Abdominoplasty is designed to address abdominal skin and contour problems that cannot be reduced to a single issue such as fat alone.
Planning distinguishes excess skin, subcutaneous fat distribution, scar position, abdominal-wall laxity and prior surgery. Liposuction may be complementary in selected areas, but it does not replace skin removal when laxity is the dominant problem.
Planning considerations
- Location and amount of excess skin.
- Existing scars and prior abdominal surgery.
- Abdominal-wall contour and muscle separation where relevant.
- Overall health and risk factors for wound or thromboembolic complications.
- Recovery demands and activity restrictions set by the treating surgeon.