Roll across stomach after lipo procedure concerns (Photo)

Question

I had lipo on my stomach three months ago to take fat for a fat graft for a heel procedure. I had a flat stomach to start with, but now I have a roll across my stomach above the two incisions that we’re made. The roll is firm not soft. I wore a compression garment for two and a half months. Stopped two weeks ago. I am very concerned. Should I be?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,This irregularity can be due to a number of problems including excess skin, poor skin elasticity, creasing of your compression garment, uneven compression of outer clothing, and uneven fat resection. A physical exam should be performed so that the etiology can be determined (if possible), and a remedy planned. It is likely surgery will be necessary, with more liposuction or lipo- smoothing as part or all of that procedure. If your surgeon isn't an ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeon, then you should visit a few who are. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This may be swelling or a fluid collection.  You would need an examination with possible ultrasound and/or drainage if fluid is present.  As the seroma cavity matures, it may require surgical removal.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thank for your inquiry, please ask your surgeon about adding topi-foam to your compression protocol. I would wait to at least 6 months before making a final impression.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear afreddag,it is hard to tell without an examination. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Anthony A. Admire, MD, FACS · Answer

Looks like you are getting some contour irregularity and needs to be addressed now. I would at the very minimum massage that area very aggressively, or better yet have a professional deep tissue and/or lymphatic massage to that area to see if it will flatten out. There is some fatty inflammation causing the overlying skin to scar down to the indentations. There might also be a seroma present as well. In any event, please see your surgeon to discuss a plan. I would try 3 months of massaging, and if it doesnt improve, then you might need a scar release to flatten those areas out.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs an in-person evaluation. I recommend following up with your Doctor for a formal evaluation to determine if this is a seroma or scar tissue. Best, Dr. Emer

Clayton Crantford, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question afreddag,

The firm area you are concerned about may represent a pocket of fat/scar tissue or a postoperative fluid collection. I recommend you have you surgeon evaluate your abdomen so he can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the correct treatment. Thank you for the question.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question you may have an encapsulated seroma or a scar around tissue fluid/dead fat. Go see your surgeon who can either put a needle in it or send you for an ultrasound to make the diagnosis

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the question and photos. You may have a roll there for a number of reasons:1. The lipo was done to remove fat from another zone in the abdomen and this area was not treated2. There is residual swelling after surgery in the treated area3. There is a fluid collection in the treated area4. The garment and/or clothing may be creasing the skin in an unusual way5. Only some of the fat in that area was removed and what remains is looking more prominent to you after surgery due to some unevenness.For most of these concerns, an additional procedure may be necessary in order to smooth things out. This can only be determined after physical exam in the office. Let your surgeon know you are concerned and/or seek additional opinions regarding your options.

Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Sorry you are going through this. I would recommend waiting a few more months to allow things to soften up. If it persists I would bring up your concerns to your surgeon. Good luck. DrMaz

Roll across stomach after lipo procedure concerns (Photo)

Answers (14)

More Liposuction Questions

Use of makeup on lipo incisions?

If I'm getting liposuction can I ask for a fat transfer?

Why do I have pins and needles years after liposuction?

What type of lipo to tighten my skin? 39 with mild loose skin from rapid (not massive) weight loss.

Is it best to be carb depleted before liposuction?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS