Not enough fat removed after Liposuction?

I had an abdominal Liposuction on June 12th, 2009 to correct a muffin top that resulted from a myomectomy to remove uterine fibroids last year. My stomach ballooned out over a c-section type scar, and I wanted to flatten that area. The day after my Lipo surgery, I took my garmet off to shower and saw almost no change, not to mention that right above the scar where I wanted my stomach to be flattened the most still buldges out. Now, its very hard and sore. Does this mean that not enough fat was taken out?

Read my review "Lipo to remove muffin top caused by myomectomy surgery"

this was the natural shape of my stomach
this was my stomach after my fibroid surgery (myomectomy) and before lipo. i was horrified.
5 days after lipo. i know i will still have the scar but i can live with that. i just wanted the bludge gone so i could be as close to the natural flatness of my stomach as i had before
13 days after lipo. my stomach is now beginning to smooth and even out pretty nicely as u can see
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12 answers to “Not enough fat removed after...”

A: Liposuction results

John Philip Connors III, MD

As I understand your question, you are less than a week after surgery; and therefore still in the "Swelling" phase. I make sure patients understand that the first week after surgery is fraught with swelling and bruising. The second week starts the resolution phase at which point... more

A: It would be best to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a complete reanalysis

Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD

 It is hard to be sure what your condition is presently. In that light I would encourage you to find a different Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and have a complete reanalysis. You may just need further liposuction. You may just need a scar revision or you may need liposuction and a full abdominal tummy... more

A: Wait 6 weekes to evaluate your liposuction result

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

At three days post liposuction the swelling that you see is fluid and post operative swelling. It will take 6 weeks to 3 months for you to be able to see the effects of your liposuction surgery

A: Liposuction fullness

Steven Wallach, MD

 The area that you are concerned about often needs excision to remove the redundant tissue that overhangs the old scar. Liposuction can help, but like in your case it did not give you the desired result.  However, the firmness will soften with time as the swelling subsides.    

A: You probably would have benefitted from a scar revision

Sirish Maddali, MD

Since you have just had liposuction, you should give it time (3-6 months) for all the swelling to improve. After that, you can reassess the situation and decide on a plan. If the scar is still stuck down, then a consultation with a good plastic surgeon can help you decide on the right course. Given your... more

A: The "muffin top" is not corrected with liposuction.

George J. Beraka, MD

Hi! I know this is not what you want to hear, but I don't think you had the right operation.  In Manhattan, we commonly see this "shelf" or  fullness or "muffin top" just above the C section scar, and it bothers women a lot.   It is easily corrected with a mini... more

A: Liposuction alone unlikely to correct contracted c-section scar

Peter E. Johnson, MD

A low transverse incision such as a c-section scar can heal very well as my colleagues in OB have shown. Unfortunately some will develop a tethering of the skin to the deeper tissues forming a bulge or fold above and over the c-section scar. The tethering produces the impression of excess fat over the scar,... more

A: You need a plastic surgery visit

M. Ryan Khosravi, MD

If it is about one year after your surgery. You waited enough that was good, but you need a visit by a plastic surgeon for evaluation of your complaints.

A: You need a surgeon who can personally assess you.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Dear Morena You have waited a full year since your liposuction.  This is plenty of time to allow this area to heal.  Clearly you have an issue.  Without a personal examination, it is difficult to know precisely what the issue is.  Gynecologic surgeons (not all fortunately) are apparently... more

A: C-section scar revision or mini-abdominoplasty will probably provide superior result

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

I agree entirely with Dr. Shaefer. You most likely would benefit from a scar revision. Sometimes the problem is not the fat but a tight adherent scar similar to a tight belt that causes bulges. The scar has an absence of fat making the area immediately above it seem more prominent. By undergoing scar revision,... more

More answers to Not enough fat removed after Liposuction?
New York City - May need scar revision
St. George - Probably a normal result
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