Can I get rid of this ledge of fat on my belly post-BBL? (photos)

Question

I’ve had 2 BBLs (2017 & 2019). I’m very happy with the results but after my second I was left with a little ledge of fat above my belly button. I did ask about it before my second BBL but my surgeon said that it couldn’t be removed as it’s too close to the umbilical cord area(?). When I lose weight, the fat is more prominent and makes the top of my belly button hang down so my stomach looks fatter than it is. Can anyone tell me if lipo really isn’t possible? I’ve tried aqualyx with no joy.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, you can undergo liposuction of the area as long as you do not have an umbilical hernia. Your doctor should be able to tell you or you can have an ultrasound to make sure there is no hernia there.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear issy92,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos and question.  It's difficult to tell if the ledge that concerns you is comprised of fat, if it is loose skin as a result of the liposuction, or a combination of both.  If it is fat this area can be liposuctioned to improve the contour.  If it is skin laxity you may have improvement with BodyTite which uses RF technology to tighten skin up to 40%.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an evaluation.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Some people with mild abdominal skin laxity may have hooding of the belly button that can get worsened from Liposuction.

This typically presents with a sad looking belly button.

In your case I think it’s a combination of mild skin laxity and some fat that was not removed immediately around the belly button. I have no idea what your surgeon was referring to saying that fat cannot be removed from around the belly button.

It can and it should be.

Your liposuction results are overall good but show some uneven fat removal. There’s also a clear transition line where fat was not removed from your back.

Personally I’d like to treat the entire torso to leave people with a natural thin fat distribution that doesn’t have a natural transition zones. This means including the full back and under arm area when treating a full abdomen.

To differentiate between skin laxity and subcutaneous fat around your belly button try looking in the mirror while gently lifting up on the skin.

If lifting on the skin completely correct the contour and that tells you how much mild skin laxity is contributing. Alternatively if after gently lifting on the skin above the belly button they were still fullness that represents subcutaneous fat that was not removed.

This is a pretty easy way to differentiate skin versus fat and should give you some idea avoid having more fat  removed with a Revision in that area could accomplish.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Can I get rid of this ledge of fat on my belly post-BBL? (photos)

Answers (4)

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