How can I prevent indentations, lines or creases after lipo? Just had it done one month ago, 6/14/14. (Photo)

Question

Is there something I can do differently to prevent the lines/indentations? Am I healing correctly? I'm very worried about permanent lines/creases/indentations. I only wear my garment at night while I'm asleep. I don't know what to do to prevent this. Please help!! I love my results. But I'm afraid these lines will become permanent. I haven't been wearing anything tight around my stomach, only dresses.

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

It sounds like your garment is not the right fit for you. See your plastic surgeon to remedy this situation. Compression garments type and when applied varies from plastic surgeon to plastic surgeon and not dependent usually on the type of lipo performed. In my practice, A compression garment placed in surgery immediately after liposuction (steristrip protects the sutures) is recommended and beneficial after liposuction because:It restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressure.It decreases the amount of bruising.It assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking.If bulging ridges above or below, indentations, creases or bands are present in the area of liposuction then you probably need to change garments - see your plastic surgeon.It is common to have weight gain due to edema, serum that collects in the area, and the tumescent fluid that was injected. This will resolve over time. The more you wear the garment initially, the quicker this fluid resolves.Edema: a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.The length of time that the garment should be worn varies depending on the amount of fat removed, the elastic nature of your skin, how much loose skin remains, and other factors. Your surgeon would give you the best advice, however this is the general routine for my patients.The first garment should be fitted for you in the office prior to surgery and applied in the operating room. Often it will become loose as the edema is mobilized, and then it will need to be replaced. Spanx is a reasonable compression garment if it gives enough support and is the right size. I have my patents bring them in so I can confirm that it fits well.Most important advice is to listen to your surgeon, as he or she knows how much fat was removed, the elasticity that remains in your skin, and amount of skin redundancy.I recommend that my patients wear their garments for a minimum of three weeks full time then for twelve hours at a time (day or night). If there is not a lot of redundant skin, this continues to a maximum of six weeks.To be effective, the garment needs to fit snugly—but not too tight as that can make it difficult to sleep or cause pressure problems (inspect your skin when it is exposed if you are uncomfortable). As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits. A Spanx-type garment would work fine, rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor’s office.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It looks as though you have an excess of skin on the abdomen. It is is the case it's unlikely it will correct itself with time. Compressive garments which are commonly used may not have any benefit.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

All that can be offered NPW is fat grafts to dents, possible skin TT, or nothing. I wonder if you where a candidate for lipo, or the surgeon was not a true expert in lipo...Sorry for the poor results.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Many times this is due to swelling and often settles with time. Best to see your surgeon to make sure everything is healing ok.

Navanjun S. Grewal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Most patients develop some lines / indentations after liposuction. The "hills" or higher areas can represent localized swelling and the "valleys" or creases represent minimal swelling. Your plastic surgeon would be the best person to evaluate because every case is different. One thing you can try is to go to any spa and ask for a deep tissue massages weekly to your entire treatment area. This will help smooth out those areas if the culprit is truly swelling.

How can I prevent indentations, lines or creases after lipo? Just had it done one month ago, 6/14/14. (Photo)

Answers (5)

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