Recent Trends In Abdominoplasty

Abstract

Abdominoplasty has been performed for more than 110 years. During this time, many significant advancements of this procedure have been developed. This operation is no longer simply an excision and closure removing unwanted redundant lower abdominal skin. It is now a family of procedures that addresses each individual patient’s body habitus, personal desires and health status. The form of the abdomen is defined by the skeletal structure, as well as the quantity and distribution of fat, the appearance and condition of the skin, the tonus of the aponeurotic and muscular system, and the protrusion of the intra-abdominal organs. Abdominal alterations may be summarized as: cutaneous (redundancies, stretch marks, scars, flaccidity and retractions); accumulation of subcutaneous tissue (lipodystrophy); and those affecting the muscular-aponeurotic system (diastasis, hernia, eventration and convexity). Understanding the superficial fascia (SFS) or Scarpa’s fascia is important in achieving safe and aesthetically pleasing results in abdominoplasty procedures. A clear understanding of the blood supply, sensory distribution and soft tissue layers is critical when planning incisions, determining the amount of tissue to be resected, and deciding whether concomitant liposuction or lipectomy is indicated. Proper patient selection and education are paramount factors to ensure long-term success of the procedure. Selection of the ideal abdominoplasty procedure depends on the grade of excess skin and stretch marks, lipodystrophy, and musculoaponeurotic laxity. Patients hoping for abdominoplasty must have realistic expectations and should be committed to implementing some healthy lifestyle changes.