Learning objectives: After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Differentiate between techniques for standard abdominoplasty and lipoabdominoplasty. 2. Assess patients for risk associated with abdominoplasty alone and combined with other procedures. 3. Implement newer modalities for abdominoplasty perioperative pain management. 4. Better understand the implications and techniques for rectus diastasis correction by rectus sheath plication. 5. Understand the evidence for eliminating the need for drains in abdominoplasty.
Summary: This update to past Maintenance of Certification articles offers new perspectives and builds on past knowledge regarding patient assessment, perioperative management, surgical execution, and complications of abdominoplasty.