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How Effective Are Post-Liposuction Touch-ups?

I had liposuction 6 months ago and up with a few contour irregularities. They look like mogul-type lumps, not dimply like cellulite. My plastic surgeon said he could do a touch-up with a cannula that resembles a cheese grater, but not remove any more fat.

He said this would help smooth the lumps. But he also mentioned that one complication of using this instrument could be damage to the blood supply to the overlying skin. He hasn't seen this personally, but it does worry me. Is this a good procedure to smooth out lumps, and are the risks to the skin worth it?

Asked 35 months ago by bodyofamom in Boston, Massachussetts
Sort 4 expert answers by:
+2

It is important to know whether the bumps are excess fat or post-liposuction scars

The bumps you are referring to could be either scar tissue that has formed after liposuction. If that is the case, time and massage should provide some improvement. A persistently hard scar may respond to corticosteroid injection, however, this injection can have its own set of complications such as tissue atrophy and telangiectasias, so not a great choice. If the bumps are due to under-suctioned fat deposits, then liposuction with a small cannula could be helpful. The closer these... more
Reza  Nabavian, MD
Santa Monica Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lumps after lipo

6 months after liposuction, theings should lokk like they should although there still may be some changes in the next few months. A touch-up sounds perfectly reasonable to correct these minor asymmetries.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Touch ups after liposuction work

But I would get another opinion before you have touch up after liposuction.  We don't use this "cheese grater" cannula because it's risky.  You need to find out what the lumps are.
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Post liposuction touch ups

I am very impressed with your understanding of the subject. You have a much better understanding of the risks than most. You are correct in being concerned. You are approximately 7 months out and it is possible you will see some improvements but not likely complete resolution. It comes down to how much it really bothers you and if you can live with it. No one will be able to tell you for certain that it will get better or worse. It sounds as if your surgeon has been straightforward in... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
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