Use of an algorithm in choosing abdominoplasty techniques.

[OBJECTIVE] to validate an algorithm for the choice of the abdominoplasty surgical technique among the five approaches established in the literature, according to the characteristics of the abdominal wall.

[METHODS] we conducted a retrospective study of 245 patients undergoing abdominoplasty, for whom the method of choice of the surgical technique was the proposed algorithm, based on the degree of abdominal flaccidity determined by bimanual maneuver. We studied its applications and conveniences, as well as the complications inherent in each group studied.

[RESULTS] according to the algorithm used, the most frequently chosen technique was "Technique IV" (transverse dermolipectomy of Pitanguy - or with a Baroudi-Kepke incision), in 25.71% of the cases. "Technique I" (mini abdominoplasty) had the lowest incidence and the lowest rate of complications. On the opposite, "Technique III", dermolipectomy with remaining vertical scarring, presented a higher incidence of complications, requiring extreme caution in its indication, particularly in relation to patients' expectations regarding the resulting scar and its legal aspects. Among all conducts, the most frequent complication was seroma, with a 10.2% occurrence, solved by simple syringe aspiration and use of elastic compression mesh.

[CONCLUSION] the proposed algorithm facilitated the choice of abdominoplasty techniques, offering satisfactory results, which are in line with the complication rates published in the world literature.