Dr. Schmelzer specializes in bodily plastic and reconstructive surgery, working closely with lipedema surgeons Dr. David Smart and Dr. David Amron at the ALT surgical center at The Roxbury Institute, Utah. This relationship enables reconstructive procedures that meet the specific and personal needs of each lipedema patient. Additionally, Dr. Schmelzer performs breast, abdomen, thigh, post-bariatric, tummy-tuck, face, and neck rejuvenation procedures - areas of paramount importance to many of our patients. Dr. Schmelzer collaborates to design tailored protocols, ensuring the safest and most effective approach for patients requiring both Lipedema reduction surgery and surgical tightening procedures, such as arm and thigh lifts, abdominoplasty, and breast surgery. Dr. Schmelzer’s unwavering dedication to providing compassionate care, precise attention to detail, and exceptional results ensures that his patients receive the highest level of care.
Dr. Schmelzer is ABPS American Board Plastic Surgeons Certified, a member of AMA, American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons The Plastic Surgery Research, Council American Cleft Plate Association American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Utah Medical Society, and the Utah Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Education:
2004-2005 Craniofacial Fellowship Medical City Hospital, Dallas, Texas (Mentored under Jeffrey Fearon, MD)
2002-2004 Resident in Plastic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
2002 Research Fellow in Plastic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO
1997-2000 Resident in General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
1993-1997 Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, MD degree 1997
1989-1991 University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, Post–Baccalaureate Microbiology
1985-1989 Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, BA in English
Research Experience: Research Fellowship - Washington University, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital, Cleft Palate Craniofacial Deformities Institute. Project: Studies in craniofacial anomalies, 2000-2002. Primary investigator: Jeffrey L. Marsh, MD
Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Department of Infectious Diseases. Project: Antigenic and mitogenic effects of cytokines on HIV pathophysiology, 1994. Primary Investigator: Michael M. Lederman, MD
Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Department of Infectious Diseases. Project: Anti-sense DNA therapy in HIV infected cells, 1992-1993.Primary Investigator: Michael M. Lederman, MD
University of Florida School of Medicine, Department of Genetics. Project: DNA mapping of an X-linked gene for Menke’s Disease, 1991-1992. Primary Investigator: Thomas P. Yang, PhD
University of Florida School of Medicine, Department of Pathology. Project: Studies in DNA polymorphisms in an animal model of HIV, 1990-1991. Primary Investigator: Maureen M. Goodenow, PhD
Dr. Schmelzer is the Director of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at The Roxbury Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah with hospital privileges at St Marks, Timpanogos Regional, Utah Valley, and Lone Peak hospitals. Dr. Schmelzer has a lengthy history of surgical experience and research benefitting patients needing reconstructive surgery, including craniofacial reconstructive surgery for children.
Awards/Positions
At the core of Advanced Lipedema Treatment’s philosophy is the guiding principle that our surgeons are treating not simply a disease, but a person with a disease. Prior to even meeting a new patient, heart and empathy lead the way, holding a patient’s hand from the initial consultation through recovery.
At the surface of our philosophy is beautiful artistry. Our elegant and skillful surgeons target disproportionate fat on the patient's body, so that the patient loses weight, but does so in a perfectly balanced way. However, achieving this requires more than just removing the accumulated fat. Equally as important is the careful attention and skill employed through liposculpture to achieve aesthetically pleasing body contouring and cosmetic results, and to maximally decongest the tissues. For maximum improvement in each patient, liposuction and liposculpture should accomplish three main goals: reduction of pain and improvement of symptoms, prevention of disease progression, and the best cosmetic outcome.
Dr. Amron and his team of lipedema specialists treat patients from around the globe. For that reason, Dr. Amron wanted to create an exceptional lipedema treatment and surgical center. Today, Dr. Amron’s Advanced Lipedema Treatment is offered exclusively at the highly regarded Roxbury Institute, with locations in Los Angeles, California and Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Roxbury Institute exceeds every standard of medical safety, and creates an idyllic environment for patients that promotes trust. With its elegant furnishings and well-equipped treatment rooms, you’ll rest easy knowing you’re receiving the highest standards of care and treatment.
