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Supraumbillical Skin Retraction After Laser Assisted Liposuction/Lipolysis.
Ivonne Žgaljardić1, Sanda Smuđ Orehovec2, Krešimir Bulić2
1Center for Aesthetic Surgery Dr. Žgaljardić, and Medical School, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
|May 26, 2026
Summary
Laser-assisted liposuction/lipolysis effectively tightens supraumbilical skin, reducing laxity. Optimal results are seen in patients with good initial skin elasticity and a longer distance from the jugulum to the navel.
Area of Science:
- Aesthetic surgery
- Dermatology
- Plastic surgery
Background:
- Supraumbilical skin laxity presents a significant surgical challenge.
- Laser-assisted liposuction/lipolysis (LAL/L) shows promise for skin tightening.
- Alternative treatments may result in visible scarring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate supraumbilical skin retraction after LAL/L.
- To correlate retraction with patient factors like age, BMI, and skin elasticity.
- To assess abdominal circumference reduction post-procedure.
Main Methods:
- 59 patients undergoing abdominal LAL/L were studied.
- Preoperative measurements included BMI, skin elasticity, and stretch marks.
- Vertical and circumferential abdominal measurements were taken at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- A significant average vertical skin retraction of 1.9 cm was observed (p < 0.001).
- Vertical retraction correlated with circumferential reduction (r=0.41, p=0.002).
- Preoperative jugulum-umbilicus distance and skin elasticity significantly influenced retraction.
Conclusions:
- LAL/L leads to measurable supraumbilical contour changes and skin retraction.
- Higher preoperative skin elasticity and longer jugulum-umbilicus distance predict better outcomes.
- Objective measurements are crucial for selecting suitable patients.
