Why is my upper abdomen larger after lipo? (Photo)

Question

I had a breast reduction and lift exactly one year ago along with lipo of flanks hips and abdomen. My lower abdomen was the area in need of lipo along with my rear flanks and hips . My question is why is my upper abdomen now much larger than it was prior to surgery? It seems to grow weekly.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thankyou for your question.There can be several reasons for this. It may be that you have gained some weight and now it is concentrated in the upper abdomen or in the intraabdominal fat. It could also be a visual effect from having smaller breasts. If, however,  it is incresing weekly I would advise you to see your Plastic Surgeon at thr earliest.All the best!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If you cannot gained a substantial amount of weight there is no way your abdomen could be larger unless you have in intra-abdominal tumor. Presuming this is not the case some women perceive their abdomen to be larger after breast reduction since it is no longer hidden from view.

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Perhaps it's becuaae that area wasn't operated on and now it is more noticeable. You can try CooSculpting to decrease the fullness in the area without surgery

Scott Tucker, MD · Answer

The first thing to check is your weight. If you gain weight it has to go someplace. You now have fewer fat cells in the treated areas so they won't get larger as much as non treated areas. Another possibility after a breast reduction is that your seeing your upper abdomen for the first time in a while.Lastly it may be that the upper abdomen is not larger, but everything around it is smaller.Regardless it looks like you need to have some more suctioning of the upper abdomen.Good luck,Dr. T

Adam C. Augenstein, MD · Answer

It is difficult to make a full assessment via photo, but sometimes after liposuction irregularities occur. Sometimes it is because the lower abdomen is liposuctioned much more than the upper abdomen. Also, if patients gain weight, the body may store fat more readily in areas that were not liposuctioned as much. So, if that area is getting larger, it is important to know if you have gained weight since surgery. It is also possible that you might need a touch up to that area. Best to follow up with your surgeon regularly.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Generally if you're abdomen is growing, you must be gaining weight. During a tummy tuck the upper abdomen is either not liposuction or if it is very little liposuction is done. This means that you have lots of fat cells left in the upper abdomen which will increase in size if you gain weight. In addition, you have fat cells within your abdominal cavity which will grow with weight gain and make your abdomen protrude more.If weight gain is your problem, try to be very diligent about limiting your simple carbohydrates such as any sugar, bread, potatoes, and white rice. If you must eat bread, eat whole grain bread and soak it in extra virgin olive oil. This reduces the absorption rate of the carbohydrates and bread. I have written a book, "Why Grow Old," which addresses this problem as well as others regarding your health. It can be purchased at my office, 912-354-4411.I would also contact your plastic surgeon and get his opinion about your problem. He may suggest a liposuction. Good luck on your quest for a flatter abdomen and better health.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your picture and for your question, it is hard to give you an accurate response without a physical examination, I definitely suggest to Please have an in person or a virtual (Skype) consultation, so you can discuss thoroughly all your concerns, expectations and options, good luck in your PS Journey!Respectfully,Dr. Jaime Campos-Leon

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Hard to response via the internet. Best to seek in person examinations for tis issue....Good Luck......

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you did not have liposuction of the upper region and you put on weight, it is possible that the weight was added to this region.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Liposuction removes the fat cells. Therefore, if you gain weight after liposuction, the areas that were not liposuctioned will gain more than those areas that were liposuctioned. Since your lower abdomen needed more than your upper at the time of your liposuction, you probably have more fat cells to respond to weight gain there. Therefore, you will see more of any weight gain there. Checking your eating habits and for weight gain would, therefore, be the first thing I would do.

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