Loose skin after Liposuction and Abdominal Etching - how can this be fixed? (photos)

Question

I had lipo 360/ab etching done about six months ago. While standing, I don't have loose skin but when I sit or bend, I have loose skin, weird skin folds towards the bottom half of tummy. Also, if I am in a lunge position, the skin below belly button seem to hang visibly. Is this normal? Can this be fixed, if so how?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Texangator1234.  Thank you for your question regarding loose skin after liposuction and abdominal etching and how this can be fixed.  Thank you for your history and your pictures.  First, we should analyze your pictures to determine the best procedures.  You have loose skin with irregular wrinkles and muscle insertion points when sitting.  When standing, you have irregular skin contours, uneven linea alba and semilunaris lines, poorly defined horizontal muscle transcriptions, and unclear rectus abdominis muscle definition.  Most experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons would agree that you need a revision.  You do not need an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck because you do not have loose skin when standing.  YOu need abdominal wall etching revision.  Abdominal wall etching revision is best accomplished with the VASER machine.  VASER is an acronym that stands for Vibration Sound Energy at Resonance.  The VASER uses ultrasound to melt fat and heat the skin for maximal skin contraction.  Laos, the VASER is the best tool to chisell through poor abdominal wall scar tissue.  You must select an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in VASER abdominal etching revision.  Primary or first-time VASER abdominal etching is not an easy surgery to perform.  It can take years for your plastic surgeon to perfect the technique.  Revision VASER abdominal wall etching is even harder than primary VASER abdominal etching.  At the conclusion of your revision VASER abdominal etching, you should also have radiofrequency applied to the skin to maximize skin recontouring,  
Normally, the VASER procedure takes about two to three hours to complete.  Revision VASER ab etching may take longer.  VASER HI DEF can be performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.  Most plastic surgeons prefer general anesthesia because more fat can be removed safely,  Also, general anesthesia is less painful compared to IV sedation.  Plan for a 10-day recovery.  ALso, it will be very important for you to have at least six lymphatic massage sessions to accelerate healing and mobilize swelling as much as possible.  
I hope I have answered your question regarding loose skin after liposuction and abdominal etching and how this can be fixed.  If you have any questions regarding VASER liposuction or reduction surgery, contact an experienced plastic surgeon. Since VASER HI DEF liposuction is a specialized procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in VASER HI DEF liposuction and its revisions.   Do your research.   Look at their website.  Look at their reviews on RealSelf.  If you cannot find an experienced, VASER HI DEF liposuction plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS. (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Yes, it is normal to have loose skin in some cases after liposuction because the fatty tissue serves as support for the skin, one way to solve it is by cutting the excess skin with a tummy tuck with which the scar would remain underneath.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

It is natural for your skin to fold when you bend over. However, from the pictures you provided there may be some contour irregularities and excess skin that may be resolved using high definition vaser liposuction. The definitive correction for liposuction deformities requires the advanced technology of ultrasound assisted VASER liposuction. As an official trainer of VASER liposuction, I encounter suboptimal liposuction outcome referrals weekly. VASER liposuction has been the only modality that has consistently corrected liposuction caused deformities. VASER liposuction ensures a smooth contour regardless of severity of contour irregularities by virtue of being able to remove any and all remaining fat comprehensively and uniformly. Finally, when skin redundancy irregularities are observed, Renuvion technology can be simultaneously applied to tighten your skin to optimize your overall contour outcome. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a VASER specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.

Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Loose skin after Liposuction and Abdominal Etching - how can this be fixed? (photos)

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Loose skin after Liposuction and Abdominal Etching - how can this be fixed? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Abdominal Etching

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