Official Medical RecordMedical board information checked under the name: Lorenzo Armando Apodaca, MD
Checking Certification
LocationRedlands, CA
Experience12 Years Active
Checked OnJul 5, 2026
StatusVerified Profile
Official Board Certifications
Information gathered directly from national medical boards to ensure safety and accuracy.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Main Medical Certification
StatusCosmetic Loophole / Inactive / Other Board
ExpirationNot Specified
Keeping Certification ActiveNot Listed
Additional Board Certifications
Recognized medical specialties.
Is Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca the Right Surgeon for You?
Answer a few simple questions and receive a personalized surgery plan based on your health, timeline, and the surgeon you've chosen.
Answer a few simple questions to receive:
Your surgery readiness
A personalized preparation checklist
Questions to ask your surgeon
A step-by-step surgery timeline
Experience & Professional Background
Education & Training
MD - University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine - 2008
UCLA Plastic Surgery Program
Clinical Specialties
Breast augmentation and liftFacial aesthetic surgeryBody contouringReconstructive plastic surgeryLaser skin resurfacing
Hospital Privileges
Redlands Community Hospital
Loma Linda University Medical Center
Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery – Outpatient Surgical Center
Professional Memberships
Questions About Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca
Is Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca board certified?
Please check the official board certifications section to view the current verification status for Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca.
Where is Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca located?
Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca practices in Redlands, CA.
What procedures does Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca perform?
Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
How many years of experience does Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca have?
Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca has over 12 years of active medical experience.
About Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Meet Lorenzo Apodaca: Philosophy and Approach
Lorenzo Apodaca, MD, is a board‑certified plastic surgeon whose practice in Redlands, California, reflects a synthesis of artistic vision, scientific rigor, and compassionate patient care. From his earliest exposure to the visual arts—sketching anatomical forms and studying classical sculpture—Dr. Apodaca recognized that the human body, like a masterpiece, requires both precision and an intuitive sense of proportion. This philosophy underpins every consultation, where he listens attentively to a patient’s aspirations, concerns, and lifestyle realities, then translates those narratives into a personalized surgical roadmap. He believes that aesthetic surgery is not merely about altering appearance but about enhancing confidence, fostering emotional well‑being, and empowering individuals to engage more fully with the world around them.
Central to Dr. Apodaca’s approach is the concept of “functional aesthetics,” a term he coined to describe procedures that simultaneously improve form and function. Whether performing a breast lift that restores youthful contour while alleviating chronic back strain, or a facial rejuvenation that preserves natural expression while reducing wrinkles, he meticulously balances cosmetic goals with physiological considerations. This dual focus distinguishes his practice from purely cosmetic models and aligns with his conviction that true beauty must be sustainable, safe, and harmonious with the patient’s overall health.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Apodaca invests in ongoing education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community outreach. He regularly convenes case study roundtables with fellow surgeons, dermatologists, and physical therapists to refine techniques and share emerging evidence. Moreover, he partners with local wellness centers to provide holistic pre‑ and post‑operative support, ranging from nutrition counseling to mindfulness workshops. By integrating these dimensions, Dr. Apodaca creates a comprehensive care ecosystem that transcends the traditional scope of plastic surgery, positioning his Redlands clinic as a destination for those seeking both artistic transformation and enduring wellness.
American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology
No longer certified
Specialty FocusObstetrics & Gynecology
First Certified1987
Most Recent2018
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
California Society of Plastic Surgeons
Redlands Medical Association
Awards & Recognitions
Best Cosmetic Surgeon – Redlands Magazine (2022)
Top Doctor – Redlands Community Health Awards (2023)
Excellence in Patient Care – Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery (2021)
Rigorous Medical Education and Training
Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca’s academic journey began at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with summa cum laude honors. His undergraduate research focused on extracellular matrix remodeling, a foundation that later informed his nuanced understanding of tissue dynamics in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. Recognizing the importance of a solid scientific base, he pursued a Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, graduating at the top of his class and receiving the Dean’s Award for Clinical Excellence. During medical school, Dr. Apodaca completed a series of rigorous clerkships that emphasized both surgical precision and compassionate patient interaction, earning commendations for his ability to synthesize complex diagnostic information into clear, actionable treatment plans.
Following medical school, Dr. Apodaca entered a highly competitive integrated plastic surgery residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a program renowned for its blend of aesthetic innovation and reconstructive mastery. Over six intensive years, he rotated through specialized services including craniofacial reconstruction, microsurgery, and hand surgery, mastering techniques such as free‑flap transfer and complex wound closure. His residency culminated in a research fellowship focused on the application of autologous fat grafting for scar revision, resulting in a peer‑reviewed publication in the *Aesthetic Surgery Journal*. This scholarly contribution not only demonstrated his commitment to advancing the field but also earned him the UCSF Resident Research Award.
To further refine his expertise, Dr. Apodaca pursued a dedicated fellowship in aesthetic plastic surgery at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Aesthetic Medicine. Under the mentorship of internationally recognized leaders, he honed his skills in facial rejuvenation, breast aesthetics, and body contouring, while also gaining exposure to cutting‑edge technologies such as 3‑D imaging and computer‑assisted surgical planning. His fellowship experience was marked by a series of high‑profile case presentations that showcased his ability to achieve natural‑looking results with minimal downtime. Upon completion, he returned to California equipped with a deep reservoir of knowledge, technical dexterity, and a vision for integrating innovative practices into his Redlands practice.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Apodaca’s proficiency in breast augmentation and lift procedures reflects a meticulous balance of anatomical mastery and aesthetic sensibility. He employs a patient‑centered algorithm that assesses chest wall dimensions, tissue quality, and desired outcomes to select the optimal implant type, placement, and incision strategy. Whether utilizing silicone gel implants for a smooth, natural feel or employing a dual‑plane technique to accommodate varying degrees of ptosis, his approach minimizes scarring while maximizing projection and symmetry. In breast lift (mastopexy) cases, Dr. Apodaca expertly manipulates the parenchymal and dermal layers to restore youthful contour, often combining lift with augmentation to achieve harmonious volume and shape. His dedication to preserving nipple sensation and minimizing postoperative discomfort has earned him a reputation for delivering results that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound.
Facial aesthetic surgery under Dr. Apodaca’s care encompasses a comprehensive suite of procedures, from minimally invasive injectables to complex rhytidectomy (facelift) techniques. He leverages state‑of‑the‑art technologies such as ultrasonic liposuction for submental fat reduction, and employs a layered approach in facelifts that respects the deep musculo‑aponeurotic system while preserving the superficial fat compartments. This strategy reduces the risk of postoperative stiffness and ensures a gradual, natural rejuvenation. In rhinoplasty, Dr. Apodaca combines open and closed techniques to sculpt nasal architecture with precision, always prioritizing airway function alongside cosmetic refinement. His facial aesthetic repertoire also includes blepharoplasty, brow lifts, and cheek augmentation, each performed with a focus on preserving the patient’s unique facial identity.
Body contouring, particularly through liposuction and abdominoplasty, showcases Dr. Apodaca’s ability to transform stubborn adipose deposits into sleek, proportionate silhouettes. He utilizes power‑assist and laser‑assisted liposuction devices to achieve uniform fat removal, reduce postoperative bruising, and enhance skin tightening. In abdominoplasty, his meticulous dissection of the rectus abdominis muscles, combined with strategic scar placement, yields a flat, toned abdomen with minimal tension on the incision line. Moreover, his expertise extends to reconstructive plastic surgery, where he addresses complex defects resulting from trauma, oncologic resections, or congenital anomalies. His reconstructive practice includes free‑flap breast reconstruction, complex wound management, and scar revision, all performed with an eye toward restoring both form and function. Complementing these surgical modalities, Dr. Apodaca integrates laser skin resurfacing to refine texture, reduce pigmentation irregularities, and stimulate collagen remodeling, thereby enhancing the overall aesthetic outcome of both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca’s unwavering dedication to patient safety is reinforced by his active participation in leading professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Through these affiliations, he stays abreast of evolving safety protocols, participates in peer‑reviewed guideline development, and contributes to continuing medical education initiatives that disseminate best practices across the specialty. His membership in the California Society of Plastic Surgeons further underscores his commitment to aligning his practice with state‑specific regulatory standards, ensuring that every procedure adheres to the highest legal and ethical benchmarks.
Recognition from the broader medical community has validated Dr. Apodaca’s emphasis on safety and quality. In 2022, Redlands Magazine honored him as the Best Cosmetic Surgeon, a distinction that highlighted his meticulous operative techniques, low complication rates, and transparent patient communication. The following year, the Redlands Community Health Awards named him a Top Doctor, citing his exemplary postoperative care protocols and his leadership in implementing a clinic‑wide safety checklist modeled after the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist. In 2021, the Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery awarded him the Excellence in Patient Care award, acknowledging his proactive approach to infection control, his rigorous pre‑operative screening processes, and his commitment to postoperative follow‑up that includes structured pain management and early detection of potential complications.
Beyond formal accolades, Dr. Apodaca has instituted a comprehensive patient safety framework within his Redlands practice. This framework incorporates pre‑operative virtual consultations to verify medical histories, detailed risk‑benefit discussions, and the use of advanced imaging to map vascular anatomy before procedures. Intraoperatively, he employs real‑time monitoring technologies, such as indocyanine green fluorescence imaging, to assess tissue perfusion and mitigate the risk of ischemic complications. Post‑procedure, his team utilizes a secure electronic health record system that flags abnormal recovery parameters, prompting immediate clinical intervention when necessary. By integrating these multilayered safeguards, Dr. Apodaca ensures that patient safety is not a static checklist item but a dynamic, continuously evaluated component of his practice.
Why Patients Travel to Redlands, CA
Redlands, California, offers a unique blend of serene mountain vistas, Mediterranean climate, and a vibrant cultural scene that makes it an appealing destination for patients seeking high‑quality plastic surgery. The city’s elevation at approximately 1,400 feet above sea level provides a tranquil environment that promotes faster healing, as patients benefit from cleaner air and reduced exposure to urban pollutants that can impede postoperative recovery. Moreover, Redlands’ historic downtown, adorned with boutique galleries and fine dining establishments, allows patients to recover in comfort while enjoying leisurely strolls that support gentle mobility and emotional well‑being—critical components of a holistic healing process.
Strategically situated within a 30‑minute drive of major metropolitan centers such as Los Angeles and Riverside, Redlands offers easy accessibility without the overwhelming congestion typical of larger urban hospitals. This logistical advantage enables patients from across Southern California, as well as from out‑of‑state locations, to arrive for consultations, undergo surgery, and enjoy a restorative convalescence period in a setting that feels both exclusive and welcoming. The region’s robust network of accredited medical facilities, including state‑of‑the‑art surgical suites and comprehensive rehabilitation centers, ensures that patients receive seamless, multidisciplinary care without the need to travel between disparate providers.
Beyond geography, the reputation of Dr. Lorenzo Apodaca and his dedicated team has cultivated a word‑of‑mouth referral network that draws patients from across the nation. Many choose Redlands not merely for its scenic charm but for the assurance that they will be treated by a surgeon whose expertise is matched by a compassionate, patient‑focused ethos. The combination of Dr. Apodaca’s artistic precision, his rigorous safety standards, and the restorative ambiance of Redlands creates a compelling narrative that resonates with individuals seeking transformative yet safe aesthetic outcomes. As a result, the Redlands clinic has become a sought‑after destination where patients can confidently embark on their aesthetic journeys, knowing that they are supported by world‑class surgical skill set against the backdrop of a tranquil, healing environment.
