What happens to residual fat left over after Smart Lipo? (photos)

Question

I recently had abdominal SmartLipo done (2 weeks) and I am very happy with my results. Now I know that the lumpiness and swelling goes away and can take several months to do so but what happens to fat that wasn't completely taken out. I have fat around my belly button (at least I think its fat as it doesn't seem to fluctuate like my other areas that are sometimes swollen). Is this something that would need to be revised in the future or should it smooth out on it own?

Kevin M. Johnson, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling after Smartlipo takes several weeks to fully resolve, so at this point it's tough to say whether the area you are concerned about leftover fat or just mild swelling in the tissues that's causing the bulge. Special massage techniques and heat to the area, under the guidance of your surgeon, can help you even out the area. Otherwise, you'll need to wait a few more months before making any conclusions about your results. If it does not resolve to your satisfaction after all swelling is gone you should discuss options with your surgeon. Occasionally, every liposuction surgeon has case where they will advise their patients of the need to perform revisions or “touch ups” to correct contour irregularities. Hopefully things will smooth out on their own. They almost always do. Good luck!

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

It's very early in the healing process to determine swelling can residual fat.Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended during this time.

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Fat that wasn't removed during your lipo isn't going anywhere. You can't wish it away. If it's a noticeable lump, it will only go away with additional lipo. Losing weight might make it less noticeable.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You really have to wait a full 3 months, I think, to see much in terms of results after any type of liposuction. To answer your question, the remaining fat cells that were destroyed but not removed with the suction process will eventually get absorbed. That's why you can expect continued improvements. Keep up w/ your surgeon's recommendations, and you will do very well. Best wishes.

Roberta Gartside, MD, FACS · Answer

Any fat that was not removed by aspiration using a cannula will not go away.  Fat that was treated with SmartLipo but not aspirated may diminish over a period of 6 to 8 weeks.  You did not mention whether to have only SmartLipo or SmartLipo with aspiration.  You are wise to give everything time to heal.

What happens to residual fat left over after Smart Lipo? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: Residual Fat

Answer: Residual Fat

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Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

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What happens to residual fat left over after Smart Lipo? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: Residual Fat

Answer: Residual Fat

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

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