight loss after surgery for morbid obesity

Background: Dermolipectomies play a major role in the functional and esthet ic deformities which result from massive weight loss. Methods: From June 1994 to June 2000, 148 morbidly obese patients underwent various bariatric surgical procedures. After at least 1 year, 33 patients underwent 51 regional dermolipectomies performed by the same plastic surgeo n. Results: All 33 patients underwent abdominal dermolipectomy. The average op erative time was 194.2 min (110-420 min). The average amount of tissue exci sed was 2948.6 g (850-7525 g). 4 patients (12.1%) required blood transfusio n. 6 patients (18.1%) developed complications, which included 1 case of pos toperative bleeding, 3 wound infections and 2 skin dehiscences. Average len gth of hospital stay was 9.5 days (5-22 days). 15 of these patients (45.4%) simultaneously underwent abdominal incisional hernia repair; in 9 (24.2%), a Gore-Tex(R) mesh was used. In 2 patients the procedure was performed und er emergency conditions due to small bowel obstruction. In 2 patients, simu ltaneous cholecystectomy was also performed. In 1 patient, a suction-assist ed lipectomy of both thighs was necessary. 7 patients (21.2%) had mammaplasty, with average operative time 175.7 min ( 140-210 min). In 1 of them, breast implants were placed. There was no morbi dity, and the average hospitalization was 6 days (4-9 days). Flankplasty was done in 4 patients (12.1%), thigh reduction plasty in 4 pat ients (12.1%), and arm reduction plasty in 3 patients (9%). The average ope rative time was 302.5 min (160-420), 246.2 min (230-280) and 203.3 min (180 -240) respectively. Average tissue excised was 1503 g (725-2400 g), 1342.5 g (1050-1550 g), and 572.6 g (400-848 g), respectively. Morbidity was relat ed to wound infection in 1 patient, and persistent edema of the left lower extremity in another. 4 of these 18 patients required blood transfusion. Av erage hospitalization was 8.2 days (6-11), 8 days (7-9) and 6 days (5-7) re spectively. Conclusions: Regional dermolipectomies constitute the only available treatm ent for deformities following massive weight loss after bariatric surgery. Based on our experience, these procedures are safe, without serious complic ations and with good functional and esthetic results.