How can I fix uneven abdominal liposuction? (Photo)

Question

Back in December, I had abdominal/waist liposuction and am disappointed in how uneven the area now appears. I wore my compression garment diligently and had several lymphatic drainage massages. Is 4 months too soon to judge the final result? The surgeon who did the procedure said to come back in 2 months and said he may need to do a revision. For reference, I am 5'2'' and 155lbs.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

I agree that another follow up in two months will be helpful.  I also agree that you may want more surgery to enhance the initial result.  Additional liposuction can help even things out if they haven't evened out more with more time to heal, and as well, additional fat can be removed at a second procedure.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically, it takes a complete year following the procedure for the ultimate results to manifest. Although some patients may notice significant changes within three to six months of their surgery, others may continue to observe gradual improvements in their results for up to a year.

In case a patient is dissatisfied with the results of their initial liposuction, they may need to undergo further surgery to remove excess fat. Generally, such patients should wait for at least a year before deciding to undergo a revision surgery.

This is because the body needs adequate time to recover from the procedure and return to its natural state. In the case of liposuction, it may take a while for the inflammation to diminish. Additionally, the skin requires time to tighten up. Patients with excessive skin sagging may require a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to achieve a more complete body contouring.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Delivering consistent quality, liposuction results is more difficult than most people believe.
For this reason, I suggest patients be very selective when it comes to choosing providers for this operation. I suggest patients do this by having multiple in person consultations before choosing a provider. Considering how much variation liposuction results have depending on the choice of provider finding the right provider is Key to minimizing disappointing outcomes. 
I suggest patient start by having at least five in person, consultations and consider scheduling more unless they feel very confident they found one of the best providers for Liposuction.
During each consultation, ask each provider to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection of before, and after pictures of the previous patient to add similar body characteristics to your own. Being shown a handful of pre-selected images, representing the best results of the providers career is insufficient to get a clear understanding of what average results look like in the hands of each provider. In the end, there are only two variables that matter when it comes to quality liposuction results. The first is patient candidate seat, and the second is the skill of the surgeon. Being board-certified and plastic surgery with years of experience, and an overall good reputation does not mean somebody has mastered Liposuction. Liposuction results are final by three months and waiting further isn’t going to change your outcome. Compression garments and lymphatic massage have no impact on the final liposuction results.
Results are based on your candidacy for the procedure, and how the procedure was performed. No other variables matter.
Not everybody is thinking Liposuction is a great candidate for the procedure. It is important that patients have a clear understanding of what causes their body contour to look the way it does. Not everything is related to subcutaneous fat distribution.
Secondary Liposuction generally does not deliver a significant improvement on top of what was done during the first procedure. Surgeons are you there a skilled at doing Liposuction or they’re not.Revision and Liposuctioned is many times more difficult than doing Primary Liposuction Grant while your provider has an obligation in regards to your outcome you’ve already been shown the results that provider is capable of. Whether you choose to let your current provider do a revision surgery, or get someone who has better qualifications do the procedure is up to you.
There are a substantial number of plastic surgeons who are not talented and Liposuction and I’ve known plenty who don’t like doing the procedure.
Generally speaking, most plastic surgeon think they’re far better at Liposuction than they actually are.
An experience provider should have no difficulty showing you at least 50 sets I’ll before and after pictures of the previous patient who had similar body characteristics tear on it during an in person consultation.
Patients need to take responsibility for choosing the right provider and vetting plastic surgeons before committing to having surgery. Making assumptions that people have inherent skill when it comes to difficult procedures is unwise.
Ultimately, your surgeon is responsible for the outcome of your procedure, and you are responsible for choosing that surgeon.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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