French creativity in body contouring surgery

Since the end of XIXth century, many French surgeons have contributed in body contouring surgery evolution. In this article, the authors outline the most essential innovations as the invention of inflatable mammary implants by H.-G. Arion or fat remodeling surgery revolutionized with liposuction by Y.-G. Illouz. The authors end with a field, which is undergoing rapid changes: excess skin surgery. Before 2000, this surgery was known for its complications: necrosis, prolonged effusions, bad scarring. It was imperative to innovate since demand is exponential as the worldwide spread of obesity and massive weight loss which results from it. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.