Rectus Abdominis Fat Transfer (RAFT) in Lipoabdominoplasty: A New Technique to Achieve Fitness Body Contour in Patients that Require Tummy Tuck

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery volume 41, pages1389–1399(2017)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective

To describe a new technique to achieve a fit-look in lipoabdominoplasty patients through liposculpture and rectus abdominis fat transfer (RAFT).

Methods

Patients with a body mass index under 26 and of both genders scheduled for abdominoplasty or body lift were selected for this procedure. Fat was transferred directly to the rectus abdominis muscle after flap elevation during lipoabdominoplasty.

Results

A total of 26 patients were operated on with this technique. No complications attributable to the fat grafting were noticed. All patients had a high satisfaction level with the procedure. Demonstrative cases are shown.

Discussion

The RAFT technique is a useful and effective technique to improve results in standard lipoabdominoplasty. Its main limitation is the adequate selection of the patient. The RAFT technique can be incorporated easily to common day practice.

Level of Evidence IV

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Acknowledgements

I want to thank my research fellow, resident and future plastic surgeon Dra. Ekaterina Troncoso, through endless conversations about how to improve the results, this idea sprout and was later developed.

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Affiliations

  1. Unidad de Cirugía Plástica, Departamento de Cirugía, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santos Dumont 999, Independencia, Santiago, Chile

    Stefan Danilla

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  1. Stefan Danilla
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Correspondence to Stefan Danilla.

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Danilla, S. Rectus Abdominis Fat Transfer (RAFT) in Lipoabdominoplasty: A New Technique to Achieve Fitness Body Contour in Patients that Require Tummy Tuck. Aesth Plast Surg 41, 1389–1399 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-017-0909-9

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Keywords

  • Fit
  • Fat transfer
  • Lipoabdominoplasty
  • High definition
  • Tummy tuck
  • Six-pack
  • Rectus abdominis
  • Fitness
  • Liposuction
  • Liposculpture