I am wondering if Pregnancey can Help Correct The Lumps Left From Abdominal Lipo?

Question

I had abdominal lipo done in October 2011. I Had It Paired with a Ba. I requested a small amount of fat be removed around my belly button only, no where else - assuming they would go in through my belly button. Unfortunately, they went in through my pubic area and ended up not being able to remove fat. I now have slight lumps on the right side of my lower abdomen that have not gone away. I am 5 months pregnant and wondering if pregnancy can help correct the lumps. Has anyone heard of this happening?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The question is an interesting one. It may be that the stretching of the skin and subcutaneous fat by the expanding uterus will have an effect on the contour. I would not count on it and I would like to know how it turns out.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Contour irregularities can occur after liposuction. Liposuction is not a skin smoothing procedure. I am unclear what you mean by "not being able to remove fat", and an exam would be helpful to determine what these lumps are, such as fat or scar tissue. Regardless, weight fluctuation can affect liposuction results. I would not anticipate a long-term smoothing effect or correction of these lumps from pregnancy. However body appearances can change from pregnancy, aging, and weight changes. Contour irregularities affecting the abdomen with loose skin after childbearing is treated successfully with abdominoplasty surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It would be unusual for pregnancy to correct lumps. However, pregnancy will definitely change the contours and look of the abdomen. If you need a tummy tuck later, the lumps can be corrected to some degree. Fat grafting and/or liposuction can be used to improve the area to some degree. Most of the answer will depend upon physical exam after pregnancy. Good luck. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS · Answer

While your pregnancy may have some effect on the skin of your abdomen, I would not expect that there will be a significant improvement in your contour issues after the changes associated with your pregnancy resolve. You may need to have some further work done to improve these issues, and you may find that you will need an abdominoplasty after the skin and muscles are stretched with your pregnancy. Wait and see... congratulations!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your pregnancy. It is doubtful that the lumps you refer to will improve with pregnancy. The lumps may represent scar tissue or fat necrosis.

I am wondering if Pregnancey can Help Correct The Lumps Left From Abdominal Lipo?

Answers (5)