1 month post-op. Wavy abdomen after lipo. Is this normal at this stage or is it permanent? When does it smooth out? (photos)

Question

I am 4 weeks post op. I wear my post op binder at night, during the day at work I wear some kind of post-partum compression garment or Spanx at the very least. My surgeon hasn’t been clear as to wether or not it is supposed to look like this 4 weeks out but has told me to start Endermologie. I know it’s still early but my question is if this is normal at this particular stage of post op or if this is potentially permanent. If this is normal, at what point does it start to smooth out?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is too soon to tell what your final results will be. It will take 6 to 12 months to see the final outcome. However, with these types of results now you likely will need a revision procedure, this is not right.
I recommend following up with your physician about their suggested after care protocol. I have my patients wear compression for 3 to 6 weeks straight and then overnight for 3 to 6 months after their procedure. I suggest adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding Vanquish for further fat removal; truSculpt iD, Exilis, Forma, and Venus Legacy for additional skin tightening; and Cellutone / ZWave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance.
Ultimately, if you are unhappy with your results, please speak to your physician and ensure that he/she was a full body VASER Hi-Definition liposuction physician with extensive experience in contouring and body shaping -- and not just traditional fat reduction. You can always get a revision procedure by an expert if needed. Best, Dr. Emer

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello.
Great question. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. At 1 month you have yet to see your final results. Keep wearing compression and following your surgeon's post op instructions. Best of luck.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. The right compression garment (not binder!) is an integral part of the recovery process after liposuction. Now, bad liposuction will not be corrected by a compression garment. You do have excess fat around the umbilicus, which is the hardest area to contour. In these photos, it seems that you are wearing jeans, which are also tight on you and will create creasing and bunching of the skin. This needs to be avoided at this stage of the healing. Your final results will take up to 4-6 months to manifest, but I believe you will need further liposuction to give you the expected results. Good luck with your healing.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear gpalm831,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a liposuction surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos. Liposuction post up period comes in different stages. It is normal to have some hardness and in regularities for the first 6 months. I advise my patients to start lymphatic massages in order to help with swelling and hard tissue. Always keep in contact with your surgeon for he/she can best address your concerns. Best of luck

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation and lumps are normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I tell my patients that at six weeks they can start looking to get an idea of what the final results will look like. Four weeks is a little early but this is a sneak preview of what your final results will be.  Within the first two weeks there's no point in looking at results because inevitably things will change enough that early results are not a good representation. As more time goes on your results will slowly approach your final results. Patience for overall pleased with the final results are generally pretty happy and don't see issues at four weeks but  in your case some of the irregularities may very well improve with time.  Follow up with your provider. Best, Mats Hagstrom M.D.

1 month post-op. Wavy abdomen after lipo. Is this normal at this stage or is it permanent? When does it smooth out? (photos)

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