Why do I see no results after 2 Smart Lipo procedures? (Photos)

Hi anayarellano,
By the looks of it, you have quite a bit of visceral fat. Your plastic surgeon should have made you aware of this particular condition before undergoing the procedure. Unfortunately, visceral fat can only be removed by a combination of diet and exercise, and not liposuction. It also looks like you were left with quite a bit of loose skin following the surgery, and the only way to address the skin issue is with a tummy tuck. I hope this helps to answer your question.

Your abdomen is distended. The cause for the distension isn't coming from fat on the surface (in other words, the fat that lipo can remove). The cause for your distension is being produced by a combination of excess visceral fat (internal fat that lipo can't remove) and loose and separated abdominal muscles (that lipo can't fix). The only way to reduce visceral fat is by dieting. The only way to fix loose and separated abdominal muscles after you lose weight is with a tummy tuck.

I'm sorry to read about your declining self esteem. The reason you are not seeing results is because, unfortunately, you were misguided in the appropriate surgical plan. Your surgeon should have advised getting down to an optimal BMI then proceeding with a combination of procedures such as a Tummy Tuck and liposuction.  I'd recommend a reevaluation by your plastic surgeon or even a different Board Certified one to discuss any future options. Good luck!

Dear anayarellano,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Based on your picture you are not a candidate for Smart Lipo alone. Smar tLipo is good for removing stubborn areas of fat, but lacks body shaping and skin tightening. For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction which can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result for the bra roll. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

The reason why you don't see any results is because the appropriate surgical plan is not being offered to you. First, you need to have a tummy tuck because your muscles appear to be stretched out causing the bulge. This cannot be fixed any other way. This procedure can be supplemented with a back and buttocks VASER liposuction which is the gold standard in liposuction techniques.

There is a reason for seeing a board certified plastic surgeon and not just anyone who claims to know how to do Smartlipo!!!! it appears that almost all of your abdominal bulging is from fat that is behind your muscle wall ie internal or visceral fat. The only way to get rid of this fat is better dieting and exercising (see my web site for details on keto supplements etc). a board certified PS, would know this and could have adjusted your expectations accordingly. Smartlipo is a fantastic technique but it needs to be for the correct problem and person. i always explain, even in a good Smartlipo candidate, that it is a partnership between them and myself. I will do my best at the Smartlipo, but they can definitely help get the best final result (remember it takes 6 months to get your final result) by better dieting and exercise. there are no miracles out there.david berman md

Hi
and welcome to our forum!
Thank
you for your submission. From your photographs, I note a full abdomen. Abdominal contour depends upon multiple factors, including the amount of fat between skin and abdominal muscles; the condition of the skin (which may be stretched out from previous pregnancy); internal visceral fat surrounding internal organs; and the condition of your abdominal wall musculature which is often permanently stretched out during pregnancy. Without examination, I cannot determine the level (or levels) of your involvement.
A question: are you within 20 pounds of your desired body weight? Visceral fat can be reduced with a regimen of diet and exercise, or with bariatric surgery in patients otherwise not able to do so with conservative measures. In our practice, we recommend the gastric sleeve procedure for suitable candidates who wish to lose a significant amount of weight, and are otherwise unable to do so.
If you are within 20 lbs of your desired body weight, you may wish to consider abdominoplasty, which involves repair of the abdominal muscles and removal of excess skin and soft tissue.
I recommend reevaluation by your plastic surgeon to discuss future treatment options. 
Best wishes...