Problem: Abdominoplasty scars extending beyond the pubic hairline are unsightly, and do not follow normal skin lines. Various techniques have been developed to hide the lateral scar limbs extending beyond the pubis in patients that require a “traditional” abdominoplasty. However, the scars are still obvious in the nude patient.

Purpose: To develop an abdominoplasty technique that provides the same results as traditional abdominoplasty while maintaining a scar limited to the suprapubic hair line.

Discussion: Principal based approach to abdominoplasty may require staged procedures using the “traditional” approach i.e. post operative upper flap liposuction and dog ear revision. The 3 Dimensional 2 Staged abdominoplasty technique incorporates a planned staged procedure with the added benefit of a short suprapubic incision.

Conclusion: Patients with excess lateral abdominal wall skin and fat or rectus diastasis are not usually good candidates for a traditional mini-abdominoplasty incision. These patients can now be treated with a 3 Dimensional 2 Staged abdominoplasty that provides the benefits of a “traditional” abdominoplasty with a short suprapubic scar.