Leg Lipo! Can this get better with exercise? (Photo)

Question

Lipedema (Lipo) surgery - feeling so depressed I was diagnosed with lipedema and I decided to have a lipo surgery on January. The surgery was gonna be my legs, and my arms.We decided to do the back for a more “harmonic” look on my body. 4 months later, I don’t like how I look. I cannot even wear a leggings without looking like I had a HUGE BBL. I look so disproportionate and my booty looks bigger than ever. I wanted a natural look, I didn't expect this to happen. I literally cannot stop crying everyday. Do you think I can fix this with diet and exercise? I honestly don’t know what to do.. plus now I have a hole in my outer tights were you can see a line between the butt and the legs, I went to the surgeon of course and he said he would fill those spaces we agreed on doing that, but I don’t wanna pull so much fat from other places and look ever more disproportionate :(.. I don’t want a revision surgery and get a worse look. Can this ever be fixed?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello AEJNDRAPAB in Fayetteville. Thank you for your question regarding the challenges you are facing after your lipedema surgery, particularly concerning the changes in body proportions and the unexpected results.

It sounds like you are experiencing significant distress about your appearance post-surgery, and it's essential to address these feelings both physically and emotionally.

Firstly, it's important to note that liposuction, especially for a condition like lipedema, is primarily aimed at reducing fat in specific areas to relieve discomfort and improve mobility rather than purely for cosmetic shaping. However, changes in body contours, such as an increase in the apparent size of the buttocks relative to the legs, can occur, especially if neighboring areas are not proportionally addressed.

Recommendations Moving Forward:

Time and Healing: Four months post-operation is still relatively early in the recovery period for body contouring surgeries. The body is still adjusting, and swelling can persist that might make areas appear uneven or disproportionate. It is generally advisable to allow 6 to 8 months for the body to settle fully before assessing the final results.

Exercise and Diet: While exercise and diet won't replace volume where it has been removed, they can help improve muscle tone and the overall firmness of your body, which might help you feel more balanced. Focus on strength training that targets all body parts to achieve a more harmonious appearance.

Revision Considerations: You mentioned concerns about undergoing revision surgery. It’s valid to feel hesitant about further procedures. However, discussing your concerns thoroughly with your surgeon or even seeking a second opinion might help you understand all possible options. Sometimes, small revisions can be made to improve contours without dramatically altering other areas.

Addressing Specific Areas: Regarding the 'hole' in your outer thighs, filling these spaces might require careful planning to ensure no further disproportion is created. Discuss with your surgeon about using precise amounts of fat grafting or alternative methods like fillers if suitable.

Emotional Support: The emotional impact of feeling unhappy with surgical outcomes can be profound. Consider speaking with a counselor or a support group for individuals who have undergone similar procedures. Emotional and psychological support is crucial as you navigate your recovery.

Further Consultations: If after 6-8 months, you still feel unhappy with the results, revisiting your surgeon to discuss the next steps is advisable. At that point, a detailed plan can be made, potentially including minor revisions that might help achieve a more natural and proportional look without extensive surgery.

Your feelings and concerns are valid, and it's important to address them comprehensively with both physical and emotional support. Remember, your health and satisfaction are paramount.

Good luck as you continue your recovery and exploration of options. I hope that you find a resolution that brings you comfort and confidence.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

First, you do not nor did not have lipedema. Lipedema does not mean excess fat, but is a specific condition where in fat and fluid abnormally build up, especially in the legs. Your photos do not show this at all. Second, treatments like Renuvion with Morpheus can help smooth and tighten your skin.  It should be done before any fat transfers. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

After liposuction, sagging and loose skin appeared in your hips. In the banana fold area; sagging and wrinkles have occurred; due to fat removal. Depressions on the sides of the hips; subcision, fat injection and skin laxity; with skin tightening devices; such as "Renuvion J Plasma"; these points can be reduced. Sagging under the butt; it cannot be fixed with this type of procedures. In order to delete for excess skin from banana fold; with "Lateral Thighlift"; hips need to be lifted up.

Serkan Kaya Ekinci, MD · Answer

Hello, I am very sorry that you are crying about this situation. I have good news to give you. Don't worry, it is easy to treat, it is not a procedure that cannot be solved if you want it too. Now please give me your attention. First of all, I would like to give you some information. Lipedema, a nightmare for women, is a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the leg, hip, knee and arm areas. Due to this fat accumulation, there is swelling under the skin, stiffness and pain immediately afterwards. But Lipedema treatment usually requires surgical intervention, but there is no need to worry, the following methods can also be used to relieve the symptoms:
For example, Compression garments: Compression garments are effective and can be used in the treatment of lipedema. These clothes hug the legs tightly, increasing blood circulation and reducing swelling. other methodLaser therapy: Laser therapy can be used to relieve lipedema symptoms. This method breaks down fat cells with laser beams and allows them to be absorbed by the body. Over time, it becomes more flat and rounded.Liposuction: Liposuction is the most commonly used surgical intervention method in the treatment of lipedema. In this method, the surgeon removes the fat cells by suction.Along with exercise, it is a great way to relieve lipedema symptoms. Regular exercise and drinking enough fluids reduces swelling by increasing blood circulation, making it easier for you to remove edema from your body.Of course Diet: A healthy diet is important to relieve lipedema symptoms. Diet can reduce the severity of symptoms by reducing fat accumulation in the body. In short, you don't have to worry, we are here for you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your nicely posted series of photos, your liposuction was not technically undertaken, causing the denting effects. Best of virtual consult with. The options are to try Sculptra/Radeisse injections and combination of multiple sessions approximately 6 to 12 sessions expect fees to range from $10,000-$25,000 for the because of the cost of the products. And taking multiple sessions needing at least a minimum of six months to attain some type of better result. Other option would be to do re-liposuction of the buttocks to decrease the size of the buttocks and get donor fat and do micro and nano rafting after subdermal release in dented areas with specialized taping under ultrasound guided removal and installation. Fee for that is $12,000 best again to virtual consult with.

Leg Lipo! Can this get better with exercise? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Hi alejndrapab

Answer: Hi alejndrapab

Answer: Multiple lip surgeries with over Lipo reduction, causing denting formation

Answer: Multiple lip surgeries with over Lipo reduction, causing denting formation

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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

Leg Lipo! Can this get better with exercise? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Hi alejndrapab

Answer: Hi alejndrapab

Answer: Multiple lip surgeries with over Lipo reduction, causing denting formation

Answer: Multiple lip surgeries with over Lipo reduction, causing denting formation

Browse related questions

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.