What would fix my liposuction irregularities (15 years post op)? (Photos)

Question

I had lipo over 15 years ago. I had a revision with fat transfer shortly after, but I still have irregularities that I am very self-conscious about. I’d like to finally address it once and for all. Is a tummy tuck my only option (if it even is an option)?

Mustafa Aydinol, MD · Answer

Irregularities that have persisted for 15 years, especially after a previous revision, can be difficult to correct completely. After examining the tissues, I would consider a conservative VASER-assisted revision. The aim would be to loosen some fibrotic tethering and mobilize the remaining fat, potentially making the depressions less noticeable. Carefully guided postoperative massage may also be part of the plan.
The goal would be modest improvement. VASER and massage cannot reliably replace missing fat, and further fat removal could deepen existing hollows. A tummy tuck may help if loose skin contributes significantly, but it would not necessarily eliminate all the irregularities.

Yasemin Aydinli, MD · Answer

From your photos, you are slim with very little fat, and the skin of the abdomen is slightly loose with fine wrinkling around and above the navel and some subtle irregularities. I do not think you have enough excess skin to justify a tummy tuck, so I would not rush into surgery. Radiofrequency treatments such as Venus Legacy may reduce the looseness and the irregular look a little, and PB Serum can also be tried, but none of these is a miracle and you should expect a modest improvement. If the irregularities remain the main problem, subcision and fat grafting can be considered, but they also give only a partial improvement. Old liposuction areas are likely to have fibrosis, so the result can be unpredictable. This can only be determined by physical examination.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck without skin excision can be performed.  This is done to elevate the flap and correct the irregularities.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos, I do believe that an abdominoplasty would improve your appearance. You appear to have skin laxity that has probably worsened the contour irregularities over time. Selective liposuction and/or fat grafting can be done at the same time to smooth out any areas of fullness or depression once the excess skin is removed. Typically, with contour irregularities, a combination approach yields the best outcome. Multiple fat grafting/microliposuction treatments may be necessary.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sfloridamommy,

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

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi. I would not consider you a candidate for a tummy tuck, as you do not appear to have enough excess or loose skin to justify an abdominoplasty. 
Instead, I would evaluate you for revision liposuction with VASER. Since your main concern is the irregular contour left from your previous liposuction, VASER may help address areas of residual fat and fibrosis and create a smoother, more even abdominal contour. 
Because this is a revision after previous liposuction and fat transfer, an in-person examination would be important to assess the scar tissue, skin quality, and thickness of the remaining fat before determining how much improvement can safely be achieved.

Chris Lee, MD · Answer

if you have excess skin, pulling that tight by removing excess can help the most, outside of that you are looking at multiple fat grafting or alloclae revisions to lessen the extent of it. can use radiesse and sculptra for minimal effect but can soften it up a bit

What would fix my liposuction irregularities (15 years post op)? (Photos)

Answers (7)

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