Short scar abdominoplasty update.

Techniques for abdominal contouring have proliferated and evolved over the past 2 decades. Now more than ever, aesthetic operations are tailored to fit the anatomic features and aesthetic goals of each individual patient, stressing the absolute importance of patient selection. This short scar procedure relies on a combination of liposuction and modified skin resection and muscle tightening in the lower abdomen. It has been the author's experience that this results in a more rapid recovery in most patients. It is almost always performed in conjunction with liposuction of the posterior trunk to achieve a harmonious recontouring of the aesthetic unit of the trunk. The techniques employed are familiar to all plastic surgeons performing body contouring procedures. Patient selection is the absolute key to achieving successful outcomes. Short scar abdominoplasty results in significant contour improvement in the properly selected patient. The procedure relies on a combination of liposuction and modified excisional surgery to produce the desired outcome.