Lipobrachiopexy: Cosmetic Outcomes and Limb Lymphatic Function of a Novel Brachioplasty Technique in Massive Weight Loss Patients.

Abstract

Many types of brachioplasty techniques have been described in the literature, and the main focus has been scar aesthetics, reproducibility and safety. Little attention has been given to other two aspects of the procedure: overall aesthetic with a focus on the torso-brachial angle and on the lymphatic distress related to the procedure. In this paper, we described a novel technique of brachioplasty called lipobrachiopexy, a lymph-sparing procedure which includes tendon suspension suture to improve cosmetics . Over 18 months, 22 consecutive patients underwent bilateral lipobrachioplasty with circumferential liposuction sparing brachial artery perforators, J-scar dermolipectomy and superficial fascia suspension to the pectoralis major tendon. Aesthetic outcomes, lymphatic function, sensory function and patient's satisfaction were evaluated at 1-year follow-up. The correction of the bat wing deformity and the shape of the transition of the upper arm to the chest was evaluated by quantifying the torso-brachial angle using Photoshop. Lymphatic function was analysed pre-operatively at 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery by indocyanine green lymphography (PDE, Hamamatsu Photonics, Japan). An average of 447.5 cc (range, 350-550 cc) of fat was aspirated for each side. No major complications were experienced. Patients' and surgeons' satisfaction was high to very high in all cases. The lymphatic function was found preserved, with the same physiological linear patterns and tracer progression pre-operatively and 1 year after surgery. The torso-brachial angles showed significant improvements (86.7±14.7-100.7±10.2 right side and 85.4±16.3-101.5±9.9 left side). Lipobrachiopexy is a safe and effective technique that adds to the recent trends in brachioplasty, a reestablishment of the brachial fascial systems and addressing the anatomical etiological factor of the bat wing deformity. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .