Radical abdominoplasty, including body shaping: representative cases

Even in the age of liposuction there exist certain situations for which abdominoplasty in its radical form is indicated--for example, redundant skin after radical weight loss, the stigmata of postpregnancy syndrome, and localized accumulation of adipose tissue--the lipodystrophies and resistant generalized obesity. Redundant skin after radical weight loss is resected simultaneously around the abdomen, the lumbar regions, the perineum, and the thighs. The typical stigmata of postpregnancy syndrome may be excised through an extended abdominoplasty combined with simultaneous excision and pexy of the inner aspects of the thighs leaving a "bikini" scar behind. A mastopexy may be added. Genetically predisposed localized lipodystrophies in the abdominal lumbar, and upper thigh region may be resected through a circular abdominoplasty with or without simultaneous resection of the perineum and inner thighs. Abdominal aprons often contain umbilical or ventral hernias that may need to be repaired simultaneously. Representative cases are presented and dangers and complications are discussed.