Before undergoing abdominal liposuction, it is essential to thoroughly discuss the procedure with your attending physician to ensure optimal outcomes.
1. With the patient standing upright, observe the abdominal protrusion from both frontal and lateral views. Assess the distribution of subcutaneous fat, abdominal symmetry, presence of abdominal masses, and the distances from the xiphoid process to the umbilicus and from the umbilicus to the mons pubis. Pinch the skin to evaluate its condition and determine the degree of laxity.and estimate the amount of skin that can be excised. This also provides a general understanding of the distribution of abdominal wall muscles. Additionally, the abdominal muscle condition can be assessed through the palm pressure test, which can serve as an auxiliary judgment for whether rectus sheath plication is necessary. While measuring and assessing, mark the midpoints of the xiphoid process and mons pubis, plan the lower abdominal incision line and trajectory, and if combined with liposuction is required, also mark the liposuction areas.
2. With the patient in supine position, palpate the abdomen to detect any intra-abdominal masses or lesions, and assess the abdomen, buttocks, and back. Pay particular attention to distinguishing between subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat, as abdominoplasty addresses only subcutaneous fat and cannot resolve intra-abdominal fat. Perform the sit-up test to evaluate abdominal muscle strength.