Contouring of the midtrunk in overweight patients

Classical abdominoplasty primarily addresses the anterior abdominal wall. It involves a low transverse incision, extensive undermining in the supra-aponeurotic plane, correction of the musculofascial flaccidity, and resection of excessive skin and fat. The introduction of suction lipectomy into the armamentarium of the plastic surgeon has allowed a more thorough, yet safer, contouring of the entire midtrunk. When used in conjunction with a modified W-type abdominoplasty, circumferential suction lipectomy has yielded excellent results in contouring the midtrunk of overweight patients. It is the purpose of this article to present our technique for this procedure.