Dents in abdomen 1 year post liposuction. What can I do to help minimize their appearance? (photos)

Thank you for your question. The best way to avoid dents is to not get them in the first place, but it happens occasionally, even in the best of hands. A big part of the problem is that liposuction is typically done in a supine position, and what appeared to be smooth with the patient lying down can occasionally not be so smooth when standing. Using smaller cannulas, and repositioning the patient is helpful in avoiding this. That is why I sometimes prefer doing liposuction under sedation, so that the patient can help the surgeon visualize the treatment area from different positions. Experience of the surgeon also helps, I believe, as an experienced surgeon knows to randomize his or her liposuction strokes so as to not remain in the same area too long and reinforce a contour irregularity. That being said, your dents can be improved through a combination of liposuctioning the areas around the defects and fat grafting the dents themselves. Alternatively, an abdominoplasty can even out the irregularities (and in fact, remove these areas) as most of them are below the belly button. This is, of course, a much bigger procedure.

In your case, what makes the dents visible is the fat around them. So it can be liposuctioned and it will smooth it out, although not all the way. Another option is to do a tummy tuck and cut that skin out.

I can see on your photo what you describe. It looks like some areas are depressed and some bulges are still present. I recommend liposuction and fat transfer. I do not recommend using filler, as you will get a better more long lasting result with fat.

Hello, Thank you for your question. It's hard to tell what's causing the dents based on your pictures. If it's due to skin laxity, then a skin tightening treatment or tummy tuck will be recommended. If it's caused by too much fat removed, then a fat transfer will be recommended. Extra liposuction can also be an option, but only a consultation will be able to determine what is the best solution for you.

A medical history and physical examination will need to be performed to determine the best choice for you. This may include revision liposuction and possibly a tummy tuck depending on the examination. It appears from the photo that liposuction alone may be appropriate.

Based on this photo and without in person consultation, my suggestion would be liposuction to reduce prominent areas and fat transfer in the areas of dimples. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in body sculting surgery is recommended. This is much more complex than liposuction itself! Good luck.

Thank you so much for your question. After liposuction is normal to end with some scar tissue and dents, in your case I can recommend you to start a massage or cavitation treatment or if you have the possibility to have the scar tissue remove with liposuction and emphasize your lymphatic massage in this particular area also can be one of your options.

Hope this can helps
Dr. Quiroz

Hello and thank you for your question.
The most optimal way to treat this one year out is to surgically revise with further liposuction. Power Assisted Lipo is a technology that can smooth the area - not necessarily remove more fat but better disperse the fat that is present.
I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon. You can find one at plasticsurgery.org.
Best of luck to you!

Dear divine01,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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

You can have fat transfers done or treat the dents with Sculptra injections to help smooth the areas more.