ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to present the authors' long-term experience with total corporal contouring with megaliposuction. The evolution of body reshaping in one operative setting including simultaneous head and neck contouring, upper and lower extremity recontouring, and creation of an aesthetic trunk and abdominal form is discussed. Patient evaluation, operative techniques, postoperative management, and long-term results are emphasized. From February 1994 to February 1997, 120 consecutive patients underwent total corporal contouring with tumescent (Hunstad formula)-technique, classic liposuction. There were 10 males and 110 females. The average age of all patients was 28 years. Preoperative evaluation emphasized corporal shape and proportions. No other open procedures were performed simultaneously in these patients. The authors' postoperative regimen is discussed. The average amount of aspirated material in these series was 14,000 ml (range, 8000-20,000 ml). No blood transfusions were required. Complications included only hypopigmentation (N = 2) and postoperative seromas requiring aspiration (N = 12). Follow-up examination took place at 3 months to 3 years, with an average of 14 months. All patients underwent a metamorphosis from an amorphic shape to one that follows the normal body contours and profiles. The goals of megaliposuction are no longer just to reduce body fat and body mass. Individually planned surgery for these patients should be based upon obtaining normal symmetrical body proportions. Total corporal contouring and reshaping can now be safely performed, offering hope and predictable outcomes to this patient population. Patient evaluation, operative technique, postoperative care, and long-term results are presented.
Subject(s)
Body Constitution , Lipectomy/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Anesthesia, General , Anesthesia, Spinal , Female , Humans , Lipectomy/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Care , Postoperative ComplicationsABSTRACT
A new technique in aesthetic plastic surgery called Percutaneous Selective Radio-frequency Neuroablation (PSRN) is proposed. Radio-frequency energy is applied via the percutaneous route to interrupt selected terminal fibers of the facial nerve in order to modify the facial dynamics. An easy-to-construct electronic system is used to perform both three-dimensional perioperative location (by means of electrical stimulation) and percutaneous electrofulguration of the target nerve. PSRN was found useful in ameliorating noticeable forehead and frown wrinkles caused by muscular hyperactivity as well as in achieving a more balanced face in cases of unilateral postrhytidectomy facial paralysis of the temporal branch of the facial nerve. Twenty-one patients underwent PSRN with encouraging results. In this report, the electrophysiological bases, technique, animal experiments, and initial clinical experience of PSRN are presented.
Subject(s)
Catheter Ablation , Facial Nerve/surgery , Surgery, Plastic/methods , Adult , Facial Expression , Female , Humans , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Brachioplasty seems very simple, and the surgeon, thinking that the removal of excess skin and fat is easy, is likely to find himself in trouble after surgery because of carelessness in diagnosis and in patient selection, and lack of careful surgical planning. The best way to avoid trouble in brachioplasty is to be fully aware of surgical technique and potential errors.
