Can Skin Rippling and Cellulite Post-Liposuction Be Eliminated?

Question

I had Liposuction done 12 weeks ago. I'm 35, 5'8 and pre-op I weighed 141.7lbs. Fat was removed from my outer and inner thighs, lovehandles and knees. I must admit that looking at my body (fully clothed) in a mirror right after surgery and before the appearance of the swelling the results were impressive beyond imagination.
Now, my feelings are rather mixed about having the liposuction. My appearance has improved greatly, and I get very encouraging feedback from my friends, but I'm not happy with my body when I see me naked. My cellulite now seems more pronounced and there still are bulging areas, not as bulging as they used to be, but my body contour is not completely trimmed either. Apart from that my hips seem to have dropped, and the skin, when pinched, seems to be loosely connected to the underlying muscle. It feels as if I have the body of a woman 10 years younger and the skin of a woman 15 years older.
Are all these problems to be expected after liposuction? I'd also like to know if there's anything I can do to help treat those problem areas? Will any additional treatments (like mesotherapy, lipomassages) help, and up to what extent?

Rian A. Maercks, MD · Answer

n my practice I have found that the only way to improve cellulite is to attack it with several different noninvasive technologies to contract and smooth at different depths. I call it Maercks Multimodal Therapy or MMT. I have never seen any one technology have an impressive effect on its own. Remember for most interventions, who performs the procedure and how they do it is more important than a brand name!

	All the best,

	Rian A. Maercks M.D.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns about the changes in your body's appearance following liposuction. It's great to hear that you initially saw impressive results, but I understand your concerns about the current state of your skin and body contour.

From your description, it sounds like what you are experiencing may not be cellulite, but rather fibrosis, which is a common side effect of liposuction. Fibrosis is the formation of hard, fibrous lumps of scar tissue that can occur as the body heals from the surgery. This can create a texture that may resemble cellulite and cause the skin to appear uneven or dimpled.

Additionally, the loose skin you are noticing and describing as "loosely connected to the underlying muscle" suggests that while the volume of fat was reduced, the skin's elasticity might not have fully retracted to the new contour of your body. Given your situation, a mini tummy tuck might be an option to consider. This procedure can help tighten the abdominal skin and potentially address some of the loose skin around your hips if it extends into that area.

Here are some steps you can take:

Consult with a Plastic Surgeon: Since these issues can be complex, I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess the areas of concern in person. They can determine if the unevenness is due to fibrosis and discuss options for addressing both the fibrous tissue and the loose skin.

Consider Additional Treatments: Treatments such as radiofrequency therapy, laser skin tightening, or ultrasound may help improve skin texture and firmness to some extent. However, the effectiveness of these treatments will depend on the degree of skin laxity and fibrosis.

Manage Expectations: It's important to have realistic expectations about what non-surgical treatments can achieve. While they may improve the appearance of the skin to some degree, they are often less transformative than surgical options.

Supportive Therapies: Engaging in regular moisturizing routines, maintaining hydration, and continuing a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support skin health and overall tissue recovery.

I'm sorry you're experiencing these side effects, and I hope you find a solution that helps you feel better about your body. The journey to feeling completely satisfied with surgical results can sometimes be longer than anticipated, but with the right interventions, significant improvements can be made.

I hope you get the results you desire and feel more comfortable and confident in your skin.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Cellulite After Liposuction

	Obesity, cellulite, stretch marks, a history of back and forth weight loss, or loose, sagging, inelastic skin are problems which would tend toward poor results during a liposuction. In fact, these problems may be worsened by this procedure and may be best addressed by other surgeries such as a leg or body lift (e.g. tummy tuck) to improve your appearance if appropriate (loose skin). Lymphatic massage may also be of benefit within the first year following liposuction.

	For treatments that helps to treat your cellulite, there is a laser treatment called Cellulaze that was recently approved by the FDA last year. This procedure is proven to show better results after one session. The outcome lasts one year or longer, but you may need followup sessions depending on the results.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Unfortunately some people experience what you have when the skin lacks enough elasticity to shrink evenly after lipo. Your options are fairly limited because in general cellulite treatment is not yet a perfect science. You may wish to see someone who has experience with Thermage cellulite treatment, or the Accent laser. I have not been impressed with what I have seen presented for mesotherapy.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Most people are pretty stable in their recovery from liposuction at three months. Some take longer. Final results from liposuction require healthy contraction of the scar produced under the skin. This can take a long time to finalize. If you have questions go see your surgeon and voice your concerns.
I have found that massage and endermologie have helped some patients after liposuction. Going back to the gym and increasing muscle mass will improve the look of tightness in the legs and buttocks area.
Good luck.
Dr. Shah

Can Skin Rippling and Cellulite Post-Liposuction Be Eliminated?

Answers (10)

Answer: Choose options carefully

Answer: Choose options carefully

Answer: Be patient!

Answer: Be patient!

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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Can Skin Rippling and Cellulite Post-Liposuction Be Eliminated?

Answers (10)

Answer: Choose options carefully

Answer: Choose options carefully

Answer: Be patient!

Answer: Be patient!

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.