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.