Modified Fleur-de-lis Abdominoplasty for Massive Weight Loss Patients.

[INTRODUCTION] Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is an effective procedure for correcting abdominal contour abnormalities in both the vertical and horizontal orientation. Tension on the approximated tissue edges and reduced microvascular perfusion is mainly responsible for wound dehiscence and delayed wound healing in the T-point area and seroma formation. To reduce these complications, we developed a modification of the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty technique forming upper abdominal skin flaps with deepithelialized mediocaudal edges.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] A total of 76 consecutive patients underwent fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty over a 2-year period. Of these, 38 (50%) underwent standard fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty and 38 (50%) had modified fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty.

[RESULTS] Full-thickness skin defects as major complications and nonoperative treated seroma formations were significantly reduced in modified fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty patients.

[CONCLUSIONS] Modified fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty reduces the rate of full-thickness skin defects at T-junction and the development of seroma formation.