Questions about Lipoabdominoplasty
Plastic surgery and skin care to help you look and feel your best
Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Angelchik is well-trained and experienced in all forms of plastic surgery, namely breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation. He has been serving patients for over 20 years. Dr. Angelchik brings his surgical experience, expertise, and quality care to patients in and around Phoenix, Arizona.
What is lipoabdominoplasty?
Lipoabdominoplasty is an advanced plastic surgery procedure that combines liposuction with the tummy tuck procedure. It was introduced several years ago by Brazilian plastic surgeon, Dr. Osvaldo Saldanha. Combining liposuction and abdominoplasty is done so that excess areas of fat and skin may be removed at the same time the abdominal muscles are tightened. This is a safer technique than using traditional liposuction or traditional abdominoplasty and preserves the lymphatic and vascular systems, which helps in the healing process. Lipoabdominoplasty and the techniques introduced by Dr. Saldanha have a very high rate of success.
What is the lipoabdominoplasty procedure like?
There are many similarities in lipoabdominoplasty that are performed in traditional liposuction and traditional abdominoplasty. First, liposuction of the abdomen is performed by experienced Phoenix, Arizona plastic surgeon Dr. Angelchik. The skin from the level of the navel to just above the pubic bone is excised, as in a tummy tuck, but the lymphatic vessels are not touched so that swelling is minimized. The abdominal muscles are tightened and the abdominal skin is pulled down and sutured.
What are the advantages of lipoabdominoplasty?
There are many advantages that make lipoabdominoplasty the best choice for people looking into body sculpting procedures. Because of the aggressive liposuction performed, there is improved abdominal sculpting. The scar that is left is usually short on most patients. There are fewer post-operative complications, and there is a lower likelihood for post-operative numbness, swelling, bruising, and pain. One of the most important advantages of lipoabdominoplasty is that Dr. Angelchik is able to preserve about 70 percent of abdominal skin blood flow as opposed to the 20 percent that remains with traditional procedures.
Am I a candidate for lipoabdominoplasty?
Patients who are in good general health, are height and weight proportionate and who want a sculpted midsection that a tummy tuck or liposuction alone won’t help are candidates for lipoabdominoplasty. Having realistic expectations of what your aesthetic outcome will be is very important. You should also not be a smoker since smoking inhibits healing and is bad for your skin.
Which surgeons perform this procedure?
Currently, Dr. Angelchik is the only West Valley plastic surgeon performing the Saldanha lipoabdominoplasty. If you are in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area and have questions about how you can benefit from lipoabdominoplasty, please contact board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Angelchik today for an initial consultation.
