Trochanteric dermolipectomy in a patient after bariatric surgery: case report

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Currently, with the increase in reducing gastroplasty (bariatric surgery) and the great weight loss, there is also an increase in the demand of these patients for plastic surgery. One of the characteristics of these patients is the excess of dermal adipose tissue that causes deformities, especially in the lower limbs, affecting the trochanteric region.

Objective:

To report a case of trochanteric dermolipectomy in a patient after bariatric surgery, where liposuction alone would not solve the correction of the deformity. Case report: IPMS, female, 55 years old, history of reducing gastroplasty (bariatric surgery) with great weight loss. She reports significant discomfort with lipodystrophy and extensive flacidity in the bilateral trochanteric region. After the team’s evaluation, it was decided to perform bilateral trochanteric dermolipectomy, in January 2019, at the Plastic Surgery Service Osvaldo Saldanha

Discussion:

In cases of trochanteric lipodystrophy with severe deformities, the scar of dermolipectomy in relation to the deformity is favorable in terms of the choice of this technique, since liposuction may further aggravate the deformity, and it is mandatory to use the trochanteric dermolipectomy technique to correct it.

Conclusion:

Therefore, liposuction is beneficial in cases of localized adiposity, limiting the indications for the dermolipectomy technique, especially in the trochanteric region, without invalidating it for selected cases, as described in this case report.