Uneven Liposuction or scar tissue? How can I achieve smooth results? (photos)

Question

Hello! I had liposuction on my abdomen & flanks 6 months ago. I followed all of my doctors post-Op instructions including wearing my compression garment for the first 5-6 weeks. Around 3-4 months once the swelling subsided, I began to notice bumps and lumpiness on my abdomen. I consulted with my doctor who said that I am a rare case and will likely take a year to heal and see better results. He offered 2 sessions of radio frequency services. I am seeking additional opinions. Thank you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Swelling post-lipo can persist for months, so it's important to be on the right after care protocols. In addition to compression, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and radiofrequency treatments, lymphatic massage is highly effective in the prevention of fluid buildup, scar tissue, inflammation, and infections. Lymphatic massage also decreases the chance of irregularities, lumps or bumps; accelerates healing and minimizes downtime; and, following a liposculpture procedure, can help further contour the abdominals.

I recommend that my liposculpture patients receive lymphatic massage treatments every day for a week following their procedure; twice per week for the following month; and then once per week until healing is complete.

I recommend following up with your physician (or with a hi-definition physique expert) about best after care practices. Best, Dr. Emer.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear dbara,
I would have to examine you but it appears that this is a contour irregularity after liposuction. This happens often when areas the undergo liposuction are not feathered appropriately.
The good news is that it can be fixed and I have done so with good results before. While there is always a chance for contour irregularities with liposuction, someone who takes their time and uses the appropriate sized cannulas should give you a superb result.I have all my patients wear compression garments and I use multiple sized cannulas to feather out the result.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your provider lacks inherent skill or experience. Liposuction was done in an uneven manner and I don’t believe you are the exception but more likely rather than norm in this person‘s practice.

Unfortunately Liposuction is a permanent and more or less irreversible procedure. It’s very difficult to correct poor outcomes from poorly done previous Liposuction.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of properly vetting plastic surgeons before committing to this procedure. Delivering consistent eye quality in the postuction results is more difficult than people believe.

I continue to encourage patient to have multiple in person consultations at which time they should critically assess quality and quantity of before and after pictures.

There may be some room for improvement with revision procedures. Considering that revision work is many times more difficult than primary Liposuction the need to find a highly talented and experienced provider goes without saying.

Radiofrequency treatment is not going to compensate for poorly done Liposuction.  you now have an uneven fat distribution from unevenly performed Liposuction.
The only way to change your fat distribution is through surgical intervention.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

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