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The oblique flankplasty revisited: outcomes of 108 consecutive cases
James IB, Davila AA, Hurwitz DJ
UPMC
2022-01-15
Presenter: Isaac James
Affidavit:
The material proposed for presentation in this abstract has not been published in any scientific journal or previously presented at a major meeting. This abstract represents the original work of the resident.
Director Name: Vu Nguyen
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Aesthetics
Background
The flank is an anatomical fat compartment with borders defined by zones of adherence to the ribs above; the spine and lumbodorsal fascia medially; and the posterior iliac crest inferiorly. The oblique flankplasty takes advantage of these robust adherences to eliminate the flank roll, lift the buttock, and remove excess horizontal laxity from the abdomen.
Methods
Data was prospectively collected on all oblique flankplasty procedures performed since 2013 by the senior author. We retrospectively reviewed outcomes and complications in this cohort. Outcomes were also qualitatively assessed by independent observers comparing pre- to post- operative photographs using both the Pittsburgh Rating Scale and a 5-point Likert-type assessment.
Results
28 men and 80 women underwent oblique flankplasty. Average age and BMI were 45 and 28.4 respectively. Average pre-op weight loss was 120lbs. 80.6% had Pittsburgh Grade 3 flanks, and 19.4% had Pittsburgh Grade 2 flanks. 97% underwent concurrent abdominal procedures, most commonly lipoabdominoplasty (76%). The most common complications were minor dehiscence (17.6%), seroma (10.2%), and minor infection requiring only oral antibiotics (9.3%). 2.7% returned to OR electively for revision, and 1.8% were unsatisfied with their final result. Independent qualitative assessment of photographs demonstrated significant improvement in 96% of cases.
Conclusion
The oblique flankplasty is a safe procedure with an acceptable complication profile and extremely high patient satisfaction. In the appropriate patient, it addresses both horizontal and vertical vectors allowing optimal reshaping of the flank and waist while also improving the contour of the abdomen and buttock as well.
