Spiral Lift: Medial and Lateral Thigh Lift with Buttock Lift and Augmentation
Abstract
Background: Patients with a pear- or guitar-shaped body
contour deformity are not frequently encountered, but
represent a surgical challenge. Traditionally, these patients
have been treated with belt lipectomies, lower body lifts,
medial thigh lifts, and liposculpture because liposuction
alone often is insufficient. This article describes an alternative
method for performing a medial, anterior, and lateral
thigh lift with a buttock lift and autoprosthesis augmentation
through a single spiral incision easily concealed by
underwear.
Methods: A retrospective study of patients treated for
body contour deformities from January 2004 to June 2006
was conducted. The inclusion criteria for spiral lift were
lipodystrophy and excess skin and subcutaneous tissue of
the thighs, flanks, and buttocks without contour deformities
of the abdomen. The incision extends from the inferior
crease of the buttocks along the inguinal crease and continues
just inferior to the anterior iliac spine, spiraling
above the buttocks and meeting the contralateral incision at
the sacrum. A dermal fat flap is rotated to function as an
autologous buttock implant. Pre- and postoperative views,
patient satisfaction, complications, and operative details
are analyzed and described.
Results: Of the 253 consecutive patients treated for body
contour deformities, 5 met the inclusion criteria for the
spiral lift. All the patients were women ranging in age from
30 to 43 years. Comparison of pre- and postoperative views
demonstrated improved contour and firmness of the thighs
and gluteal region with easily concealed scars. The inferior
gluteal sulcus became less evident, and the buttock mass
was elevated and augmented with maximum projection at
midlevel. Patient and surgeon satisfaction was high. One
patient experienced delayed wound healing. Stability in the
body contour repair was demonstrated at the 1-year followup
assessment.
Conclusions: A reliable, versatile, and effective technique
is described. Applicability and experience with the procedure
are limited due to infrequent presentation of patients
seeking correction for such a body contour deformity.
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