Circumferential Suction Lipectomy of the Trunk with Anterior Rectus Fascia Plication through a Periumbilical Incision: An Alternative to Conventional Abdominoplasty

During the past decade, many combinations of operative techniques for abdominoplasty have evolved to suit the individual requirements of the patient. The purpose of this study was to present a safe alternative to conventional abdominoplasty for appropriate patients, namely, those with minimal skin laxity, moderate fatty tissue distribution, musculofascial diastases, and no concern for abdominal stretch marks. The procedure consists of circumferential ultrasound-assisted liposuction and direct abdominal wall plication through a periumbilical incision. Thirty-two patients were evaluated on overall patient satisfaction and complication rates, including seroma (five, 15.6 percent), major sensory loss (none), skin slough (none), skin burns (none), end hits (i.e., a small, partial-thickness, subdermal burn; one, 3 percent), and limited results (two, 6 percent). The patients expressed that avoidance of the abdominal scar and diminished recuperative time outweighed the benefit of tighter skin associated with conventional abdominoplasty. This technique may provide another avenue for appropriate contouring of the abdomen in properly selected patients.