We have come a long way since the days when abdominal wall contouring was p- formed by simple dermolipectomies, with no attention to diastasis correction and muscular reinforcement, and little regard for the final aesthetic result. Nowadays, an abdominoplasty may be indicated for even the most demanding of patients. Details such as placement of the incision and umbilicoplasty are meticulously planned so as to conceal undesirable scars. Since the advent of suction-assisted lipectomy, in as- ciation with a classical operation or as an isolated procedure, the plastic surgeon has become capable of remodeling the entire trunk, assuring removal of considerable amounts of adipose tissue. Drs. Shiffman and Mirrafati have brought all of these aspects together, in this most timely book, Aesthetic Surgery of the Abdominal Wall. Here the reader will find an all-encompassing textbook, written in collaboration with outstanding colleagues, all of whom have contributed to this field of plastic s- gery that has been of particular interest to me. I am sure that, for both the younger and the more experienced surgeon, this book will become a reference text, covering all aspects of plastic abdominal surgery. Ivo Pitanguy, MD Preface This book on aesthetic surgery of the abdominal wall is an attempt to bring together the existing knowledge on body contouring of the abdomen. The major emphasis is on abdominoplasty and liposuction of the abdomen with the various combinations and techniques.