Two-stage Radiofrequency-assisted Lipoabdominoplasty

Abstract

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).

Fig. 1.

Before and after photographs of group 3 and group 2 patients treated with RFAL. A and B, A 42-year-old woman (group 3 patient) with rectus diastasis, moderate-to-serve abdominal/flank/back adiposity, and skin excess. She was a good candidate for the RALA procedure. Before and after photographs are taken from the first stage of the procedure. A total of 3 L of fat was aspirated under local anesthesia from the abdomen, flank, and back. Radiofrequency-assisted skin tightening was performed. Abdominoplasty was performed under general anesthesia 3 months later. C and D, Before and after of 37-year-old man (group 2 patient) with moderate adiposity and skin excess who underwent single-stage radiofrequency-assisted liposuction and mini abdominoplasty under general anesthesia.