The Greek Line Technique. Perfecting Aesthetic Results in Abdominoplasty

Background: There is a constant deepening between the vertical abdominal muscles in artistic works and in perfect bodies. Our aim is to demonstrate, a novel and safe technique to achieve exactly that feature in abdominoplasties. We are proposing the term “Greek line” for this characteristic abdominal groove as the Greek sculpting in its classical era 400B.C introduced to the world and popularized this kind of perfection in body shape. We could say that Plastic Surgery technically now is going through its classical era and we thrive to give our patients the results that the Greek classical sculpting could deliver to its immortal statues.     

Methods and Materials

Technique: First we mark the midline of the abdomen and the area 2cm bilateral of the midline. Then we inject the area with Klein solution between the xyphoid and the umbilicus. We begin the abdominoplasty as normally and when the dissection reaches the level of the umbilicus we perform radiofrequency assisted liposuction (RFAL). Superficially and deeply to this central area. The settings are: temperature 38^o, Power 50J. If the thickness of the abdominal flap is more than 2cm we perform also liposuction with cannula No 3, if it is less than 2cm we don't need to do any liposuction. We continue the dissection of the flap above the umbilicus. Before the closure we introduce 4-6 stitches PDS 2/0 between the abdominal flap in the midline and the abdominal wall in Linea alba. These stitches are under tension and are pulling the flap downward. The “Greek Line” has been already formed.

Patients:  From May 2010 to Nov 2017 we performed the “Greek Line” technique in 208 patients. Mean age of patients was 44 years old. Mean follow up was 3.5 years. 175 patients were smokers.

Results: In all patients the Greek Line was obvious after the operation. At the 5 years follow up the results were stable. Patients were very satisfied with the results. We didn’t have any problems with vascularity of the flap.

Conclusion: The “Greek line” technique is an easily performed one with long lasting results. It offers the tone of perfection in abdominoplasty, evolving it to a highly defined body sculpting procedure and providing high quality aesthetic results. It is also a safe technique which can be applied in every patient (smokers or not).