How to Fix a Tara Reid Tummy With Lumps and Wrinkles From BodyTite Lipo? (photo)

There are many new liposuction tightening procedure that have come onto the market.
Especially with the new radiofrequency techniques, some offer promise for tightening.  Some of the more advanced technologies offer bipolar energy delivery and accurate internal and external temperature monitoring, avoiding the burns of past technologies.  We have many of the newer technology machines and don't promise more than they deliver, and our patients are happy as a result.
For the end stage liposuction abdomen with multiple irregularities, the so-called 'Tara Reid' type abdomen, a tummy tuck will be necessary to get the best results.

An unfortunate outcome for Tara Reid. Without looking at your before and after photos with multiple views it is hard to say what your best treatment option is. This could range from fat grafting to using a cannula to smooth out the contour with auto-fatgrafting or something more invasive like a tummy tuck. The ultimate solution for a Tara Reid tummy is a tummy tuck. Wish you the best of luck!

Purely from the photos alone it appears that a regular tummy tuck, probably with a little liposuction, would improve your overall abdominal appearance.  It's hard to say without the benefit of your pre-operative photos and a pre-op/post-op exam, but it would seem you were likely a good candidate for tummy tuck from the start.  I often stage patients such as yourself with tummy tuck first and then liposuction later.  Or vice versa.  Probably less of an issue with technique than patient selection/expectation setting.  I hope it all works out for you. James E. Chappell, MD, FACSBoard Certified plastic surgeon

The "Tara Reid" abdomen, as it has come to be known, refers to an abdominal region which is marked by the contour irregularities which can follow (over) aggressive liposuction. This is best addressed by an abdominoplasty. This will allow removal of lax skin and allow the areas fat irregularity to be addressed directly. There are other options including revisionary liposuction and fat grafting, however, these are more symptomatic treatments than a so called "cure."As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

 

There are a myriad of “laser” liposuction machines that are being promoted by manufacturers and some surgeons with unproven claims.  Your unsatisfactory results are a proof that it’s much more important to pick the right surgeon than the right “tool”.  In my practice I use various liposuction tools to achieve desired result.  You could benefit from revision lipo-sculpture, that would involve redistribution of fat to smooth out your contour.  You do not need  a tummy tuck.  Please consult a surgeon that has lots of experience with correcting these type of deformities.

Hello Leeesa1,

I am sorry you have this unsatisfactory result.  Although your photo is not perfect in giving me the information needed, I believe that you have a number of issues. First, you have some fat irregularities due to uneven removal/resorption of fat from the liposuction and laser lipolysis. Second, you have a loosening of skin support, causing waves and wrinkles in your skin.  Finally, you have redundancy of your skin (extra skin) in both the upper and lower abdomen.  Because of all these issues, revision liposuction, fat grafting, and even a mini-tummy tuck would be poor treatment options to solve your aesthetic issues.  Only a full abdominoplasty will tighten the skin both above and below the belly button.  Additionally, any irregularities in the thickness of the abdominal skin flap (irregularities in the thickness of the fatty tissue) can be addressed as well.

Don't worry, this is not the worst thing that could have happened to you from laser lipolysis.  Although these issues seem insurmountable, an abdominoplasty performed by a well trained and highly experienced surgeon will make your abdomen look very nice, one that should make you very happy and content with.

Best of luck!

It looks like a tummy tuck type of procedure is the way to go to tighten the skin and smooth the contour. You have waited long enough. Spot fat grafting will be difficult to do.

It seems like you have been left with loose skin despite the claim by manufactures of BodyTite and other similar fancy liposuction systems that they create skin tightening.  That clearly did not happen here.  You should see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss you options.

A tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck wold be best to treat loose skin, but based on your pics it is difficult to tell whether or not you have enough skin laxity for one of these procedures.

Martin Jugenburg, MD

It's hard to tell from your photo but it looks like you have very little body fat and still have some loose skin on your abdomen. This is frustrating I am sure. Most patients in your situation need some type of skin excision to tighten the remainig extra skin. I would meet with a few board certified plastic surgeons in your area to discuss options. The original lipo was btw probably done correctly it's just that your skin didn't contract well after the fat was removed. I'd wait 6 months before planning any additional procedures. All the best, Dr K

Hi, I am so sorry that you have received an unsatisfactory result. Although your photos don't do justice, I would suggest a consultation with your chosen specialist. Lumps and wrinkles are not uncommon with liposuction procedures. Fat grafting, feathering with another lipo, surgery all could be other options. Good Luck!