The differential fascial glide: a technical refinement in abdominoplasty

Body contour surgery is in continuous evolution in an attempt to offer better aesthetic results. With greater understanding of the superficial fascial system of the trunk, various suspension procedures have been devised which use the fascial system as an adjunct to complement traditional abdominoplasty techniques. We present a simple technical refinement to the traditional abdominoplasty which uses the superficial fascial system to tighten the flanks and concomitantly shortens the final scar: the differential fascial glide. In this technique the superficial fascia is dissected as a separate layer from the abdominal flap and suspended in an oblique direction towards the midline whilst the abdominal flap is pulled in a downward and lateral direction, thus creating two opposing vectors of pull. This simple technique results in improved flank contour and a shorter scar in patients undergoing classic abdominoplasty.