How do I make sure to get smooth lipo results? (photo)

Question

HThis is how I look in a bikini but I know the bottoms are helping a lot by "shaping" the fat. Do you recommend I add fat to the hip dips OR lipo the hips? I've noticed some people have fibrosis-y tummies after liposuction. How do I make sure to avoid this? How much does the plastic surgeon's skill affect that? Also considering lipoing my flanks. Can flanks also get bumpy from lipo? I want the fat gone but don't want it to look like cellulite if you know what I mean :) Thanks!

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Avoiding irregularities and achieving an even result can be possible with meticulous technique and mindfulness of the amount of fat left behind. Aggressive removal can cause some of the problems you mentioned.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear happygirl070707,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Excellence question and the answer is multidimensional. There will always be some fibrosis because this is basically scar tissue beneath the skin. But the degree of how much fibrosis and how apparent it is will depend on several factors. 
1. Surgeons ability definitely plays a roll. 
2. The use of technologies with liposuction help avoid excess trauma and bleeding, therefor healing is easier and this translates to less fibrosis. 
3. If patient gains weight after surgery it will affect results and may enhance any underlying fibrosis. 
4. Overly aggressive the liposuction is. This means liposuction too close to the skin or too much liposuction in an area with excess skin. This might leave behind loose skin. This loose skin will tend to fold or sag more after lipo, enhancing any fibrosis.

In your case 360 lipo including flanks, waist and hips is necessary. Fat grafting to hips is probably necessary, especially in order to achieve a smooth and curvy silhouette (even if you dint want too much curves some fat grafting is best).

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Your path to a great result is choosing a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive and long term experience with liposuction and other body contouring surgeries.  What is not important is the type of liposuction employed, e.g. Vaser, laser, ultrasound assisted, etc. Modern techniques to facilitate getting smooth results involves rapid elimination of subcutaneous fluids that can build up under the skin after surgery. It is not enough to simply compress the affected area with compression garments. Drains are now a mainstay of recovery, along with lymphatic massage therapy. I do not necessarily recommend filling hip dips: what can be seen in the photo is a prominence of hip fat that will always make your buttock look tall, square, flat. You will get the best recommendations with an in person consultation that allows for physical examination.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are an excellent candidate for liposuction of the flanks and abdomen and possibly the back.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Lumpiness is frequently seen after liposuction even in the most experienced hands. That is how fat tissue which is "injured" with liposuction reacts to surgical trauma; in some patient it is more visible and longer lasting than the others. It usually disappears after several months, massage and compressive garment are very helpful in that regard. Considering that you will have liposuction for the first time, it is impossible to predict whether and in to what extent you will experience this transient problem. Otherwise, you seem to be excellent candidate for liposuction of torso (360). Good luck.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

The experienced lipo doc is your best option. He/she does it under local with a little iv sedation for complete comfort and uses the micro canulas and stands you up during the  procedure to fine tune the results.  They will also do Quantum/Morpheus to help tighten up the skin for the very best results.  It is easy with only 2 days downtime.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

To get superior results you want to begin with the right surgeon.  The ASPS website can help you locate board certified plastic surgeons in your areas.  You can review credentials and before/after photos and then schedule a few consultations with those that meet your criteria.  Understand what lipo can and cannot do and discuss your goals with your surgeon.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you remove the excess fat in the flanks, you will not see hip dips. Some liposuction can also be done to the lateral thighs. Fibrosis is avoided if the surgeon is not too aggressive on your abdomen.  Liposuction, however, does not treat cellulite which is a problem with the skin and not excess fat.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear happygirl,
There is no doubt that you would benefit significantly from a liposuction, either with or without fat transfer depending on your goals and needs.  However, keep in mind that THE most common risk of liposuction surgery is contour irregularities, i.e. fibrosis-y tummies.  It is a fact and a reality that you have to accept as a possible occurrence, even though technologies and techniques have evolved significantly over the past few decades to avert it.  Lymphatic massages following liposuction probably help somewhat.  The one thing that we cannot control is the unpredictability of the individual healing process.  Good luck!

How do I make sure to get smooth lipo results? (photo)

Answers (10)

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