What's the average percentage of fat that can be removed with Smart Lipo? Do I need a redo? Not satisfied with fat rolls (Photo)

Thank you for your question. At the present time, the Smartlipo Triplex/Cellulaze workstation is the only proven and FDA approved method of permanent cellulite reduction available in the United States. Healing times vary for each patient. Most of the swelling that you are experiencing will decrease allowing you to notice the positive changes to your fat rolls. Always consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon and follow their recovery instructions diligently.Best wishes,

I suggest seeing a vaser 4D contouring physician.  At this point you should be massaging, hyperbaric oxygen, RF treatments.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Except for a small amount of fat near the surface of the skin, practically all of the fat in any given area can be extracted with lipo. Leaving a small amount of fat near the skin surface protects the skin from wrinkling, damage and discoloration, but rolls and lumps should be pretty much gone. The amount of fluid removed means nothing. It's the fat that counts. However, even when large amounts of fat are removed, swelling is very common in the first few weeks and may give the appearance that not enough was taken. Wear your compression garment around the clock, go for professional massages frequently and wait a few months to see the final effects. Be patient.

Thanks for your questions and pictures.  As you stated, you are still early in your recovery period and swelling at this time can make it difficult to evaluate your results.  Please wait at least 3 months before considering any revision.  The percentage of fat removed with liposuction can vary from area to area but can be as much as 75-80%.  The bra roll area can sometimes have excess skin that will take time to retract after liposuction.  Good luck with your recovery!

Your question includes many important points. First, as you've mentioned, you are only one week postop and you of course are still swollen from the operation which will temporarily mask the results. Second, the number or volume of aspirate (fat and fluid suctioned) is not an absolute number. The surgeon end points include this as well as the pinch test (how much fat can be felt with a pinch), contour of the area, smoothness, and how it looks. Similarly, percentage of fat removed is also an estimate and can range from 50% to 75% depending on the anatomic area (different areas have different amounts of fat). It is not possible to remove all the fat by liposuction even with laser nor is it advisable to do so: we need fat as a glide plane between the fat and underlying tissues to look normal and smooth. However, an experienced plastic surgeon will try to get as much out safely and in proportion to the rest of your body to get as dramatic result as possible. Third, the skin that remains will retract to varying degrees following lipo and that depends on how elastic or loose it was before. In most cases, the areas will look much better. Areas such as bra rolls will smooth out significantly but it's important to note that they will not go away 100%. Your questions are not unusual and your plastic surgeon should be able to answer them readily on your postop visit.