What is the cause of wrinkled skin after liposuction? Are there any treatments that will improve my skin's appearance? (photo)

Question

I had liposuction performed on my flanks and abdomen in 2015 by a qualified plastic surgeon. I received several opinions and a few told me I didn't need it. I wore a compression garment and did the rolling but my skin nevertheless has the appearance in the attached photos. I never had this wrinkled skin prior to the liposuction. At the time I had the liposuction I was probably 108 lbs and my weight has not really fluctuated from that. Will any procedures help smooth that out? Thank you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear austintx2019,
liposuction is a procedure which removes excess fat tissue but it doesn't affect skin. If you had some loose skin prior to liposuction there is a great chance that you will have it after the surgery. Also, 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

Christine Fisher, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question and the helpful photos. I do see the mild skin wrinkles that are causing your concern. I agree with some other answers here – it is likely a result of removing body fat via liposuction, which caused some volume loss that in turn caused loose skin. The loose skin is likely the reason for the wrinkled texture.
There are some non-invasive body sculpting and skin tightening treatments that may be able to help create a smoother appearance – laser options like SkinTyte, a platelet-rich plasma treatment or radiofrequency options might improve the texture of the skin in the area. You will need to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who provides similar treatments so they can evaluate you and determine whether these procedures will be helpful. Good luck!

Marcus Davis, MBBS, MRM, FRCSEd (Plast) · Answer

Dear Austitx2019,
Thank you for your question and pictures.
I know that hindsight is a wonderful tool but unfortunately impotent in its effect, but if you saw several Plastic Surgeons of which a few informed you that you didn't need liposuction then those are the ones you should have listened to. Regrettably there are some individuals out there that are too happy to take your money rather than do what is best for you medically.
Liposuction can unfortunately leave uneven contours, lumpiness and the one unpredictable is as to how the skin will contract and tighten after the volume beneath it has been removed. Normally in young skin it is good as you have greater elastic tissue left in your skin with which to contract - this is a general rule of thumb and there are obviously exceptions to this rule!
Being 4 or so years down the line yours is unlikely to settle or improve any further. Your options as I see them are, and this is purely based on your pictures and not an in-person examination and discussion:
1) do nothing
2) Seek opinion from a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that does VASER liposuction - this will potentially allow for better and smoother contouring and also tightens up the skin by way of heating it from beneath.
Others may discuss treatments such as Carboxytherapy, but I feel that this would be both expensive and temporary in nature and thus leave you unhappy and worse off financially.
I wish you luck.
Best wishes,
Marcus

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

to be honest your skin looks pretty good but considering your age and I'm guessing you don't have children yet your skin could've gotten compromised from the liposuction.  When a lot of fat has removed some skin wrinkling it's bound to happen but overall this is generally related to unevenly performed or excessively performed liposuction. Based on your pictures it looks like your upper abdomen and I have been slightly over treated in comparison to the area around your belly button. Without before and after pictures it's hard to know what the changes were. The best option for skin tightening is most likely going to be thermitight or Renuvion J-plasma. If you're ready to shell out another five to $8000 and this may be of some value.  I would not recommend any external radio frequency device at this point. Best, Mats Hagstrom M.D.

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