Large necrosis: a rare complication of medial thighplasty

Obesity is a major public health problem in Western societies. After failure of diet and exercise, patients can have bariatric surgery. Weight loss causes excess skin on the body, including the thighs. This leads to difficulty walking and psychological disorders such as devalued self-image. Medial thighplasty is an intervention to reduce excess skin and fat in the thighs. The main complications are scar migration, scar infection, hematoma, lymphedema, gaping vulva, and, rarely, skin necrosis. We describe a case of flap necrosis after a reoperation of medial thighplasty. Treatment included debridement of necrotic tissue and healing of the wound by secondary intention (vacuum-assisted closure and dressings with calcium alginate). Complete healing was achieved in 4 months. As the patient refused any new procedure, skin grafting was not performed. The aesthetic results of plastic surgery procedures are often imperfect. Patients should be clearly prepared and informed about the results expected from the operation. Surgeons should know contraindications for reoperation.