Abdominoplasty With Thorough Concurrent Circumferential Abdominal Tumescent Liposuction

1. Joseph P. Hunstad, MD, FACS

2. Seth R. Jones, MD

1. Dr. Hunstad is Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2. Dr. Jones is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Huntersville, North Carolina

1. Joseph P. Hunstad, MD, FACS , 11208 Statesville Rd, Suite #300, Huntersville, NC 28031 E-mail: jph1@hunstadcenter.com

Abstract

Abdominoplasty, the removal of excess skin combined with muscle plication of a patient’s abdominal region, can yield pleasing postoperative results alone, but adding significant concurrent circumferential abdominal liposuction to the procedure can dramatically improve the overall shape and contour of the final result. The perceived risk of performing this combined procedure involves potential skin necrosis resulting from devascularization of the abdominal flap, but when performed with proper technique—including thorough tumescent infiltration and vascular preservation during the liposuction portion—the procedure delivers superior results with a minimal risk of ischemia and necrosis.

Aesthetic Surgery Journal July 2011 vol. 31 no. 5 572-590