Balls of fat necrosis 2.5 years after BBL surgery (Photo)

Question

Hey! I got surgery 2.5 years ago and have developed these hard lumps on both sides of my hips. I have reached out to my surgery center and my surgeon no longer practices there so they won't help me. He is no longer practicing surgery at all so I can't get any help from him whatsoever. I've reached out to three separate surgery centers here and have submitted additional photos but never received a response. I would like any help or referrals to get this problem rectified. I am willing to travel.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, first, you must go to a consultation in person, an MRI should probably be performed, to determine the content, and the depth and characteristics of the tumors, if it is determined that it is fat, they can even be removed in a consultation.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Having seen this actually have issues months after surgery, I recommend reaching out to experts like Dan Delvecchio in Boston/NYC/Miami or Simeon Wall who developed a  liposuction technique.
  I personally have managed a few liposuction catastrophes from other countries with "equalization" of the fat necrosis areas with specific cannulas designed for that task- it improves it to a degree and definitely improves the discomfort that some patients have.  Best Wishes!!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @cocowoods122, thank you for your question. Any kind of abnormality about the process must be analyzed, because there is no way to have a treatment if you are not clear about what is going on. The first step may be to do an ultrasound of the area. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes!

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science" Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science" Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear cocowoods122,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice. You can search for plastic surgeons close to you and get an examination. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Daniel Del Vecchio, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. I’m sorry that you’ve had trouble getting a hold of your previous surgeon. From the sounds of your story it’s most likely fat necrosis.

The treatment of this varies, but the most conservative treatment is to try some needling to break up the firm area. Another option is to fat graft around the area to camouflage it. The third option and  the most drastic is to remove the fat necrosis, which will leave a depression, requiring additional fat grafting in the future. Grafting should not be done at the time of removal. Hope this helps. Best  -

Balls of fat necrosis 2.5 years after BBL surgery (Photo)

Answers (5)