Objective To summarize the research progress of abdominoplasty. Methods The literature related to abdominoplasty in recent years was reviewed and the evolution of this surgical method and related surgical techniques were summarized. Results By removing excess skin adipose tissue from abdominal wall and strengthening loosening muscle fascia system, the abdominal wall contour can be improved by abdominoplasty. With the development of liposuction, selective flaps undermining, progressive tension sutures, and Scarpa fascia retention, the trauma and complications of abdominoplasty are significantly reduced, and better aesthetic result is achieved. Conclusion At present, the incidence of abdominoplasty complication is still the highest among cosmetic surgeries, and further exploration is needed to reduce complications and improve aesthetic effects.
Objective To study a new method of treatment for upper limb lymphedema after radical mastectomy. Methods From Jun. 2001 to Sep. 2003, 11 cases(2with complication of erysipelas ) of upper limb lymphedema being treated with radical mastectomy for more than 2 years were used as model. All the edema of limbs was sucked from hypodermis with liposuction technique and compressed with compression garment. Three months after operation, elasticity stress was conducted every night. Results The reduction of the edema of upper limbswas remarkable. The average decrease of circumference was 4 cm. No erysipelas was observed. Conclusion The liposuction technique and elasticity stress is a new and effective approach to the treatment of upper limb lymphedema.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of a new front opening liposuction cannula on the survival of transplanted fat tissue.MethodsTwo groups of fats were obtained from the left and right sides of a female patient during the abdomen liposuction surgery, respectively. And the fats in experimental group and control group were harvested by the new front opening liposuction cannula and the side hole liposuction cannula, respectively. The differences of adipocyte activity in vitro between 2 groups were compared by observation under the electron scanning microscopy and the glucose transportation test. Then, the fats in 2 groups (n=20) were injected subcutaneously into the back of 20 nude mice (400 mg fats per injection zone). The differences of the injection area reactions, remaining weight, histological characteristics, and microvessel density (MVD) between 2 groups were compared after 4 weeks and 12 weeks.ResultsCompared with the control group, in vitro, the adipocytes were more plump and the vascular structures were more abundant. The glucose transportation quantities were (3.049±0.266) mmol/L and (2.668±0.250) mmol/L in experimental and control groups, showing significant difference between groups (t=2.956, P=0.010). There was only one fat liquefaction occurred in the injection zone of the control group after 4 weeks. The experimental group had more clear adipocytes, more vessels, and less inflammation and necrosis than the control group. The remaining weight and MVD were higher in the experimental group than in the control group after 4 and 12 weeks, showing significant differences (P<0.05).ConclusionThe new front opening liposuction cannula can reduce the damage of adipocytes and improve the survival of transplanted fat tissue.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of single-stage vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) combined with lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) and liposuction (LS) (3L) versus LVA combined with LS (2L) for the treatment of moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 16 patients with moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, treated between June 2022 and June 2024, who met the selection criteria. Patients were divided into 3L group (n=7) and 2L group (n=9) based on the surgical approach. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in baseline data between the groups, including age, body mass index, duration of edema, volume of liposuction, International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stage, preoperative affected limb volume, preoperative circumferences of the affected limb at 12 levels (from 4 cm distal to the wrist to 42 cm proximal to the wrist), preoperative Lymphoedema Quality of Life (LYMQoL) score, and frequency of cellulitis episodes. The 2L group underwent LS on the upper arm and proximal forearm and LVA on the middle and distal forearm. The 3L group received additional VLNT in the axilla, with the groin serving as the donor site. Outcomes were assessed included the change in affected limb volume at 12 months postoperatively, and comparisons of limb circumferences, LYMQoL score, and frequency of cellulitis episodes between preoperative and 12-month postoperative. Ultrasound evaluation was performed at 12 months in the 3L group to assess lymph node viability. Results Both groups were followed up 12-20 months, with an average of 15.13 months. There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the groups (t=–1.115, P=0.284). All surgical incisions healed by first intention. No adverse events, such as flap infection or necrosis, occurred in the 3L group. At 12 months after operation, ultrasound confirmed good viability of the transferred lymph nodes in the 3L group. Palpation revealed significant improvement in skin fibrosis and improved skin softness in both groups. Affected limb volume significantly decreased in both groups postoperatively (P<0.05). The reduction in limb volume significantly greater in the 3L group compared to the 2L group (P<0.05). Circumferences at all 12 measured levels significantly decreased in both groups compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). The reduction in circumference at all 12 levels was better in the 3L group than in the 2L group, with significant differences observed at 7 levels (8, 12, 16, 30, 34, 38, and 42 cm) proximal to the wrist (P<0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in the frequency of cellulitis episodes and LYMQoL scores postoperatively (P<0.05). While the improvement in LYMQoL scores at 12 months did not differ significantly between groups (P>0.05), the reduction in cellulitis episodes was significantly greater in the 3L group compared to the 2L group (P<0.05). Conclusion The combination of VLNT+LVA+LS provides more durable and comprehensive outcomes for moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery compared to LVA+LS, offering an improved therapeutic solution for patients.
Objective To review the characteristics and deficiencies of various liposuction methods to provide reference for choosing more suitable liposuction in clinic and ideas for the improvement and development of liposuction equipment. Methods The literature related to liposuction in recent years was consulted, and the principle, indications as well as existing problems were reviewed. Results Liposuction can be divided into two categories according to the principles of fat separation. The first type relies on physical cutting to separate fat, including suction-assisted liposuction (SAL), power-assisted liposuction (PAL), and water-assisted liposuction (WAL). SAL and PAL are simple to operate and low in price, but the effect of liposuction mainly depends on the experience of the surgeon, and complications such as uneven appearance, hematoma, and ecchymosis may occur. WAL saves time and effort, but has lower cost performance. The second type relies on energy destruction to separate fat, including ultrasound-assisted liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction, and radiofrequency-assisted liposuction. This type of surgery has the advantages of less trauma, fast postoperative recovery, and skin tightening. However, the equipment is more expensive, and has a risk of skin burns. Conclusion Liposuction can effectively reduce local fat accumulation, but it still has limitations. Equipment improvement and fat transplantation are important directions for liposuction’s future development.