Abdominal contour surgery: treating all aesthetic units, including the mons pubis

Abstract

Background: Many patients who seek [ldquo ]abdominal[rdquo ] contour surgery also desire improvement of areas of the torso adjacent to the abdomen, such as the flanks and back rolls.

Objective: We propose a classification of the abdomen into distinct aesthetic units and report on a series of cases in which this classification was used, with special emphasis on one such unit, the mons pubis.

Methods: A series of 400 consecutive patients were evaluated according the proposed designation of aesthetic units. Lipoplasty was performed as described in previous studies. A subset of 6 patients who specifically desired improvement of the mons pubis were treated by lipoplasty and/or horizontal or vertical wedge incision.

Results: Most patients who received treatment according to aesthetic unit were satisfied with their outcomes. Two of the patients who sought improvement of the mons pubis specifically requested additional procedures.

Conclusions: An approach to abdominal contour surgery that includes consideration of all related aesthetic units can achieve more proportional, harmonious results and increase patient satisfaction.