How Long Before Liposuction Results Can Be Corrected?

Question

I had a full Tummy tuck, Breast augmentation, and Liposuction of the hips and outer thighs 4 weeks ago. I immediately noticed the results of the outer thigh Liposuction and of my left hip; however, my right hip is way bigger and it does not seem to be swelling.How long do I need to wait in your opinion to have the lipo corrected? I am a nurse so I know it is fat and not swelling. I am very pleased with my other procedures.

Alan N. Larsen, MD · Answer

Hi! I would recommend that you wait for 6-12 months post recovery to consider additional liposuction procedure, it takes time for swelling to go down and complete healing to take place. However, it is very important that you discuss your concerns with your surgeon beforehand.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dear Mcagle
Your impression may or may not prove to be correct.  However, liposuction takes time to heal.  Four weeks after a liposuction means that there is still plenty of swelling.  
Routinely, I do not take post-liposuction photographs until 2 months after liposuction because this is about earliest time frame that one can reliably see the difference created by liposuction.  However, the swelling continues to improve over another four to six months beyond this period.  
One observation that I have made is the one side always seem to lag behind another making side by side comparisons of the body tricky business in this time frame.  Being patient is very difficult.  
However with time the swelling will dissipate.  Certainly if more liposuction is needed, it is very straight forward to perform this type of surgical revision.
Dr. Steinsapir

Raja Mohan, MD · Answer

Liposuction revision, also known as liposuction correction or liposhifting, is a cosmetic surgery that improves the results of a previous liposuction procedure. It can be performed on any area of the body that was previously treated, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, or neck. Some reasons for revision liposuction include: Asymmetry Too much or too little fat removal Sudden weight gain or loss Weight gain or aging after the procedure Skin irregularities, such as skin laxity, irregular bumps, keloids, or a wavy, rippled appearance Dimpling or lumpiness, which can be caused by small pockets of fat or scar tissue The procedure involves making small incisions in the targeted areas, and depending on the case, additional fat may be removed or reinserted. Some risks of liposuction revision include:InfectionBleedingAdverse reactions to anesthesiaScarringIrregularitiesPlacing too much or too little fatSwellingBruising A consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon can determine if liposuction revision is appropriate.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
You are early and if this area is adjacent to your tummy tuck incision I would suggest to you that it may represent skin as well as fat and therefore removing more than just fat may eventually be the best idea.
Let things settle for 6 months to a year and then re-assess. Surely let your plastic surgeon know your concerns and even review before and after images with him or her as this this might be helpful.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

McCacgle,
I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon but you need to give at least 6-12 months of healing time before any attempt is made to re-treat an area of liposuction asymmetry. 
Dr Edwards

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Remember that some asymmetry is normal.  But, at 4 weeks there is probably still swelling that will need to subside before you see the final results.

Lawrence Osman, MD · Answer

Even though you may not perceive much swelling, it is definitely there. I perform tumescent liposuction, liposuction using local anesthesia, and routinely tell my patients that they will see significant improvement after 6 - 8 weeks, but that it can take up to 6 months to see their final result. That last bit of swelling can take a long time to resolve. To be fair to yourself, I would wait at least 4 months before evaluating your hips for symmetry.

Sirish Maddali, MD · Answer

Even though you have a medical background, it is important to understand that liposuction causes swelling and that swelling can take several months to diminish. It may even feel like fat but is actually a little thicker due to the fluid between the fat cells. In my practice, we always counsel our patients that liposuction will cause swelling and it will be very difficult to evaluate your final result until 4-6 months have passed. It is really a long waiting period. Many patients are unhappy waiting for the result since they feel that they have recovered and are able to do most activities. However, after 4-6 months, there is really a pleasing difference that most patients will describe.
Having said all of that, you may still need a touch up or revision procedure. I would wait 6 months before considering that procedure. You want the tissues to be soft and supple before considering a revision. Keep in mind that repeat liposuction is a little tougher since the tissues are more scarred and more firm. Good luck.

Charles Perry, MD · Answer

Following surgery, especially multiple procedures you will have swelling and it will be at least three months before it starts to shrink. The skin Will take up to a year to shrink. It is too early to look at your results. Be patient, let all the areas shrink. Re-evaluate with your plastic surgeon at 6 weeks to three months. It is a lot easier to take more than put some back! Best wishes.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

you need to wait it out. At 4 weeks out from the liposuction I GUARANTEE that you still have swelling in the area. Skin and scar tissue contraction will also take place over the next five months. ALL of my liposuction patients are counseled that their full final result will not be apparent until six months after the surgery. Good luck!

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