14 weeks post-op ab lipo. Is this loose skin permanent? I went in pre-op at 168, now 159. I am 5'5" and 30. (photo)

Question

I had full torso liposuction with BBL on 2/27. Swelling is coming down but I still have some spots of hard swelling and subcutaneous swelling throughout my torso and numbness. I noticed the skin on my midsection looks loose, crepey, and big pores, especially at night. I have been doing massage and exercising, still wearing my ab board an faja at night. I'm concerned this loose skin is permanent. I really did not expect this. What can I do?

David Amron, MD · Answer

Hello,It’s hard to tell if the first photograph is the photo before or after it was done. I’m going to assume the photo to the left is the one standing up. It looks like circumferential torso liposuction was done to remove all the fat. I am curious about the technique that was used in terms of the skin being treated in a way that pulls back more completely. However, this also depends on the elasticity on that skin prior to that surgery. If your skin had some reduced elasticity and the surgeon was overly aggressive, it is possible that it could create more uneven looseness in the skin especially when you are sitting down. I do think some of the areas of hard swelling could soften up as time goes on. More importantly, I would like to see how this looks standing up. In regards to the loose skin after surgery, it would be a consideration to undergo some non-surgical tightening as a first step to tighten up that loose skin. Please be sure you consult with a board-certified doctor when selecting your surgeon.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello kk31387  Excess skin would usually shrink back over the area of the body, liposuction is used to reduce volume not tighten skin.  We now have a number of non surgical devices such as ThermiSmooth radiofrequency and VelaShape3 to help tighten skin after liposuction for patients who will benefit from this additional care.  #postop #looseskin

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You may still have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. With skin laxity, you may not have been a candidate for liposuction alone, but need a tummy tuck/skin removal to get improvement. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

John Reilly, MD, FACS · Answer

The only thing you can do is wait. It is difficult to compare the two photos as the second one has you flexed at the hips which will naturally increase the amount of skin available to "wrinkle". For your own sake, take a photo standing as you did in the first photo for an accurate comparison.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

For now, all you can do is wait. You are still pretty early in your recovery. It can take up to 6 months for the swelling to fully resolve and for your body to heal. During that time, the skin on your abdomen could tighten up so don't panic yet. Best of luck.

14 weeks post-op ab lipo. Is this loose skin permanent? I went in pre-op at 168, now 159. I am 5'5" and 30. (photo)

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14 weeks post-op ab lipo. Is this loose skin permanent? I went in pre-op at 168, now 159. I am 5'5" and 30. (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Excess skin after lipo

Answer: Excess skin after lipo

Answer: Liposuction & Loose Skin

Answer: Liposuction & Loose Skin

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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