Aesthetic subunits of the trunk: Anatomy and behavior of skin and adipose tissue in each unit for better outcomes in liposuction

BACKGROUND: Liposuction and abdominal contouring is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons worldwide. Surprisingly, there has been few attempts at dividing the abdomen into subunits to delineate and aid in this endeavour. We have evolved a system of abdominal aesthetic subunits which has enabled us to achieve high quality results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A system of 8 subunits of the abdomen was evolved after analysing 1000 cases: Upper midline, upper rectus, lower rectus, pubic, Lateral abdomen, Lumbar Posterior midline and Bra Roll. RESULTS: The system was used in 2000 cases with good results. The system enabled the performance of tailored liposuction in each area, with greater accuracy, better results and fewer complications. CONCLUSION: Our success with this classification validates its use, and makes liposuction more scientific and effective.