3 months post op, is the scar tissue damage and dents on my stomach after liposuction fixable? (photos)

Question

I had fat harvested from my stomach and moved to my breasts. After the surgery I developed hard dents and ridges across my stomach, especially where my stomach folds when I sit. It's been 3 months now and nothing has changed even when I massage it constantly, worried it's permanent tissue damage. These aren't fat lumps or irregularities after liposuction, they are rock hard and painful (ripping sensation) when I stretch the skin at all. I'm so scared this is permanent- how can it be fixed?

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello
and thank you for the question. I would suggest you wait another couple of
months  to see if there is going to be any improvement. In general,
surface irregularities result from aggressive liposuction too close to skin
surface. You should stay in touch with your surgeon. If these persist despite
lymphatic massages and steroid injections, sometimes they can be improved by
revision liposuction (more like using the liposuction cannula to break down the
scar tissue) or at times fat grafting to depressed areas. You should speak
with your surgeon. Best,
Pejman
Aflaki, M.D.
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello.
Great question. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. Based on your images, it appears you may benefit from liposuction revision and/or perhaps some fat transfer. Please visit a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed surgical plan to achieve your desired results.

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

It looks like you will be left with some irregularities and will require future liposuction and likely fat grafting to correct but I would continue to massage a few times a day and wait for 12 months until after the surgery date before trying correction as you will need to wait until the skin and soft tissue is soft enough to correct.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Based on your pictures, you are a good candidate for liposuction revision -- all that you point out can indeed be corrected.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

3 months post op, is the scar tissue damage and dents on my stomach after liposuction fixable? (photos)

Answers (4)