Enhancing Waste Definition Through Oblique Plication and Liposuction in Abdominoplasty

Background and objective: Lipo-Abdominoplasty remains a popular cosmetic surgical procedure globally, with numerous modifications aimed at enhancing aesthetics and minimizing complications. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of incorporating oblique plication of the abdominal fascia alongside vertical rectus plication to improve waist definition. Methods: This single-arm interventional study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2023 at the Plastic Surgery Department of the Burn and Plastic Surgery Teaching Hospital on 15 patients undergoing treatment for abdominal contour deformities and seeking to enhance waist definition, Through liposuction, oblique plication of external oblique muscle in addition to rectus plication. Results: Both patients and surgeons rated the outcomes as good to excellent, a substantial reduction in waist measurements ranging from the minimum reduction of 9 to maximum of 17cm with mean of 13.67%, in term of scar assessment 87% described their scars as light and thin while 13% reported widened scars, regarding complication two cases of seroma (13.3%) with no major complications observed during or after the surgery. Conclusion: The technique of combining oblique plication of the abdominal fascia with vertical rectus plication appeared to be safe and reproducible, resulting in reduced complications and residual bulging compared to conventional abdominoplasty.