Lipoabdominoplasty with Anatomical Definition

Background: In the past two decades, lipoabdominoplasty has increased in popularity worldwide, presenting low rates of complications and morbidity when the proper surgical steps are followed. The authors present an update of the lipoabdominoplasty technique with the addition of an abdominal definition and standardized steps for its safe execution, an initial personal experience with the procedure that improves the aesthetic results. Methods: Anatomical limits are described for preoperative markings for selective liposuction with abdominal definition. Specific areas of the abdomen are presented to differentiate the areas for an intense or moderate liposuction and the areas for superficial and deep liposuction for anatomical definition. The principles of traditional lipoabdominoplasty are also described and maintained. The initial experiences with 128 patients undergoing the technique are included. Results: One hundred twenty-eight patients were operated on by the senior author (O.S.) from 2016 to 2019 using the described technique. One patient presented with a seroma (0.8 percent), and two had a small skin epitheliolysis (1.5 percent). No other major complications were observed. It is the senior author’s opinion that the obtained aesthetic results from the lipoabdominoplasty with definition are superior to those of the traditional technique, as it enhances the natural contour of the abdomen. Conclusions: Lipoabdominoplasty with anatomical definition has improved the aesthetic results of traditional lipoabdominoplasty without compromising the safety of that technique. More natural results along the abdominal contour that avoid a completely flat abdomen have been observed by most patients. This approach is safe and reproducible, with low complication rates, and it effectively enhances body contour.