Botched lower abdominal lipo (fibrosis). Is this fixable? (photo)

Question

I had lower abdominal lipo. I developed fibrosis despite 20 massages. I also feel like it was botched. I need options/I need to know if this is fixable? Am I going to need a tummy tuck? If so, is 6 months post op too soon?

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

Yes, you need an abdominoplasty to get a good result. Your tattoo would come off as well. You need a surgeon who knows how to keep the scar low, within your panty line. The massages were a waste of time unfortunately. But you can still get a great result with a tummy tuck

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear dcanto88,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

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

Alireza Tehrani, DO · Answer

Thank you for being brave and showing your results- I'm sorry you had a suboptimal outcome. Fibrosis post lipo is more common than people realize. It has many causes but some of the more common ones are too much fat removal in the superficial layer under the skin, aggressive use of energy based devices (VASER, Renuvion, Bodytite), poor post op compression and/or lack of post operative lymphatic massage....etc. Whatever the reason, the correction is always challenging and sometimes may require skin excision. In patients with similar starting points, a revision liposuction (in expert hands) with or without a small wedge of skin removed will correct the problem. Waiting a minimum of 6 months to a full year may be required. Hope that helps!

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a noticeable degree of contour irregularity below the belly button, along with skin laxity both above and below it. Based on what I see, your best option would be a full tummy tuck.

A mini tummy tuck would likely be insufficient—it would only address a small portion of the irregularity and wouldn't provide the improvement you're looking for. In your case, it wouldn’t be worthwhile.

As for timing, six months post-op is generally an appropriate window to start considering corrective surgery.  Dr. B.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It may be possible to do a mini tummy tuck as most of your irregularities are below the umbilicus. This will leave a smaller scar. However, your tattoo may be damaged with the procedure. A mini tummy tuck will make no changes in terms of the irregularities above the umbilicus, which are minimal.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Postoperative scarring after liposuction with rock hard areas, lumps, irregularities, happens to every patient; it lasts for several months and then gradually improves. Daily massage helps, you can do it on your own. Ultrasound massage is also helpful with many patients; buy your own US massage kit for less than $100.. You should wait at least 1.5 years, possibly longer for scars to soften and mature, before considering correction. Be very careful selecting your surgeon for revision if needed. Good luck.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

This is definitely fixable but needs to be done under local with microcanulas.  This looks like the typical results from lipo under general anesthesia with medium to large canulas.  Under local your doc can stand you up and fine tune the results easily so this doesn't happen.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the photos the best way to address your concerns is a tummy tuck.  You may want to wait longer to allow the scar tissue to soften more before deciding if you want to undergo the tummy tuck.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

John J. Obi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry and photos.  Unfortunately you have an undesirable result as a consequence of your liposuction procedure.  It appears that you would really benefit from an abdominal lipectomy ('tummy tuck').  I suggest that you seek consultation w a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area where a complete evaluation and treatment plan can be achieved.
Good luck going forward.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Though you posted a series of photos, best to do in person or virtual consultation, so a good examination can determine if either surgical or non-surgical options can help correct your fibrosis with either surgery of liposuction or injections of fillers and bio stimulators.

Botched lower abdominal lipo (fibrosis). Is this fixable? (photo)

Answers (10)

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