Interview with Dr. Francisco Javier Villegas-Alza

Why did you feel that it was important to write a book on this topic? What does TULUA Abdominoplasty, 1st Edition add to the field?   

Writing this book was driven by my personal quest to simplify traditional abdominoplasty, improving safety and results, challenging paradigms that have been in place for 125 years. Observing serious complications from the combination of extensive undermining abdominoplasty combined with liposuction prompted me, along with many other authors, to reconsider how we could reduce these risks. By eliminating the need for undermining to advance the upper abdominal flap, liposuction can be performed without limitations, which is crucial for the next generation of plastic surgeons to understand—especially as more aggressive technologies and techniques continue to develop; with patients increasingly demanding more defined and sculpted results.

TULUA Abdominoplasty offers a safer, more effective approach by minimizing dissection, enabling unrestricted liposuction, correcting abdominal wall laxity, and rethinking the positioning of scars and the umbilicus. This publication provides surgeons with an innovative alternative that expands the possibilities of abdominoplasty, making it suitable for a wide range of simple to complex cases and meeting the high expectations of today’s patients. Communicating these insights became essential to ensure the ongoing safety and advancement of our field.

What is the most exciting aspect of TULUA Abdominoplasty, 1st Edition? What chapter or topic covered are you most excited about?   

The most exciting aspect of this publication is understanding the historical evolution of abdominoplasty and the pivotal role TULUA Abdominoplasty now plays in modern plastic surgery. TULUA has marked a turning point, offering a solution to the complications that arise from combining traditional abdominoplasty with liposuction. It’s particularly fascinating to see how prominent thinkers and scientists in the field of abdominoplasty have turned their attention to its benefits and are already applying its principles in many parts of the world. What makes this even more remarkable is that leading experts have contributed their experience, patient outcomes, and scientific scrutiny to each of the 50 chapters, further validating the technique. This widespread collaboration ensures that TULUA Abdominoplasty is on track to achieve global recognition, and its impact is steadily growing, making it a key advancement in the field.

Who will find the greatest value from TULUA Abdominoplasty, 1st Edition, and why?   

This book offers exceptional value to plastic surgeons across all career stages, from residents to seasoned professionals. Its comprehensive approach to aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, with a particular focus on innovative abdominoplasty techniques, provides both practical insights and cutting-edge knowledge.

Surgeons dealing with complex cases will find this resource particularly beneficial. Whether managing patients with hernias, extreme deformities, or those seeking athletic abdominal contours, the book offers detailed guidance on applying principles of simplicity, safety, and enhanced aesthetic outcomes.

The contributions from renowned experts across 50 chapters add significant depth and breadth to the content. These insights, backed by scientific rigor and extensive clinical experience, make the book an invaluable resource for surgeons aiming to expand their surgical repertoire, stay current with the latest advancements, and improve patient outcomes across a wide spectrum of cases.

Moreover, the book serves as a bridge between traditional methods and cutting-edge innovations, allowing readers to grasp the evolution of abdominoplasty and its integration with other procedures like liposuction. For those interested in the TULUA technique specifically, it provides a comprehensive overview of its principles and applications. In essence, this publication is not just a technical manual, but a roadmap for professional growth and excellence in plastic surgery, making it an essential addition to any surgeon’s library.

What new ideas, practices, or procedures do you hope your readers take away from TULUA Abdominoplasty, 1st Edition?   

I hope readers will embrace the key principles of TULUA Abdominoplasty, particularly the reduction of unnecessary dissection and the use of transverse plication to enhance safety. However, it is crucial to understand that TULUA is not a universal antidote to the adverse effects of poor clinical practice. The successful application of this technique, like any other, depends on careful patient selection, precise surgical execution, and thorough postoperative follow-up. One of the central messages is that the no undermining approach to the epigastric flap allows for unrestricted liposuction in many cases, which can significantly improve outcomes. Additionally, I hope readers are encouraged to adopt a more personalized and thoughtful approach to body contouring surgery, challenging traditional methods while prioritizing patient safety and optimal results.

What problem do you hope the future generation of your specialty will be able to solve?   

I envision future generations of plastic surgeons addressing several interconnected challenges in our field:

Firstly, I hope they will continue refining surgical techniques and advancing technologies to significantly reduce complications and recovery times. This progress should go hand in hand with improving scar quality and enhancing overall aesthetic outcomes, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

A critical aspect of this evolution will be the development of more sophisticated patient selection methods. By better matching patients to procedures, we can dramatically increase satisfaction rates and reduce the likelihood of complications or suboptimal results.

I also anticipate advancements in non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques that complement traditional surgical approaches. These innovations could offer patients more options and potentially reduce the need for extensive surgeries in some cases.

Furthermore, I hope future generations will make strides in personalized medicine within plastic surgery. This could involve tailoring procedures to individual genetic profiles or using advanced imaging and simulation technologies to predict and optimize surgical outcomes with unprecedented accuracy.

Ultimately, the goal should be to elevate the entire patient experience – from consultation to long-term results – ensuring consistently high levels of safety, minimal complications, and superior aesthetic and functional outcomes. By solving these challenges, future plastic surgeons will be able to offer patients a smoother, more effective, and more satisfying surgical journey.

Is there anything else about the book you’d like to say?

This book represents a watershed moment in the field of abdominoplasty. It’s the culmination of years of meticulous research, clinical refinement, and international collaboration with leading experts. What sets it apart is not just its comprehensive content, but its potential to revolutionize surgical practice.

At its core, this work aims to significantly reduce complications in abdominoplasty procedures, which directly translates to enhanced patient safety and improved outcomes. By offering practical, evidence-based solutions to common surgical challenges, we’re setting a new global standard for this procedure.

Moreover, the book goes beyond just technical instruction. It’s designed to improve the professional lives of surgeons who adopt these techniques. By streamlining procedures and reducing complications, we hope to alleviate some of the stress inherent in complex surgeries, potentially enhancing job satisfaction and career longevity for plastic surgeons.

The global perspective incorporated throughout the book ensures its relevance across diverse healthcare systems and patient populations. We envision its impact extending far beyond individual practices, potentially shaping curricula in plastic surgery programs and influencing guidelines in professional societies worldwide.

Ultimately, this book is more than a technical manual—it’s a catalyst for positive change in our field. We hope it will inspire continued innovation, foster international collaboration, and most importantly, lead to better experiences and outcomes for patients globally.

About the Author

Dr. Francisco Villegas is a plastic surgeon based in Tuluá, Colombia. With over 30 years of experience, he has dedicated his career to both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, with a particular focus on complex cases. His work extends beyond the operating room; as a professor of plastic surgery and microsurgery, he is actively involved in academic and teaching endeavors. Throughout his career, Dr. Villegas has pursued a personal quest to simplify surgical procedures, enhance safety, and improve outcomes, all while expanding the indications for surgery. This approach aims to amplify the reach and purpose of plastic surgery, making it more accessible and effective for a wider range of patients.

Purchase your copy of TULUA Abdominoplasty, 1st Edition here!