Residual fat or loose skin after liposuction? (Photos)

Question

I did a liposuction (with local surgery) on my flanks 9 months ago. 1 week after the lipo, I was super happy because my flanks looked flat and all but it's been months where I see that the flanks have almost returned to their original shape although I see an improvement by 50%. My surgeon says it's residual skin. what do you think ?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Liposuction only removes fat, not skin.  Often times, patients will have hanging skin after liposuction.  You may need a tummy tuck to get rid of the residual skin.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

In my opinion, this may be a combination of mild residual fat and some skin laxity rather than one single issue. At 9 months, most swelling has usually settled, but the skin can still remodel slightly up to about a year. The fact that you saw a 50% improvement suggests the liposuction did help, but photos alone cannot determine how much of the remaining fullness is fat versus loose skin.
The best way to separate the two is an in-person pinch test: thicker, soft tissue usually means residual fat, while thin tissue that folds or creases more easily suggests skin laxity. If it is mainly residual fat, a small revision liposuction can sometimes improve the contour after full healing. If it is mainly skin, more liposuction may worsen looseness, and skin tightening or, in selected cases, excisional contouring may be more appropriate.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sebpouur,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Based on your photos, the remaining fullness in your flanks may be due to a combination of residual fat and loose skin. Liposuction combined with J-Plasma can help refine the area and improve skin tightening. If you are looking for more definition, abdominal etching to create a six-pack appearance may also be considered.
A consultation would help determine the most suitable approach based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Jerimiah Mason, MD · Answer

It is probably a combination of loose skin and some residual fat left behind after liposuction.  You may have also gained some fat after surgery, as this is very common.  Touch up liposuction can help address this along with a healthy lifestyle.

Jacob Carlson, MD · Answer

I think you can get a great aesthetic result with Liposuction 360. Liposuction under local anesthetic or light sedation can yield nice results for small areas but it's difficult to be as aggressive as would be required to produce the best results. If you were to do Liposuction 360 under general anesthesia, a surgeon would be able to effectively remove a greater volume of subcutaneous tissue.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on the photos it appears that you have a little of both- excess fat and loose skin.  You may want to consider liposuction with J-Plasma.  This uses RF technology combined with helium plasma to help tighten skin and works well to enhance results from liposuction.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on posted photos you need repeat Lipo with J-Plasma or Endo Ladee combination. BUT NOT UNDER LOCAL ANESTHESIA! I recommend local with either IV sedation or light general. Expect fees to be in $4,000 ranges. Best to virtual consult with

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Male flanks are notoriously difficult to get the results and patients are hoping for.
I usually warn people and show lots of before and after pictures so people don’t get disappointed.
In the female figure the area response amazingly well, but in men, it often doesn’t do the job.
It’s important to compare results in relationship to pre-and postop weightEven slight weight gain, including weigh the same as before, the procedure can lead to disappointing results as well.
My best guess is the procedure was done correctly and expecting more of an improvement may not have been realistic.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Residual fat or loose skin after liposuction? (Photos)

Answers (9)

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