Abdominoplasty after pregnancy: Current practical controversies

Frequently, abdominoplasty is done after women complete childbearing. The main indications for abdominoplasty include: abdominal skin excess, striae, and musculofascial laxity. There are many techniques of abdominoplasty including: standard wide undermining and vertical plication of the rectus fascia with liposuction of the flanks, abdominoplasty with liposuction of the abdomen and minimal midline undermining,  abdominoplasty with removal of deep fat from the upper abdomen, circumferential abdominoplasty, and mini-abdominoplasty. Currently, abdominoplasty is the sixth most common cosmetic procedure; however, a controversy remains regarding indications of abdominoplasty, proper preoperative preparation, choice of the appropriate surgical technique, choice between limited and full dissection abdominoplasty, operative techniques for proper positioning of umbilicus and scar, postopertaive management, and strategies to prevent postoperrative complications. Herein, we try to highlight the current practical controversies regarding preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management during abdominoplasty after pregnancy..