What are these liposuction irregularities, and how can I treat them? (photo)

Question

Hello! I had liposuction performed on my outer thighs as part of a breast fat transfer procedure. I'm at one year post-op this month. Since the procedure, I've had these two quarter-sized (though more rectangular) "bumps" on my left thigh that almost feel like mosquito bites in density, with depressions above and below each bump. I've been massaging and using a roller on the area since the procedure to no avail. When I pull up on the skin on my hip, the bumps disappear. My question is: What are these bumps? Are they actually hardened tissue/fat, or is the lack of fat in the area creating an illusion of bumps because too much fat was removed? I don't have thousands to spend on another procedure, so how do I treat this? Will this ever go away on its own? Should I keep rolling and massaging, or is this making it worse? Thank you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Passionate48197,

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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Those two indentations are from fat removal. Two small fat transfers could be done, or Sculptra injections could be used to help build back that area.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello
This image is caused by liposuction. It’s likely that too much fat was removed from that area or fibrosis developed under the skin. Problems like this can decrease with massage in the first year, but they may not improve much afterward. For now, I would recommend either a fat injection or a PLA (Sculptra, Lanluma, etc.) injection. PLA will reduce the existing fibrosis and create a volumizing effect in the hollow areas.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Jamaican quality assessment we need quality information and that generally means having access to a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
If you don’t have before, and after pictures, then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
There are several reasons why some people can get contour irregularities after liposuction.
The most common one is the surgeon has insufficient skill or experience.
Older individuals or those who have laxity risk for less than optimal results.
Secondary liposuction or revision Liposuction is technically much more difficult than the primary procedure.
 The chance that someone can improve your Liposuction outcome without making it worse or giving you very little improvement is real. 
I recommend you rely on in person consultations exclusively.Any attempt at improving your Liposuction outcome can easily make it worse.
Delivering consistent quality liposuction results is more difficult than most people realize.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

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