Redefining abdominal anatomy: 10 key elements for restoring form in abdominoplasty

Abstract

While traditional abdominoplasty methods can successfully achieve the objective of restoring a flat appearance, the results can be artificially board-like, lacking the subtle anatomical features of a three-dimensional abdomen, thus creating the potential for patient dissatisfaction. While often difficult to articulate, patient criticism is almost always distilled to the ubiquitous concern that the surgical abdomen lacks the natural features of an authentic, youthful abdomen. In an effort to provide a more anatomically accurate outcome and improve patient satisfaction, I have made a series of technical modifications to the abdominoplasty that I now perform. Ten key technical refinements, including a modified "Anatomy Defining" Progressive Tension Suture technique, were successively incorporated in 177 patients during the first 5 years of 2000-2014. All have been applied consistently in 961 abdominoplasty procedures during the subsequent 10 years, often accompanied by liposuction of adjacent lateral (non-abdominal) areas to ensure harmonious proportion. This series of refinements adds precision and detail by redefining the native anatomical nuances of the abdomen, an aesthetic objective that has been consistently achieved in BMI ranges between 20 and 35. Overall satisfaction with results was high (94%). The 10 elements described are safe, effective, and lasting.

Keywords: abdominoplasty; abdominoplasty techniques; anatomy defining progressive tension sutures.