45, 150lbs, how do I get rid of skin discoloration, loose skin & lumpiness from lipo & tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

I went to Colombia and had lipo and mini tummy tuck last October. 2 months ago i noticed the discoloration was not going away, I had unevenness under my skin and skin got really loose in my midsection. I now have rolls when I wear pants. Did I have a botched procedure? How do I get rid of discoloration? Do I need a revision? I wanted to fix my lower belly pooch. It is still hard under belly button. Do I need a revision? I am 45 years and 150 lbs.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Although there are great surgeons in Columbia, it's still the same situation as it is here in the US: the field is filled with incompetent or poorly trained surgeons. In reality, the good surgeons in other countries are now more comparable in price to good surgeons in the US. So, if you did this on a shoestring budget, chances are your surgeon was not a properly trained plastic surgeon. As I mentioned in your post about your breasts, you'll need a breast lift. For your belly, it is much more difficult. It appears as though you have dermal injury that has led to discoloration; this could be from too superficial liposuction or from an energy base device like Vaser. Regardless, this is difficult to treat. You'll need an in person evaluation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear cbq199,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, CBQ199. Thank you for your question regarding the issues you are experiencing following your liposuction and mini tummy tuck procedures in Colombia.

Thank you for providing your history and photos. It sounds like you are dealing with multiple concerns, including skin discoloration, lumpiness, and loose skin. Let's address each of these issues one by one:

Skin Discoloration: Skin discoloration following liposuction can be due to several factors, including melanin deposition or hemosiderin staining from bruising. For melanin deposition, a skin bleaching cream containing hydroquinone applied once nightly might help lighten the area over three or more months. This treatment is gradual and requires patience. For hemosiderin staining, which results from the iron in hemoglobin staining the skin after bruising, treatment with a vascular or YAG laser might be effective. It's important to consult with a plastic surgeon who has access to such lasers for an evaluation.

Loose Skin and Abdominal Rolls: The loose skin in your midsection and the rolls that appear with pants can sometimes occur after a mini tummy tuck if the skin retraction is not optimal or if there has been weight fluctuation after the surgery. A revision tummy tuck may be necessary to remove additional loose skin and tighten the abdominal area. During this procedure, permanent sutures might be used to plicate and tighten the abdominal muscles, especially if there is any remaining laxity.

Lumpiness and Hardness Under the Belly Button: The lumpiness and the hard area under your belly button are likely due to scar tissue formation, which is not uncommon after such procedures. This does not necessarily indicate a botched procedure, but it does suggest that the area is still healing or may require intervention to smooth out. Options to address this could include massage, use of ultrasound therapy, or possibly a minor revision surgery to remove or adjust the scar tissue.

Next Steps:

Consultation: Given the complexity of your concerns, I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring and revision surgeries. They can provide a thorough assessment and discuss appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
Revision Considerations: If a revision is advised, discuss all potential risks and benefits, including the expected recovery process and outcome.
It's crucial to have realistic expectations and understand that multiple factors can affect the final result, including your body's natural healing process. Seeking a second opinion might also give you more clarity and confidence in your next steps.

Good luck, and I hope this information helps you as you seek solutions to improve your post-surgical outcomes.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears you had some very aggressive liposuction or radiofrequency treatments with your tuck. This is not always safe nor gives good results. You could get improvement with a series of Sculptra injections and possibly very carefully placed fat transfers. Go to someone who has experience in these treatments for scarring.  Also, find someone in your area to treat you. Going out of country is not always the best options.

45, 150lbs, how do I get rid of skin discoloration, loose skin & lumpiness from lipo & tummy tuck? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

45, 150lbs, how do I get rid of skin discoloration, loose skin & lumpiness from lipo & tummy tuck? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.