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

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

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.

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.