Can Skin Rippling and Cellulite Post-Liposuction Be Eliminated?

I had Liposuction done 12 weeks ago. I'm 35, 5'8 and pre-op I weighed 141.7lbs. Fat was removed from my outer and inner thighs, lovehandles and knees. I must admit that looking at my body (fully clothed) in a mirror right after surgery and before the appearance of the swelling the results were impressive beyond imagination.

Now, my feelings are rather mixed about having the liposuction. My appearance has improved greatly, and I get very encouraging feedback from my friends, but I'm not happy with my body when I see me naked. My cellulite now seems more pronounced and there still are bulging areas, not as bulging as they used to be, but my body contour is not completely trimmed either. Apart from that my hips seem to have dropped, and the skin, when pinched, seems to be loosely connected to the underlying muscle. It feels as if I have the body of a woman 10 years younger and the skin of a woman 15 years older.

Are all these problems to be expected after liposuction? I'd also like to know if there's anything I can do to help treat those problem areas? Will any additional treatments (like mesotherapy, lipomassages) help, and up to what extent?

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cellulite

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by C_Pan

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Cellulite can be treated by multimodal therapy in experienced hands

N my practice I have found that the only way to improve cellulite is to attack it with several different noninvasive technologies to contract and smooth at different depths. I call it Maercks Multimodal Therapy or MMT. I have never seen any one technology have an impressive effect on its own. Remember for most interventions, who performs the procedure and how they do it is more important than a brand name! All the best, Rian A. Maercks M.D. see video

New Laser Liposuction Technology Can Smooth Skin and Tighten Skin after Old Style Liposuction

Dear C_Pan, Your experience is very common following traditional liposuction. Most patients who have had liposuction are very happy with the fat removal and the improvement in body contour. However, as many as 20% of people who have had a successful liposuction report skin irregularities, lumps, bumps, and uneven areas called contour deformities and loose skin. First, I would recommend massaging the skin and the areas that are swollen or lumpy-this will help. Also, exercising to firm and... more

Cellulaze Best for Cellulite Reduction

Thank you for your question. I would suggest Cellulaze to reduce your cellulite. Cellulaze is the only minimally invasive laser procedure designed to attack the structure of cellulite beneath your skin. Cellulaze is backed by many years of clinical research. Studies have shown it increases the thickness of your skin by 25% and the elasticity of your skin by 29%—significant claims that haven't been made by any other treatments. Thicker and more elastic skin can help flatten and smooth the... more

Skin rippling after liposuction

Liposuction is a safe, popular, and effective way to contour the body. For a successful outcome it is essential that patients use a tight compression garment specifically designed to add even pressure to the area that has been treated. Patients experience long-term swelling after liposuction himself we recommend that are wear their compression garment and waits for 6 to 8 months to see the final result. At this time, you should be evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon will be... more

Appearance after liposuction

Right now you are only 3 months after liposuction. Although the majority of swelling is probably gone, there is still some time to heal. Cellulite can be improved sometimes by local fat injection release of the fibrous attachments, and some laser procedures.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Choose options carefully

Unfortunately some people experience what you have when the skin lacks enough elasticity to shrink evenly after lipo. Your options are fairly limited because in general cellulite treatment is not yet a perfect science. You may wish to see someone who has experience with Thermage cellulite treatment, or the Accent laser. I have not been impressed with what I have seen presented for mesotherapy.

Be patient!

Most people are pretty stable in their recovery from liposuction at three months. Some take longer. Final results from liposuction require healthy contraction of the scar produced under the skin. This can take a long time to finalize. If you have questions go see your surgeon and voice your concerns. I have found that massage and endermologie have helped some patients after liposuction. Going back to the gym and increasing muscle mass will improve the look of tightness in the legs and... more

Thermage can tighten the skin of the thighs.

To C_Pan, Hi! I am glad that you stress the positive. You have a good attitude and will do well. Here are some facts: 1) It takes 4 months to see the final result of liposuction. So don't contemplate anything for at least another month. 2) Liposuction should not cause your skin to become looser. 3) In fact, when done together with superficial, subdermal tunnelling, liposuction can tighten the skin and improve cellulite. 4) If you have residual bulges, you may need touch up... more