Several innovations and modifications to the abdominal lipectomy procedure have been performed through the years. Despite recent improvements, the lack of natural results, including high scars, navel deformities, and “tense” abdomen, are still challenging. The objective of this study is to present an alternative technique of combined 360-degree truncal liposuction with abdominal definition, abdominoplasty, and neoumbilicoplasty.
From January of 2005 to June of 2017, 736 VASER-assisted lipoabdominoplasties were performed. Only healthy women with a body mass index below 33 were included. A three-step procedure was performed: (1) truncal liposculpture, (2) dermolipectomy and plication of the rectus abdominis muscle, and (3) neoumbilicoplasty through a butterfly technique. The follow-up included photographs and medical assessment with a mean of 2 years (up to 5 years). A nonstandardized survey was performed to self-evaluate the results.
Six hundred seventy patients answered the survey (91 percent). Six hundred fifteen patients were satisfied with the procedure (91.79 percent). Minor complications were reported: seroma in 7.3 percent, prolonged bruising in 10 percent, and swelling in 18 percent. Neither flap necrosis nor infections were reported. Neoumbilicoplasty was performed in all patients. Additional procedures were required in 4.6 percent.
Ultrasound-assisted lipoabdominoplasty is an alternative lipectomy technique that prevents stigmata of the procedure. The abdominal definition improves the shape and recreates the superficial anatomy. Neoumbilicoplasty shape, form, and choice of its position over the abdominal wall provide significant improvements in results.
Therapeutic, IV.
Bogota and Cali, Colombia
From private practice; Universidad Nacional; and Universidad del Valle, Hospital Universitario del Valle.
Received for publication July 11, 2017; accepted March 29, 2018.
Disclosure: The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and publication of this article. Dr. Hoyos was an unpaid speaker and advisor for the product development team of Sound Surgical (now Valeant Pharmaceuticals International) up to May 2013. Since May 2013 he receives royalties for the liposuction kits named after him. During the time of the study the authors did not have financial interest nor receive any financial support of the products or devices mentioned in this article.
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Alfredo Hoyos, M.D., Carrera 15, no. 83-33, Suite 304, Bogotá, Colombia, alhoyos@gmail.com
