Why do belly buttons look deformed and abs look discolored after Vaser liposuction and fat transfer?

Question

I have been seeing before and after pictures on vaser liposuction done on the back, muffin top area, and the abs why do belly buttons look deformed & abs look discolored??

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. You are quite observant! The good news is that any deformity and discoloration are generally temporary. Oftentimes liposuction instruments are inserted nearl the umbilicus (belly button) to minimize scarring. This can cause temporary deformity. The abnormal appearance can also be due to the skin laxity (looseness) after removal of the fat. This laxity tightens over time, allowing the umbilcus to return to its normal shape. As for the discoloration, that can be due to temporary swelling and inflammation. Some surgeons use an iodine-based antibacterial solution on the skin before surgery. (I prefer a clear solution.)
Again, these things are temporary&mdash;hence the after pics (outside of the OR) that show return of the normal contour of the umbilicus and skin tone and coloration.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

It typically takes several months for swelling to subside after liposuction and other abdominal procedures. During this time, the area may appear deformed or discolored. Additionally, many doctors insert the cannula into the belly button during liposuction, which temporarily impacts its appearance during the healing process. Your doctor will offer aftercare instructions to help minimize swelling and improve healing. If you’re considering these procedures, get a formal evaluation from a cosmetic surgeon to discuss your concerns and expectations.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for the question.After any form of liposuction there can be a fair amount of bruising and swelling. This will look slightly deformed and can appear as you have described. This is just the way the body heals and is dependent on the extent of what is done.With the belly button, sometimes, this can be used as the insertion site of the cannula for liposuction to minimise making holes elsewhere on the abdomen - this can cause the belly button to be more bruised and swollen.With 6-pack liposculpture, you are defining the abdomen and therefore there is the surgical trauma that occurs around the abs which is manifest as the discoloured area of bruising and swelling.I hope this is of help to youBW

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

It does not mater what type of liposuction used if there is to much excess skin than the bb might be deformed. Also with VASER especially the bruising is much more possible.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

It would be helpful if you showed us your belly button shape following Vaser liposuction as we do not typically see this problem following Vaser liposuction of the abdomen; you can get skin irregularities if skin redundancy is not addressed properly with either Renuvion or a skin excision using mini tummy tuck or reverse tummy tuck.

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Florida,Great question!With Liposuction the main healing happens over 2-3months, but you will see improvement in skin even a year out! Best. Dr Brecht

Why do belly buttons look deformed and abs look discolored after Vaser liposuction and fat transfer?

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