Aesthetic use of recycled perforator flaps to correct contour deformities during abdominoplasty procedures

Pedicled perforator flaps can be used not only in reconstructive scenarios but also for aesthetic purposes, thereby enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of the treated area. The authors present two representative cases demonstrating an innovative indication for correcting contour deformities using de-epithelialized perforator flaps recycled from abdominoplasty excision patterns.

Two patients presented with abdominal skin redundancy and contour deformities due to previous surgeries. The first patient, with a history of bladder exstrophy, underwent a fleur-de-lys abdominoplasty, with the soft tissue deficiency in the pubic region corrected using two DIEP flaps. The second patient, with a history of multiple surgeries for bilateral congenital hip dislocation, presented with retracted scars at the groins, which were corrected with bilateral SCIP flaps, harvested during a conventional abdominoplasty. The post-operative course was uneventful, and both patients reported a significant improvement in their perception of the operated regions according to the BODY-Q administered before and one year after surgery.

Perforator flaps recycled from abdominoplasty excision patterns may represent a reliable tool for correcting contour deformities during abdominoplasty procedures. This initial experience should be considered before sacrificing tissues that could potentially be better employed otherwise in order to optimize the morpho-functional outcomes in abdominal contour surgery.

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