Is there a limit to how many times you can get lipo on an area?

Question

I previously had a BBL and intend to have a tummy tuck. I was going to have combination lipo done during the tummy tuck because it comes with it and some of my areas previously lipoed don't look that good. I also want to do 3D abdominal etching maybe a year or more after the tummy tuck. Is this too much trauma in one area, even if in waiting in between? It's been 3 years since the BBL and I'll wait a year or more for abdominal etching. TIA

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you can have etching and sculpting if you have the skin and fat to do so. I suggest posting photos. the more surgeries you have in the past the more that is needed to get improvement in future procedures. you will need a "revision" specialist.

my whole practice is doing lipoabdominoplasty, or at least liposuction with internal heating (which is not the gold standard for skin tightening with body contouring).

the smaller you are before liposuction the more contouring you can get from the procedure. most of my liposuction patients get pre and post surgical optimization with hormonal therapy (see link to help boost their weight loss before surgery and help them heal after).

You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best.  Traditional liposuction awake and smart liposuction are old methods and do very poorly for tightening skin or significant skin tightening or contouring.  Small problem areas can be improved slightly by these methods.  The best in body contouring not only removes fat with energy devices like VASER ultrasound but also internally heat the skin with radio-frequency devices such as J PLASMA/RENUVION, InMode BodyTite, ThermiRF to heat the under surface of the skin and tighten it at the same time as fat removal. These combinations are called 4D HIDEF VASER contouring and can only be done by a well . trained body contouring specialist. At the same time fat should be harvested, PRP and stem cells added and injected into muscles or indentations/cellulite to get body shaping and contouring.  This is known as a Brazilian butt lift when you inject the fat to the buttock for contouring and lifting, but fat can also be used in areas such as the chest/breast, arms/shoulders, calves and face.  Cellulite should also be treated with cellfina, sculptra, subcision and/or fillers such as bellafill, renuva synthetic fat, or sculptra.  If skin is very loose before surgery then it will need to be removed such as lower abdominal skin (tummy tuck/abdominoplasty), breast skin (breast lift), arm skin (brachioplasty).  Overall you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting.  Dr. Emer.

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

There is technically no set limit to how many times you can undergo liposuction on a specific area. However, it's important to approach the decision to undergo repeat liposuction with caution and careful consideration, as multiple procedures can increase the risk of complications and may yield diminishing returns in terms of results.
Here are a few factors to consider regarding repeat liposuction procedures:
1.	Tissue Integrity: Each liposuction procedure involves the removal of fat cells and disruption of surrounding tissue. Repeat procedures can further compromise tissue integrity, potentially leading to irregularities, contour deformities, or changes in skin texture.
2.	Scar Tissue: After each liposuction procedure, scar tissue can form in the treated area. Scar tissue may make subsequent procedures more challenging and increase the risk of complications such as contour irregularities or skin dimpling.
3.	Skin Elasticity: Skin elasticity plays a significant role in the final outcome of liposuction. Over time, especially with repeat procedures, skin elasticity may decrease, leading to less favorable results and potentially loose or sagging skin in the treated area.
4.	Patient Expectations: It's essential to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of repeat liposuction procedures. While additional treatments may provide some improvement, they may not always achieve the desired results, especially if there are limitations due to tissue quality or skin laxity.
Before undergoing repeat liposuction on the same area, it's crucial to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in body contouring procedures. They can evaluate your individual circumstances, discuss your goals and expectations, and provide recommendations based on your anatomy and medical history.
In some cases, alternative treatments or approaches may be more suitable, such as skin tightening procedures, fat transfer, or non-invasive body contouring treatments. Your plastic surgeon can help you explore all available options and make an informed decision about the best course of action for your specific needs.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

There is no set number of times someone can have Liposuction in a certain area. A lot depends on how much fat is removed with each procedure.

Generally multiple rounds of Liposuction yields diminishing results with each go around
Contour irregularities can be difficult to fix with secondary Liposuction.

For example, it’s hard enough to leave an even smooth contour smooth and even. To leave a lumpy and even contour even and smooth as many times more difficult.
Each session of Liposuction builds up more scar tissue and removes soft fat.

Without pictures we can’t make any type of assessment.

Personally I’m not a big fan of high definition muscle etching.

To me most of the cases look very unnatural and because of the nature of doing these treatments they are permanent and can never be reversed.

They can’t look good and very thin very athletic young men.

My question is what will these young men look like when they’re 50 years old and have gained 40 pounds and develop moderate skin laxity.

My best guess is ridiculous.

I suggest focusing on your efforts on finding the most talented and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in your area and stay with that person.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

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