Uneven sides after liposuction, 1 year post op - Is there no fat left?

Question

I had vaser Liposuction one year ago on my flanks, months after I have notices that the right side has fate left as it looks more round, when I talked to the surgeon about it he said there was no more fat in there and this is how my body is as body parts are not equal, I wasnt convinced, he injected that side witjh aqualix 3 times but nothing changed, now he is avoiding me, there were two surgeon doing the procedure that day, is that normal? he said there is no fat in there, is that right? Help

Jerimiah Mason, MD · Answer

There is very likely still some fat left that can be removed with liposuction. I may be difficult to remove since you have already had liposuction and aqualyx injections, but still reasonable to attempt more lipo if you are still not happy with the result. Also, it is totally normal for surgeons to assist each other in the operating room.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding uneven sides after liposuction. Based on your description and photos, I would recommend going back for more liposuction to even out the result on your flanks. While your surgeon may believe there isn’t much fat left, even removing a small amount of fat could give you a more symmetrical and balanced appearance. I would also suggest considering liposuction of the lower back, as the bulge in that area (seen in your first photo) could be contributing to the uneven look.

It’s not uncommon for asymmetry to occur after liposuction, and sometimes additional refinement is needed. If your surgeon is avoiding the issue, it may be worth seeking a second opinion from another plastic surgeon who can assess your current results and suggest the best course of action.

Good luck with your next steps, and I hope this helps to answer your concerns.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Unless you have significant scoliosis, this is uneven liposuction. Not only that, they (you said two surgeons were involved) left you with an unsightly prominent lower back fat pad. Asymmetries and potential asymmetrical outcomes need to be discussed during the preoperative consultation and not afterwards.
See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Anuj Purbey, MBBS · Answer

It's understandable to have concerns about asymmetry after liposuction, especially if you're not satisfied with the results. While it's true that bodies can have natural asymmetry, significant discrepancies may warrant further investigation. If your surgeon has attempted corrective measures with no improvement and is now avoiding you, it may be prudent to seek a second opinion from another qualified surgeon. They can assess your situation and provide recommendations for potential solutions or further steps to address your concerns. Additionally, you might consider discussing your options for recourse with a medical professional or seeking guidance from a legal expert if you feel your concerns have not been adequately addressed.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make an assessment on the outcome of the liposuction results we need to see quality before and after pictures. If you don’t have before and after pictures then ask your surgeon to forward the ones they took.
You do have a significant asymmetry of your torso especially in the pelvic and spine area. This asymmetry is not related to fat distribution.
Surgeon is most likely correct that your fat distribution is not related to your asymmetry which is based on bone structure. it can most likely easily be seen in your before pictures.
It’s hard to tell without seeing before and after pictures if your procedure was done well or not. They did miss the lower back fat pad but perhaps that was not part of the treatment plan.
All people are highly asymmetrical.
All the internal organs are placed asymmetrically and the human face is asymmetrical as well.
Body asymmetry is normal
many people are not aware of this and look at themselves critically after cosmetic surgery at which time they notice there a symmetry for the first time.
This happens frequently
For that reason many plastic surgeons emphasize body asymmetry during consultations to remind people that they have baseline asymmetry that will not be corrected by liposuction because it’s not related to fat distribution.
Asymmetry based on skeletal structure should not be treated by removing different amounts of fat on one side. Doing that simply leads to two separate asymmetries one that’s based on bone structure and one that’s based on created fat distribution.
Natural baseline fat distribution before liposuction tends to be symmetrical and consistent.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Uneven sides after liposuction, 1 year post op - Is there no fat left?

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Uneven sides after liposuction, 1 year post op - Is there no fat left?

Answers (6)

Answer: Addressing Post-Liposuction Asymmetry: Understanding Fat Distribution and Treatment Options

Answer: Addressing Post-Liposuction Asymmetry: Understanding Fat Distribution and Treatment Options

Answer: Liposuction results

Answer: Liposuction results

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Everything you need to know about Vaser Liposuction

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