Aesthetic abdominal contouring enhancement with combined abdominoplasty and circumferential liposuction in normal-BMI postpartum Asian women.

BACKGROUNDS: Abdominoplasty constitutes a principal aesthetic procedure in plastic surgery, with relevance for postpartum women presenting with abdominal wall laxity. Nowadays, an increasing number of patients are undergoing abdominoplasty not merely to address a protruding abdominal appearance, but to pursue a waist-to-hip ratio that approaches an athletic physique.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the clinical efficacy of combining abdominoplasty with liposuction within this patient population.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed 160 postpartum women with BMI (22.1 ± 0.7 kg/m2) undergoing combined abdominoplasty and circumferential liposuction. Surgical steps included preoperative marking, tumescent liposuction of flanks, hip rolls, and upper abdomen, followed by abdominoplasty with rectus plication, progressive tension sutures, and meticulous umbilicoplasty. Outcomes were assessed via anthropometric measurements and Visual aid scoring questionnaire.

RESULTS

Waist circumference significantly reduced from 90.9 cm to 80.4 cm postoperatively. Complications included seroma (3 cases), umbilical wound dehiscence (3 cases), and abdominal wound dehiscence (4 cases), all managed successfully. Patient satisfaction significantly improved postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined abdominoplasty and circumferential liposuction are safe and effective for abdominal contouring, achieving significant waistline refinement and high patient satisfaction. The integrated approach addresses both aesthetic and functional concerns with an acceptable complication profile.