Hardening After Smart Lipo

I am seriously considering smart lipo on my abdomen area (muffin top) but after reading this forum i am concerned with the 'hardening' everyone seems to talk about after the procedure. Why does it happen and how long will it last? Also, many have said the area treated is very sensitive to the touch even months afterwards. Why is this and will it affect sexual relations?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by tanya_in_dayton in dayton, ohio

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Smartlipo and firmness

People who tell you there is no swelling with smartlipo probably don't perform it. i think there is less bruising, but probably more swelling, at least in the immediate post-op period. the laser actually melts fat and heats skin, and the firmness is a healing response to this tissue damage. it is a normal part of healing and expected with smart lipo. this typically takes anywhere for 6 wks to 6 months to completely resolve.

Hardening of tissue after smartlipo liposculpture represents inflammation of the skin and underlying tissue.

Hardening of tissue after smartlipo liposculpture represents inflammation of the skin and underlying tissue. This can resolve on its own and be improved with anti-inflammatory agents.

Hardening is a temporary phenomenon

The hardening that patients experience after liposuction or Smartlipo is temporary phenomenon that happens as part of the natural healing process. It is nothing to worry about. It generally starts around the 2-3 week and may continue for a month or more. It passes and always disappears. Generally, I tell my patients that it is a good sign that the skin and tissues underneath are tightening. It does worry patients, but it goes away. The treated areas can be sensitive... more

Firmness after liposuction

Firmness from liposuction may happen as a reuslt of fat necrosis. I really haven't seen this with traditional liposuction.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Firmness of tissue after liposuction

Liposuction involves the removal of fat cells. As the body heals, there is the inflammatory healing cascade that involves collagen production. Less soft fat and more firm collagen/protein equals a more substantial feeling tissue. The skin retracts backwards to the underneath tissues forming a more dense infrastructure of the skin. Tenderness reflects the healing when the tissues are touched. This is normal and expected. It resolves with time for most people within a... more