Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open (Apr 2022)

Two-stage Radiofrequency-assisted Lipoabdominoplasty

  • Michael J. Stein, MD,
  • Spero Theodorou, MD,
  • Christopher T. Chia, MD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000004212
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 4
p. e4212

Abstract

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Summary:. Decades of lipoabdominoplasty safety, reliability, and efficacy have permitted more aggressive contouring of the abdominoplasty flap without increased risk for wound healing complications. However, the recent introduction of unrestricted liposuction of all vascular zones and high-definition liposculpting continue to challenge the vascularity of the abdominoplasty flap, particularly in high-risk patients. The present study reviews the authors' approach to abdominal lipodystrophy, and introduces a technique which maximizes fat extraction and skin excision while reducing risk of complication (two-stage radiofrequency-assisted liposuction and abdominoplasty).