Minimal change after liposuction on the abdomen, flanks, and arms at 6 and 13 weeks post-op, do I just need more time? (Photos)

Question

I’m not sure that there has been much change in healing and appearance. I’ve tried a few lymphatic massages with ultrasound, which are expensive and there is no proof that they actually work. Every area where there was lipo done (including arms) feels like my skin is tearing and burns when I stretch. All the areas are still hard and lumpy. Is all this still normal this far out? My MD says to give it more time but is there anything that will prevent me from looking like this permanently?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This will never look good, I hate to say this to you.  you will need a revision procedure and likely that is going to entail a tummy tuck and fat grafting (if you have any) to try and fix this.  This was improper liposuction with scar tissue formation.
If you are unhappy with your results please speak to your physician and ensure he was a full body VASER HD liposuction physciain wtih expensive experience in body shaping and not just traditional fat reduction.  At this point you should be using compression, RF treatments like venus legacy / exilis ultra / inmode forma or contoura and lymphatic massage to get you through healing.   We always add shock wave therapy such as cellutone, z wave, and eclipse evive to help prvent scar tissue formation and ensure an even and smooth result. It will take 6-12 months to see the final outcome.   If you are unhappy you can get a revision procedure by an expert in VASER HD lipo.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Congratulations on your procedure. I will suggest waiting at least 6 months to evaluate your final results. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear abovay,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a liposuction surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

abovay  I appreciate your concern and understand your apprehension at this stage of recovery. However, it can take as long as six months for all swelling to resolve and scar tissue to soften. I recommend continued gentle self massage with moisturizer with special attention over the areas of concern.  I do not believe lymphatic massage will do any good for you. After six months, your surgeon can then address any contour irregularities, if they persist. Good luck.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Bruce K. Smith, MD · Answer

It appears from the photos that there has been slow but steady improvement in the irregularities and indentations following liposuction. I know you would like to see faster results, but I would recommend that you wait at least 3 more months before consideingr revision or corrective surgery. At this point (3 months after liposuction), more aggressive massage than lymphatic drainage will help soften the wound contraction that is happening at the subcutaneous level and causing the skin to be irregular.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Based on your early postop pictures it looks like you were treated very aggressively. Perhaps your doctor used a VASER? Based on those pictures I would not expect a good final outcome but four weeks is early to judge results. Your later pictures are much improved which should come ass some relief.  Discomfort usually settles down by 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure. At this point it should be getting better.  Does patients often have mild nerve injuries from liposuction and experience pain itchiness numbness and sometimes pain while the nerves regenerate.  Without saying before pictures or giving you an examination it's very difficult to give you feedback on your results. The standard answer in regards to your discomfort is to wait and reassure the patient things will get better. They almost always do.  If you are a good candidate for liposuction and the procedure was done correctly you should have a good aesthetic outcome.  If you have muscle separation from previous pregnancies or excess intra-abdominal fat then you may not have a flat abdomen after liposuction.  Based on the pictures I'm guessing a substantial percentage of your body fat was removed.  Follow up with your plastic surgeon. Best, Mats Hagstrom M.D.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

i am not sure what you looked like before you but to me you seem way over liposuctioned. you may smooth out a bit more with time but you have virtually no subcutaneous fat. i prefer leaving a bit more fat on the areas treated so that it looks more natural.david berman md

Minimal change after liposuction on the abdomen, flanks, and arms at 6 and 13 weeks post-op, do I just need more time? (Photos)

Answers (8)

More Liposuction Questions

When will weight plateau after Lipo?

1 month post-op. Wavy abdomen after lipo. Is this normal at this stage or is it permanent? When does it smooth out? (photos)

After lipo, what color should my drain be? Is dark red still normal after 10 days post op? (photo)

EMS after lipo: Is it beneficial with all other aftercare? How long would I have to wait before starting EMS on lipo'd stomach?

Which foods after liposuction surgery should I eat vs. avoid?

I can’t stop bloating 6 months after liposuction. Is there anything I can do?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS