Comprehensive Liposuction and Complete Abdominoplasty: A Review of 644 Consecutive Cases and Analysis of Complications

Abstract

The standard of care in abdominal recontouring is complete abdominoplasty. Originally described in 1899 as abdominal lipectomy, the evolution of the procedure has involved rectus plication and application of tension in an effort to improve cosmetic benefits. Resistance to combined lipoaspiration has been fueled by fears of increased complications such as increased rates of ischemia, devascularization, dehiscence, seromas, and higher revision rates. A paucity of evidence supported these fears. We retrospectively reviewed 644 consecutive abdominoplasties performed by one surgeon (E.J.N.) in a facility accredited by the American Association for Ambulatory Healthcare. All patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1–3.