Will I need liposuction again or can exercise fix this pocket of fat? (Photo)

Thank you for your question and photo. From this limited view photo, I see 3 fat pockets and 2 deep grooves that are at 45 degree angle in an unnatural direction.

If you were my patient, I would need to redo your whole liposuction procedure. From this limited view, I see that you have excess fat on the upper abdomen and rib cage, the lower abdomen cannot be evaluated. Side view photos would've been helpful.

Massage can help resolve swelling sooner or application of drains during surgery will get excess fluid out that otherwise might stay under the skin and can create unevenness. In your case is not the lack of massage that created these issues, but your surgeon's liposuction technique.

See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Dear Optimistic318690,
I would have to examine you but it appears that this is a contour irregularity after liposuction. This happens often when areas the undergo liposuction are not feathered appropriately.
The good news is that it can be fixed and I have done so with good results before. While there is always a chance for contour irregularities with liposuction, someone who takes their time and uses the appropriate sized cannulas should give you a superb result.I have all my patients wear compression garments and I use multiple sized cannulas to feather out the result.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

this is going to require revision. I can safely say that it will be extremely difficult to get rid of this by diet and exercise alone.

I would suggest first loosing the extra weight you gained to see if this fixes the problem. If residual fat remains, then consider localized liposuction.

Based on your pictures, you are an excellent candidate for revision liposuction. The definitive correction for liposuction deformities requires the advanced technology of ultrasound assisted VASER liposuction. As an official trainer of VASER liposuction, I encounter suboptimal liposuction outcome referrals weekly. VASER liposuction has been the only modality that has consistently corrected liposuction caused deformities. VASER liposuction ensures a smooth contour regardless of severity of contour irregularities by virtue of being able to remove any and all remaining fat comprehensively and uniformly. Finally, when skin redundancy irregularities are observed, Renuvion technology can be simultaneously applied to tighten your skin to optimize your overall contour outcome. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a VASER specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.

Respectfully,
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

You cannot change your fat distribution by exercise. Likewise massage will not change your fat distribution either and not getting massage after liposuction has no impact on the final outcome.

There’s no scientific evidence that massage has any role in Liposuction though some providers seem bent and selling this secondary treatment as a must after liposuction.

Your results are directly related to your individual candidacy for the procedure and how the procedure was performed. If the fat is removed in an uneven fashion that you are left with an uneven fat distribution. There is nothing more to it. It is that simple.

To get a more even fat distribution you will need a revision. To do that you’ll need to follow up with your provider.

I don’t recommend people travel for elective surgical procedures. People do not appreciate the importance of in person consultations, the complications actually do happen or the number of people who have questions after surgery or need revision surgery.

Your scenario is not atypical for someone who travels for elective surgery.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD