Abdominal Contour Research Articles

Surgical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Contouring Procedures after Recovering from Previous COVID-19 Infection

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence of increased postoperative complications in patients who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2. However, previous studies have not examined this effect in abdominal contouring procedures. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for all patients who underwent abdominoplasty or panniculectomy at our institution from March 2020 to November 2021. Patients were separated into cohorts via preoperative history of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Variables collected include demographic data, concurrent comorbidities, postoperative complications, readmission/reoperation, and length of stay (LOS). Parametric, nonparametric, and multivariable regression modeling was used for analysis. RESULTS: Of the 181 patients included, 14 (7.7%) had a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Average time from infection to surgery was 250 days. The mean age and Charlson comorbidity index for nonexposed and exposed patients were 45.4 and 45.9 years, and 1.24 and 1.36 points. Patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to have CKD (OR: 6.79, p = 0.017) and undergo abdominoplasties compared with panniculectomies (OR: 4.43, p = 0.039). There were no other significant differences in patient or operative characteristics between the cohorts. Compared with those with no history of infection, patients with previous infections had increased odds of postoperative complications such as delayed wound healing (OR: 27.67, p < 0.001). Subanalysis by procedure demonstrated that this observation was significant in patients undergoing abdominoplasty (OR: 19, p < 0.001) but not for those undergoing panniculectomy. CONCLUSION: Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with significant increases in postoperative complications such as delayed wound healing, even after significant time has elapsed between the initial infection and time of surgery.

Postbariatric Abdominal Contouring: Technical Approach and Quality of Life.

Abdominal contouring is a common procedure after bariatric surgery, but few studies on its outcomes have been conducted. The authors measured surgical and functional outcomes after postbariatric abdominal contouring and their effects on quality of life. Thirty patients, male and female, of different age groups, underwent postbariatric abdominal contouring using traditional abdominoplasty, fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, or belt lipectomy. The technical approach was decided according to each patient's presentation regarding the amount and extent of skin redundancy. All patients were given a booklet containing simplified questionnaires to assess quality of life and appearance to fill out both before and 6 months after the procedure. Data were collected face-to-face at the outpatient clinic during follow-up, by e-mail, or by messaging. The authors performed traditional abdominoplasty (seven cases), fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty (eight cases), or belt lipectomy (15 cases). Surgical outcomes (operative time, resection weight, blood transfusion, postoperative hemoglobin level, postoperative albumin level, hospital stay, drain period, and complications) were influenced significantly by the procedure type ( p ≤ 0.01). Health-related quality-of-life and appearance scale scores changed significantly from the precontouring stage to the postcontouring stage. This significant change in functional outcome was not correlated to the technical approach. Abdominal contouring surgery improves quality of life after bariatric surgery irrespective of the procedure type. . Therapeutic, IV.

“Thou shalt not throw away a living thing” - Innovative use of perforator flaps in abdominal wall reconstruction.

Abdominal wall reconstruction represents a complex challenge for plastic surgeons, given the variable range of clinical situations requiring restoration of abdominal wall integrity. When significant myofascial defects are encountered, repair with either a synthetic or biological mesh is indicated, both of which have advantages and drawbacks. Taking inspiration from Gillies' fourth commandment of plastic surgery- Thou shalt not throw away a living thing -an innovative technique to obtain a vascularized autologous mesh from the tissues usually discarded during abdominal contouring procedures was conceived. The authors describe how to maximize the use of perforator flaps derived from abdominoplasty excision patterns in abdominal wall reconstruction to simultaneously obtain restoration of abdominal wall integrity and improvement of the abdominal contour.

Analgesic Effect of Ropivacaine Pumped in the Sub Rectus Abdominis Muscle Sheath after Abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure in plastic surgery. It removes excess skin and fat, tightens abdominal muscles and fascia, restores normal abdominal anatomy and reshapes the distorted abdominal contour. According to the statistics released annually by International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) in 2020, there are more than 900, 000 abdominal wall plastic surgeries performed every year worldwide. However, the most commonly used analgesic methods, such as oral administration, intravenous analgesia and local infiltration anesthesia, do not provide the satisfactory analgesic results. We found that intra-sheath injection of ropivacaine of the rectus abdomen was effective in reducing postoperative pain. To retrospectively study the analgesic effect of continuous pumping ropivacaine into the intra-sheath space of rectus abdominis after abdominoplasty. A retrospective study was conducted on 67 patients with total abdominal wall plastic surgery admitted to Plastic Surgery Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from February 2020 to August 2021. The patients were from 25 to 56 years old, with a mean age of 38.5, ASA grade 1-2, BMI 27-33kg/m2, and rectus abdominis muscle separation range of 4-8cm. Based on the methods of postoperative analgesia, we divided patients into the following two groups: 29 patients in the conventional intravenous analgesic group (group A) and 38 patients in the rectus abdominis intrathecal analgesic group (group B). Group A received PCA with sufentanil 1.0μg/kg+ normal saline diluted to 100ml. Group B received continuous pumping of ropivacaine (0.2625%) through the rectus sheath internal tube in 100mL of normal saline and continued pumping at a rate of 2mL /h. Visual analog pain score (VAS score), analgesic pump pressure times and the degree of postoperative satisfaction were recorded at T1 (24h) and T2 (48h). The incidence of adverse drug reactions and complications related to nerve block within one week after operation were also recorded. The clinical data of patients with total abdominal wall plastic surgery in two groups were collected and analyzed. The patients in group B overall had lower postoperative VAS score, less analgesic pump usage, less nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and restlessness and a higher degree of postoperative satisfaction than those in group A. Continuous pumping of ropivacaine through rectus sheath can effectively relieve postoperative pain, reduce postoperative adverse reactions and improve postoperative satisfaction. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 . Body Contouring LOE IV.

Puboplasty as an integral step in massive weight loss abdominal contouring: a retrospective assessment of results, stability, and patients’ satisfaction

Ex-obese patients complain about abdomen and pubis deformities following massive weight loss, due to skin and soft tissue redundancy. Abdominoplasty is often the first corrective procedure performed, but residual mons pubis deformities may impair the final outcome, thus concomitant correction becomes necessary. Sixty patients were treated by the same surgeon between 2008 and 2018, 30 of them receiving only standard umbilical transposition abdominoplasty (A group), and 30 having concurrent monsplasty (AM group), namely skin excess removal, pubic suspension and skin redistribution following superolateral vectors, re-establishment of superficial fascia continuity, with or without liposuction. Retrospective comparison of the two groups included: a subjective evaluation through administration of questionnaires (BODY-QTM, a questionnaire assessing functional and aesthetic improvements after surgery, a questionnaire assessing the overall satisfaction), and an objective evaluation of pre- and post-operative pictures to estimate mons pubis suspension and result stability. Four minor complications were recorded: 1 wound dehiscence in A group, 3 seromas in AM group. All measured outcomes were higher in AM group, with statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in almost all the questionnaire and BODY-QTM items, and the photographic assessment confirmed higher degree of mons pubis suspension and superior result stability in AM group. We presented a standardized approach to mons pubis reshaping during abdominoplasty, through a straightforward, safe and quick procedure. Our experience supports the significance of the concomitant correction of abdominal and mons pubis deformities, improving the results of the surgery from both a subjective and objective point of view.

Efficacy and Safety of Electrical Multidirectional Stimulation for Abdominal Contouring in Thai Subjects With Normal Body Mass Index.

Efficacy and Safety of Electrical Multidirectional Stimulation for Abdominal Contouring in Thai Subjects With Normal Body Mass Index.

Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel, Bioelectric Muscle Activation Device for Muscle Toning and Fat Reduction.

Stimulation of muscles for improved strength and tone has historically been achieved using electro-muscular stimulation. Discomfort often limited the amount of current applied thereby limiting efficacy. Lutronic&rsquo;s Bioelectric Muscle Activation (BMA) system, (Accufit)TM, employs unique waveforms and proprietary electrodes to enable various muscle contractions while minimizing discomfort. Twenty-nine subjects were treated in an IRB-approved study to assess improvement in abdominal muscle strength, tone, and appearance following a regimen of four 30-minute treatments. Clinical photography, weight, abdominal circumference, and ultrasound images were recorded at baseline and 30 days post-final treatment. Twenty-nine subjects completed a subjective questionnaire. Of these subjects, 14 were very satisfied, 13 were satisfied, 1 was neutral, and 1 was dissatisfied. In addition, ninety-seven percent (97%) would recommend the treatment. A tingling sensation and pressure were commonly reported during treatment with minimal discomfort. Independent randomized expert photography grading correctly identified the treated versus the baseline images with a concordance rating of &gt;90%. Ultrasound imaging showed an increase in abdominal muscle thickness with a decrease in the abdominal fat layer for most patients. The data showed that the bioelectric muscle activation device produced an observable reduction in abdominal contour, which is consistent with ultrasound measurements and blinded expert grading. Based on the results of this pilot study, further studies with larger populations are warranted. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(10):1096-1104. doi:10.36849/JDD.0100.

“Abdominoplasty with “En block” removal of the skin island: a safe and fast approach”

The aim of abdominoplasty is to restore a normal abdominal contour, with minimal signs of the surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility, safety, and advantages of en block removal of a skin island before upper abdominal dissection during abdominoplasty. Five hundred-forty female patients who underwent abdominoplasties between January 2004 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. In these cases, the planned skin resection was initially made en block, as done with an elliptic skin excision. In this way, symmetric skin removal is achieved. After the removal of this skin, epigastric skin undermining was easily achieved. The mean age of the patients was 41.4 y, and the mean body mass of index was 27.3 kg/m2. The mean operative time for abdominoplasty only was 98 min. Eight patients had minor skin problems, 22 patients needed aspiration for seroma formation, and 7 patients needed scar revision surgery. There was only one hematoma postoperatively. The final position of the scar from the upper vulvar commissure was 8.9 cm. The results obtained were comparable to those of classical abdominoplasty, suggesting that en block removal of the skin before upper flap dissection is a safe maneuver. En block removal of skin island at the start of the surgery has the added advantage of a reduced operative time and acceptable aesthetic outcome, without an increase in complication rates. In cases of planned abdominoplasties, we suggest that removal of the abdominal skin at the beginning of the operation is a safe and feasible procedure. Abbreviation: PDS: polydioxanone

A Ruler for Abdominoplasty Preoperative Markings: The Potential of Best Scar Symmetry.

Background. Scar appearance is an important outcome in abdominoplasty surgery, and its asymmetry can have a significant impact on patient and surgeon satisfaction. Here, we compared the scar symmetry reached with a ruler specially designed for the preoperative marking in abdominoplasty to the classic preoperative incision marking. Methods. In this randomized, uni-blind study, 42 patients were allocated to 2 different groups. Group 1 patients had their preoperative marking made by a group of surgeons that used the classic technique as described by Baroudi (n = 21), and Group 2 patients received their preoperative marking by another group of surgeons, using a ruler specially designed to fit the abdominal contour (n = 21). Patients were evaluated using a standard questionnaire that collected information about general patient's characteristics. On the follow-up period, we evaluated the presence of late surgical complications, need for revision surgery, patient's satisfaction concerning the postoperative scar, and 4 distances were measured in both groups to assess symmetry. Statistical analysis was made. Results. A total of 42 patients underwent abdominoplasty and were evaluated on the follow-up period (mean time: 4months). The mean difference of corresponding measures on each side (A-B vs. A-B' and A-C vs. A-C') was higher in Group 1 comparing to Group 2. The level of correlation between corresponding measurements was higher in Group 2. Better satisfaction regarding the scar symmetry was achieved in Group 2, being this result statistically significant (P = .004). Conclusions. The use of the specialized ruler may help surgeons achieve a better scar symmetry with higher patient satisfaction.

Correction of a Leaking Stoma: Using Silicone Block Insertion

Changes in abdominal contour, including peristomal indentations, can cause leakage of stoma effluent and other complications. To describe the case of a 39-year-old patient with a urostomy who experienced very frequent urine leakage as a result of a peristomal indentation. The patient presented with a history of cystectomy and urostomy surgery for chronic interstitial cystitis and dysfunction of the bladder due to a neurogenic problem, and very frequent appliance changes due to urine leakage. Modest improvement occurred following fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap surgery. After 7 months, a silicone block was inserted in the peristomal indentation. After 1 year of follow-up, the outcome remained satisfactory and no additional procedures were needed. In this case, silicone block insertion was an effective and minimally invasive alternative to manage stomal leakage refractory to other procedures.

Abdominal Plication for Better Cosmetic Outcomes During Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) for breast reconstruction is a widely accepted technique for breast reconstruction. Secondary benefit of this technique is abdominal contour improvement. Because of direct access, abdominal plication can be performed at the time of abdominal closure. Our goal was to investigate if this addition affected the complications. A retrospective chart review was performed on all DIEP flap reconstructions performed by a single surgeon at a cancer center, from March 2011 through February 2020. Presence of abdominal plication, age, and body mass index were compared with reoperation due to abdominal wound or hernia, procedure length in minutes, and length of stay. The association between the dependent and independent variables for the unadjusted and adjusted analysis was performed using the binary logistic regression analysis. Three hundred fifty-eight DIEP flaps performed on 233 patients for breast reconstruction were analyzed. Flap loss was 1.7%. Abdominal plication was performed in 178 flaps (49.7%) and not performed in 180 flaps (50.3%). Thirty-nine percent were immediate; 61% were delayed. The results did not show a statistically significant association between abdominal plication and the need to reoperate (P = 0.3). Results from the adjusted analysis (age, body mass index) also did not show a significant association between the plication, need to reoperate, procedure duration, or hospital stay (P = 0.4). Abdominal plication can improve cosmetic outcomes without increasing the duration of surgery, hospital stay, or reoperation rates due to abdominal complications. Therefore, it can be a valuable addition in DIEP flap breast reconstructions.

Trunkoplasty after massive weight loss – a case series with a one-stage body contouring procedure for the NHS patient

Body contouring post massive weight loss (MWL) is a considerable task and is often a functional rather than esthetic operation. Clinicians are often encouraged to solve multiple issues in a single setting that can be difficult in the MWL patient. A simple abdominoplasty often does not provide a satisfactory outcome in such patients and may result in disharmony of the esthetic unit of the trunk. Trunkoplasty is a technique that combines a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty and reverse abdominoplasty. This is a one-stage operation to address the extra skin of the whole trunk esthetic unit. The average operation time was 4 h with a 3-surgeon team. No blood transfusions were required. There were 3 out of 15 patients with wound-related problems and no incidence of postoperative hematomas. There were no returns to theaters. Seromas formed were not symptomatic and no interventions were required. The average inpatient stay was 6.9 days and a return to work after 4 weeks. It can improve abdominal contour, define the waist, and improve mons ptosis in one stage without any change in position. This procedure has some specific advantages (accommodates preexisting abdominal scars), but also has shortcomings as compared to "standard" circumferential body contouring.

A Constant-Force End-Effector With Online Force Adjustment for Robotic Ultrasonography.

In this letter, we propose a novel constant-force end-effector (CFEE) to address current limitations in robotic ultrasonography. The CFEE uses a parallel, motor-spring-based solution to precisely generate constant operating forces over a wide range and enable the ultrasound (US) probe to adapt to the abdominal contours autonomously. A displacement measurement unit was developed to realize the acquisition of probe position and precise control of the operating force. Moreover, the operating force can be adjusted online to maintain safety and continuity of operation. Simulations and experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance. Results show that the proposed CFEE can provide constant forces of 4-12 N with displacements of 0-8 mm. The maximum relative error of force generation is 8.28%, and the accuracy and precision for displacement measurement are 0.29 mm and ±0.16 mm, respectively. Various operating forces can be adjusted online during the same operation. Ultrasound images acquired by the proposed CFEE are of equally good quality compared to a manual sonographer scan. The proposed CFEE would have potential further medical applications.

Standards and Trends in Lipoabdominoplasty.

Background:Lipoabdominoplasty has evolved over the last 6 decades through contributions from numerous luminaries in plastic and reconstructive surgery.Methods:The authors review historical perspective and provide a contemporary examination of trends in lipoabdominoplasty.Results:In 1967, Pitanguy popularized abdominoplasty (without liposuction) as a technique for augmenting ventral hernias repairs and subsequently for aesthetic improvement of the abdomen. After the introduction of suction assisted lipectomy by Illouz in 1983, abdominoplasty became a central tool in a diverse armamentarium of anterior and lateral abdominal wall contouring procedures. Liposuction was initially utilized with mini-abdominoplasty in order to improve contour. Subsequently, Matarasso advanced the safe combination of liposuction with full abdominoplasty. Additionally, he systematized the variety of cutaneous undermining, excision, and liposuction procedures utilized in abdominal contouring as indicated by the degree of skin laxity and musculofascial diastasis. Lockwood advocated high lateral tension closure of the superficial fascial system of the abdomen to improve the contour of the hips and flanks. Saldanha advanced selective undermining and anterior abdominal wall perforator preservation to minimize wound healing and seroma complications associated with lipoabdominoplasty procedures.Conclusion:In abdominal contour surgery, surgeons can rely on classic techniques and algorithms that have withstood the test of time while modifying their approaches with advances backed by compelling and rigorously obtained evidence.

Abdominal Flap-based Breast Reconstruction versus Abdominoplasty: The Impact of Surgical Procedure on Scar Location.

Autologous breast reconstruction has been demonstrated to be associated with superior patient-reported outcomes, and hence is regarded as the gold standard reconstructive modality. A common drawback of this procedure, however, is related to a high abdominal scar. Recently, hybrid breast reconstruction (ie, the combination of autologous and implant-based reconstruction) was presented as an approach that would combine the benefits of both reconstructive modalities. In this study, we sought to assess abdominal aesthetic outcomes associated with this approach. Thirty-two blinded reviewers evaluated standardized pre- and postoperative abdominal images of patients following autologous reconstruction with free abdominal flap (Group 1; N = 10), hybrid reconstruction (Group 2; N = 5), and abdominoplasty (Group 3; N = 10). Aesthetic abdominal appearance, including overall result, scar position, skin redundancy, and lateral abdominal contour, was rated on a 5-point Likert scale and a comparative analysis was performed. Hybrid reconstruction was associated with significantly lower abdominal scars compared with Group 1 (P = 0.01), nearing results of patients in Group 3 (P = 0.39). Significantly higher aesthetic ratings were ascribed to Groups 2 and 3 when compared with Group 1 (P < 0.001) with regard to scar positioning (P < 0.001), skin redundancy (P < 0.001), and lateral abdominal contour (P < 0.001). No significant difference in aesthetic ratings was noted between Groups 2 and 3. When applied to the appropriate patient population, hybrid breast reconstruction is a powerful method to achieve reconstructive goals while optimizing abdominal aesthetics. A significantly lower scar position was noted and higher abdominal aesthetic ratings were given following abdominoplasty and hybrid reconstruction compared with conventional abdominal flap-based reconstruction.

Effects of low level laser therapy on the cicatricial dehiscence in the postoperative period of lipoabdominoplasty. Case Report

Introduction: The surgical procedure is used for the treatment of external and internal injuries and diseases, performed through operations. In this context, the plastic surgery has the purpose of artificially reconstructing a part of the body. Among the various types of surgical interventions, lipoabdominoplasty is more accomplished, correcting the aesthetic and functional deformities of the abdomen, adding a better and more harmonious abdominal contour. Objective: To analyze the effect of the application of the low power laser in the repair of the cicatricial dehiscence in the postoperative period of lipoabdominoplasty in one patient. Methodology: A 25-year-old female patient who underwent lipoabdominoplasty surgery sought physical therapy in March 2017. She had cicatricial dehiscence, and started the pharmacological and physiotherapeutic treatment with low-power laser, AsGa, 12 s, 6J, non-contact. Results: It was observed improvement of the dehiscence progressively, with reduction of the local inflammation, reorganization of the tissue and closure of the wound, presenting in the end only the surgical scar. Conclusion: This study demonstrated positive effect of laser therapy, recovering the injured tissue, signaling a new non-invasive approach to a safe and beneficial treatment.

TULUA Lipoabdominoplasty: No Supraumbilical Elevation Combined With Transverse Infraumbilical Plication, Video Description, and Experience With 164 Patients.

TULUA (transverse plication, undermining halted at umbilicus, liposuction [without restrictions], umbilicoplasty with a skin graft, and abdominoplasty with low transverse scar localization) is a fundamentally different lipoabdominoplasty technique intended to reduce the risk of vascular compromise, correct wall laxity through a unique plication, allow freedom in choosing the umbilical position, reduce tension on closure, and keep the final scar low. The objectives of this article were to describe the TULUA technique and its variations, delineate the indications and contraindications, show the expected results, and determine its safety profile. A series of 164 patients is presented. The technique's basic tenets were (1) infraumbilical wide transverse plication; (2) no undermining above the umbilicus; (3) unrestricted liposuction, including the supraumbilical tissues; (4) umbilical amputation and neoumbilicoplasty in the ideal position with a skin graft; and (5) low transverse scar placement. Complications were recorded and tabulated. Results were evaluated utilizing Salles' and the author's graded scales. Scores averaged 9.4 out of 10 on the Salles' scale and 5.6 out of 6 on the author's scale, demonstrating adequate correction of the abdominal contour and the wall and skin laxity, with properly placed scars and umbilici, and without compensatory epigastric bulging. Overall, 20% of the patients experienced a complication: 9.7% experienced a delay in either the healing or graft take of the umbilicus, 0.6% developed skin necrosis, 0.6% experienced a wound dehiscence, 2.4% had an infection, and 4.9% developed a seroma. The TULUA lipoabdominoplasty technique was found to improve abdominal wall laxity and aesthetics to a degree that is similar to traditional abdominoplasty, based on the evaluated parameters. The complications associated with the procedure are within the range of other abdominoplasty techniques, and the technique potentially has a reasonable safety profile with less risk of vascular compromise.

Lipoabdominoplasty with Anatomical Definition.

In the past two decades, lipoabdominoplasty has increased in popularity worldwide, presenting low rates of complications and morbidity when the proper surgical steps are followed. The authors present an update of the lipoabdominoplasty technique with the addition of an abdominal definition and standardized steps for its safe execution, an initial personal experience with the procedure that improves the aesthetic results. Anatomical limits are described for preoperative markings for selective liposuction with abdominal definition. Specific areas of the abdomen are presented to differentiate the areas for an intense or moderate liposuction and the areas for superficial and deep liposuction for anatomical definition. The principles of traditional lipoabdominoplasty are also described and maintained. The initial experiences with 128 patients undergoing the technique are included. One hundred twenty-eight patients were operated on by the senior author (O.S.) from 2016 to 2019 using the described technique. One patient presented with a seroma (0.8 percent), and two had a small skin epitheliolysis (1.5 percent). No other major complications were observed. It is the senior author's opinion that the obtained aesthetic results from the lipoabdominoplasty with definition are superior to those of the traditional technique, as it enhances the natural contour of the abdomen. Lipoabdominoplasty with anatomical definition has improved the aesthetic results of traditional lipoabdominoplasty without compromising the safety of that technique. More natural results along the abdominal contour that avoid a completely flat abdomen have been observed by most patients. This approach is safe and reproducible, with low complication rates, and it effectively enhances body contour.

Ultra HD Liposuction: Enhancing Abdominal Etching Using Ultrasound-Guided Rectus Abdominis Fat Transfer (UGRAFT).

A prospective study with 10 consecutive patients undergoing UGRAFT was conducted. After HD liposuction, UGRAFT was performed from an incision in the umbilical region, using a blunt 2.5-mm cannula assisted by ultrasound. Fat injection was done closer to the anterior rectus sheath in the lower and middle muscle bellies. UGRAFT was performed in 10 patients. The mean age was 34.8 years (range, 24-51 years). The mean body mass index was 23.83 kg/m2 (range, 20.58-28.39 kg/m2). The mean volume of fat injected per "pack" was 34 cm3 (range, 20-40 cm3). UGRAFT added a mean time of 20 minutes (range, 15-30 minutes) to HD liposuction. Comparing the rectus abdominis muscle thickness pre-UGRAFT and post-UGRAFT, average muscle thickness increase was 5.1 mm (55.7% ± 37%), with P < 0.0001. UGRAFT showed to be helpful for obtaining muscle expansion and a more natural abdominal contour, avoiding that unnatural appearance that HD liposuction may provide in patients who gain weight or have skin laxity.

Tackling Abdominal Wall Contour Deformities in Patients with Complex Ventral Hernias in Plastic Surgeon’s Perspective

Tackling Abdominal Wall Contour Deformities in Patients with Complex Ventral Hernias in Plastic Surgeon’s Perspective