Can you tell if the doctor performed lipo? (Photo)

Question

I got a TT and lipo with MR and a BL11 days ago. The doctor marked my areas that were getting lipo but I see absolutely no change in those areas. I had no bruising at all a little on my breasts and around the incision. My hubby had lipo done and he had 4 places where this same doctor went in and I dont have any. I am worried that the doctor didn't do the lipo because that day he was running an hour and a half behind. how do I know if he did it? I feel like I still have the same love handles.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

From your photos, it isn't possible to tell if liposuction was done.  If your surgeon said it was done, there really is no reason to think otherwise.  You are only 11 days after your surgery.  Swelling can prevent you from seeing improvements in the areas where liposuction was done.  Please continue to see your surgeon for follow ups so he or she can reassure you.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

You are only 11 days postop therefor you are still swollen. You should wait at least 3 months for swelling to subside and things to settle. Your best bet is to ask your doctor and or to ask to take a look are your operative note.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank for your question! Don't hesitate to asking your doctor if he did the liposuction. I doubt he forgot to do it. If you don't have bruising that doesn't mean he doesn't do the liposuction. And the swelling could be covering them. You should not compare your husband's operation with yours, because the circunsntances and your bodies could react different.Have a nice day!

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

I think my colleagues answered your question admirably, so I will not address that specifically. But I must reassure you that your fear that your surgeon  did not perform part of the planned procedure that you requested, paid for, and signed a consent for, is something not to worry about, even if the schedule was running behind!You see, the reason your surgeon was running behind was NOT because he was playing video games, on the golf course, or daydreaming, it was because he was seeing patients and addressing their concerns, operating on other patients before you (and taking all the time necessary to do the best job possible), and dealing with questions from patients, families, and staff, while also filling the requirements of insurance paperwork, medicolegal requirements of Obamacare, HIPAA requirements, dictation, charting, and the everyday activities required by an excellent plastic surgical practice. If a patient followed you, your surgeon was delayed for that patient as well.The better a surgeon you are, the more this happens, because you want everybody to have their questions answered fully, their surgery to be the best you can perform, and their recovery to be the least complicated and most comfortable possible. Questions answered. Fears allayed. Results enhanced. Paperwork done. Phone calls answered. Staff issues dealt with. . .You chose your surgeon for his training, ABPS certification, skill, experience, and attention to detail. That all takes time, and I find that surgeons who take the time do do things right are the ones least likely to take shortcuts.I also find it somewhat ironic that patients who complain about their doctors' delays of 30, 60, or even 90 minutes will stay at home for 4-6 hours waiting for a cable or satellite guy to install or repair their TV, often to only have them call an hour late telling you that they won't make it today! Yup, I know they're specialists too, but really?!Ask your surgeon how much fat was removed during the lipo portion of the procedure, which was done through the tummy tuck part of your incisions, and which is why you have no (additional) scars. It looks as if you are going to have a wonderful result. Trust your surgeon just as you trusted your choice of him in the first place. Best wishes for a splendid outcome! Dr. Tholen

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for the pictures. It's hard to determine just from a picture if a doctor performed liposuction. Just because you don't have bruising does not mean he did not do the procedure. The fullness in I'm the areas of your concern maybe just swelling. The only way to find out if he performed the procedures in questions would be to just to ask him directly.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

At 11 days after surgery, the contours are often obscured by swelling, so judging yourself by your appearance can be deceiving. The best person to ask is your plastic surgeon. Ask him if he did the liposuction you had asked to do and, if so, where on your body did he perform the liposuction, and how much did he remove.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You failed to post any before photos??? So how could we compare and respond to your issues??? Seek second opinions...

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck operation. Best to ask your plastic surgeon directly;  unlike your husband's  procedure, liposuction surgery in your case would not necessitate additional incisions. Bruising is not always seen. Certainly swelling of the areas at this point may prevent you from noticing any difference. Best wishes; hopefully, you will be very pleased with the long-term outcome of the procedure performed. Time and patience will be your best friends...

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

The best way is to ask your doctor. Your operative report should indicate where and how much fat was removed. You should be allowed access to that information by law. In my opinion, no doctor will misinform you about what you Both agreed to. This is malpractice.

Can you tell if the doctor performed lipo? (Photo)

Answers (9)

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