San Mateo Doctors

Is It a Good Idea to Get Lipo Before Marriage and Having Children?

I am 23 years old, I have never been married nor I have children. Do you recomend having a liposuction before marriage and having children. Will in the future affect me having children?

Thank you for your question. Yes, it is a good idea to get liposuction before having children.  The younger you are to have liposuction the better the result as your skin has more elasticity and therefore will contract down better after surgery.  Liposuction does not affect your ability to have children. 

Donald M. Brown, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Are There Special Considerations for Liposuction on Asian Patients? I Scar Easily.

I'm female, 27,5'2'', 120 pound. I'm athletic, but all my life have had fat in my lower abdomen. I'm asian and have skin that scars VERY easily. I was reading on Realself that a doctor suggested VASER lipo since it worked better on asian patients "since they tended to have fibourus fat" What type of Lipo would work best for me? Are there any special considerations for asian patients? I've found someone sites that talk about "asian liposuction"--is there such a thing?

Thank you for your questions.  There are really two issues here.  The first is your tendency to scar. You must realize that all types of liposuction require an incision which will leave a scar.  These scars are however very small and are  placed in areas that are well hidden by clothing.  Asian patients sometimes have problems with increased pigmentation in the  scar  but this usually  improves with time and with the use of topical medications. 

The second issue is the manner in which the fat is removed.  Although there is much hype particularly on the web  with claims of one technique being better than another there is no evidence that any technique is better than the traditional technique.  In my practice here in  San Francisco  I have the opportunity to treat many asian patients and I can assure you that there are no special considerations to removing fat in asians.  There is no such thing as  "asian liposuction."  The most important thing to consider is not the technique but rather the person who is performing the liposuction. Look for an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to perform your surgery.  

Donald M. Brown, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Can't Live with Divots & Wavy Thighs 5 Years After Bad Lipo, What Can Be Done?

Dear Doctors, Sorry I can't provide a photo, but I can describe my issue. I had lipo on my inner & outer thighs 5 years ago, and haven't been able to wear a bathing suit since. The lipo caused divots (which look like cellulite) on my outer thighs, & my inner thighs are wavy. I spin 5 days a week, hike etc.. but my legs look horrible! I am not asking for a cure for cellulite, but desperately need some advice on how to improve these divots on my outer thighs, and the wavy inner thighs. Thanks!!

Thank you for your question.  You mentioned that you exercise 5 days a week but you did not mention anything about your weight. The first issue that could be addressed is your weight as this is something that you can work on yourself.   Exercise and proper nutrition is about the only thing that you can do.  As for surgical correction it may be possible to improve the appearance of your thighs with ether fat injection and/or spot liposuction.  You may also benefit from having  any excessive skin removed. I would suggest that you seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who after examining you will be able to give you your options. Best of luck. 

Donald M. Brown, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon