ASK THE EXPERT
Lipo Abdominoplasty for Body Sculpting BY CHARLES A. MESSA, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.
L
ipo abdominoplasty is an advanced improvement a patient will have from a technique bringing significant tummy tuck. Fat in the superficial tissue change to the traditional tummy is the type that is possible to pinch. This tuck. The procedure involves a combinasuperficial fat may be removed through tion of traditional liposuction with an excision (tummy tuck) or aspiration open skin and fat removal procedure, (liposuction). If skin laxity or looseness typically referred to as a tummy tuck. is significant, the skin and fat should The combination of the two procedures be removed with a tummy tuck. If the enables the plastic surgeon to better skin elasticity is adequate; however, the contour and shape the abdomen and the superficial fat may be removed through adjacent areas more comliposuction alone. Liposuction pletely. Patients who have may flatten the abdomen, but experienced increased skin it will not tighten the skin laxity and excess fat deposisignificantly. tion in the abdomen, hips, Patients who have soft, and waist can now transform distended abdomens fretheir bodies into a more quently have lax muscles or a beautiful shape. separation of rectus muscle in This procedure is ideal the midline known as diasfor patients who have excess tasis. This is common after skin and fat with abdominal multiple pregnancies makweakness, commonly seen ing it a great procedure for after childbirth, weight loss, and with the ‘Mommy Makeovers’ or significant weight alterations that are seen with the aging loss patients. process. Lipoabdominoplasty safely comWhen patients have excess skin that bines suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuc- extends to the lateral hips and lower back tion) with abdominal muscle tightenor buttocks, an extended or circumferening and skin removal. The fat which is tial abdominoplasty may be necessary. For removed via lipoaspiration can be added most patients the resultant incision is well to other areas of contour deficiency like hidden within underwear and bathing the buttocks through fat grafting or suit lines. The procedure usually takes 2 transfer. This combination reshapes the – 3 hours. Patients should prepare to rest entire midsection and buttock giving the for a minimum of one to two weeks after individual the shapely body contour they their procedure. desire. The technique should be used n Dr. Messa is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board with caution in patients who have a hisof Surgery, an active member of the American tory of smoking or previous abdominal surgery and should be performed only by Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a Fellow of the experienced surgeons who are certified American College of Surgeons. He is a recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. expert in cosmetic plastic surgery and has achieved There are a number of important vari- Allergan’s Black Diamond Award as one of the top 1% of plastic surgery practices in the country by volables that determine whether a patient ume. Dr. Messa has also achieved Chairman status is a candidate for a lipoabdominoplasty. with Medicis and Mentor Corporation. This award For any plastic surgical procedure to be honors distinguished leaders in cosmetic surgery a complete success, medical and psychofor demonstrating expertise and excellence through logical fitness for surgery is a prerequisite. a high volume of aesthetic product procedures. The certification is awarded to leaders in the field of The appropriate patient typically is close medical aesthetics and demonstrates their committo their ideal body weight with anatomic ment to innovation, excellence, and the highest level features that may be improved surgiof patient care. cally, including loose skin, excess fat, and To schedule your consultation with Dr. Messa, weakened abdominal muscles. The displease call our office at (954) 659-7760. tribution of fat is one determinant of the
58 NOVEMBER 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM
