Liposuction Dimples - What can I do? what should I be asking my PS at my 7wpo next week? (photo)

Question

I’m 6wpo today, I’m so concerned with the obviously dimple/indent above my belly button. I didn’t have dimpling before. I’m told the dimple will go away It was also suggested that area is my natural bend in my belly, there should be fat to bounce back the bend. I’m messaging, rolling, using tummy board /foam and compression.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello aylissa,
I’m sorry for the adverse symptoms you’re experiencing. Six weeks is too short of a time to evaluate your liposuction final outcome. As with any major surgical procedure, liposuction conveys risks such as swelling, bleeding, and contour irregularities, in a small percentage of cases. Although irregularities of the skin are possible following liposuction, this side effect is diminished by the minimally-invasive 4D VASER Liposuction using micro-cannulas and the criss-cross technique of liposuction. VASER Liposuction is also clinically proven (based on randomized clinical studies) to cause 53% skin retraction relative to other standard liposuction methods, which in turn reduces the risk of occasional irregularities of the skin. Liposuction patients can also actively contribute in preventing contour irregularities by following closely their surgeons’ post-operative protocols, since correcting surface irregularities in the presence of post-surgical scarring and fibrosis is often very difficult and their effects might be permanent. In this respect, I usually recommend them wearing specialized compression garments around the clock, starting immediately after surgery, for six months, to reduce swelling and help their skin contract smoothly to their new body’s contours. Since ill-fitting garments can lead to contour irregularities, I advise my patients about the correct method of using them, to limit folds and creases in the garments, and regularly check if they are worn properly. Additionally, plastic surgeons should advise their patients that, without lymphatic drainage massages, there is a risk that the swelling and inflammation could turn into fibrosis, which is a permanent hardening of the area. At least ten lymphatic drainage massage sessions are required, starting 24 hours after the procedure, to eliminate excess lymph fluid, alleviate swelling and discomfort, and also prevent complications such as seromas (fluid collection) and contour irregularities (indentations, and/or fibrosis). In my experience, manual lymphatic massages by their own have proven successful, in the majority of cases, in achieving uniform removal of swelling and ensuring smooth contours. Persistent cases of irregularities due to excessive fibrosis may require a combination of touch-up VASER Liposuction along with Autologous Fat Transfer (AFT) to be adequately corrected. The plastic surgeon can suction raised areas around the depression and fill in the depression with autologous fat grafts (from patient’s own body) to achieve the best possible, smooth contours. Furthermore, VASER Liposuction may be useful treatment for cellulite and may cause less contour irregularities. Best regards! Dr. De La Cruz.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is too soon to tell what your final results will be. You have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear aylissa,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a liposuction surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Aylissa   Sorry you are having this issue and while it is still quite early in your postoperative journey, there does appear to be a fairly significant contour irregularity present. A good part of this may improve as swelling subsides and healing continues. Please wait the full six months before considering any type of revision to allow the best possible results for you. If your surgeon refuses to consider revision after six months, acquire a second opinion from a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

At two months post op, it is still too early to see the final results of your liposuction surgery to your abdomen. Swelling can be significant in the first few weeks and may take 6 months or longer to resolve. Dimpling is not inevitable with liposuction, but I will say the liposuction is not an easy procedure to do well and get right.  It is an easy procedure if you are very conservative.  In this manner, the flaps do not have to be uniform, because the large residual fat component masks irregularities.  It is very difficult to achieve large volume results with hundreds of cases without having dimpling. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

John E. Nees, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I'm sorry that you are experiencing a complication of the liposuction procedure. The procedure is an "insult"
to the soft tissues, resulting in swelling which will initially totally obscure
the operative result. 60-80%
of the swelling should subside within the first 6 weeks, with the remainder
slowly subsiding over 6-12 months.
That being said, you appear to demonstrate an area of soft tissue depression of the upper abdomen. 
I would recommend that you allow the swelling to subside further so that the full extent of the irregularity can be recognized. This may be ~ 6 months. You may be a candidate for fat injection into the area with cannula manipulation to smooth out the edges.
Continue
followup care with your plastic surgeon...
Best wishes...

Liposuction Dimples - What can I do? what should I be asking my PS at my 7wpo next week? (photo)

Answers (7)