Redefining Limits: A Clinical Trial on the Safety of Combining Liposuction with Undermining During Abdominoplasty.

IF 3.6 2区医学 Q1 SURGERY

Plastic and reconstructive surgery Pub Date : 2026-10-12 DOI:10.1097/PRS.0000000000013489

Hisham M El Minawi, Hamed M Kadry, Youssef R Rizkalla, Armin Edalatpour, Ellen C Via, Peter Wirth, Mohammed A Hussein, Ahmed M Afifi

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives: In spite of the popularity of liposuction with abdominoplasty, there is little objective evidence to the extent of liposuction and width of undermining that is safe. This study aims to objectively evaluate the safety and aesthetic outcomes of liposuction and extensive undermining, alone or combined, in abdominoplasty.

Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (A) Lipoabdominoplasty (limited undermining and liposuction of the abdominal flap), (B) Traditional Abdominoplasty (wide undermining and no liposuction of the abdominal flap), and (C) a Combined Technique (wide undermining and liposuction of the abdominal flap). The parameters assessed included epigastric pinch thickness, horizontal laxity, operative time, aesthetic outcomes, and the complication rates.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in complication rates when comparing individual groups, liposuction versus no liposuction groups, or limited versus wide undermining. Liposuction, with or without wide undermining, was more effective in reducing epigastric pinch thickness and enhancing aesthetic outcomes. Additionally, the extent of surgical undermining did not significantly influence flap thickness, horizontal skin laxity, or overall aesthetic results. Group C exhibited the longest operative time, likely due to the combined demands of extensive dissection, sub-Scarpa's fat removal, and liposuction.

Conclusions: Combining wide undermining with liposuction in abdominoplasty is safe. However, liposuction plays a more critical role than undermining in improving aesthetic results and reducing flap thickness and should therefore be prioritized. While wide undermining is safe, it should be employed selectively based on individual patient criteria and surgical goals. Abdominoplasty techniques should be customized to align with the unique anatomical features and expectations of each patient.

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重新定义极限：腹部成形术中抽脂与破坏联合安全性的临床试验。

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来源期刊

Plastic and reconstructive surgery 医学-外科

CiteScore

5.00

自引率

13.90%

发文量

1436

审稿时长

1.5 months

期刊介绍： For more than 70 years Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® , the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a benefit of Society membership, and is also available on a subscription basis. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair, cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medicolegal issues. The cosmetic section provides expanded coverage on new procedures and techniques and offers more cosmetic-specific content than any other journal. All subscribers enjoy full access to the Journal''s website, which features broadcast quality videos of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, podcasts, comprehensive article archives dating to 1946, and additional benefits offered by the newly-redesigned website.