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

SummaryBackgroundMajor 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.MethodsAll 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionDespite 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 evidenceIII.