I looked deformed and I'm really depressed at 2 1/2 weeks after Chin Lipo. Can it be fixed and if so how soon? (photo)

Question

I am 2 and a half weeks after Chin Lipo and I look way worse than I did before. I had a concern at my age of 61 that lipo was not the best course for me. I was assured that after lipo we could do VenusFreeze to clean up any lose skin problems. I've been massaging and the swelling has gone down but now I looked deformed. I'm afraid that if I don't do something soon It won't be repairable. Do you have any suggestions on how to fix this mess?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

From your single photo I wonder if your doctor was an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon. Or did you go to a "cosmetic surgeon" who has little or no plastic surgical training? Clearly, you were hoping a "small procedure" plus Venus Freeze would do the job. Can you say Emperor's Clothes?Here's why I'm concerned about your choice of surgeon, and his choice of procedure. Huge incision, poorly placed, and not centered, platysma bands not addressed, and what appears to be a retrusive chin that should have been considered for  chin implant (which would also have helped with loose skin). perhaps too much fat removed, or skin damaged and adherent like a burn skin graft. At 61 you probably needed a facelift or necklift but were seduced by this "less invasive" procedure that will require the proper surgery to "fix" the concern.The good news is that this probably can be improved, perhaps significantly. But you cannot go back--"do-overs" do not exist in plastic surgery. Venus freeze for the remaining loose skin? Just say no. And don't try to undo this early rather than late; the scar tissue and swelling need to resolve--re-operating now will make things much worse! Seems counter-intuitive, but that's the fact.I'd advise waiting for 6-12 months to allow the scar tissue and swelling to soften and mature, after which you should see one or several ABPS-certified plastic surgeons (ASAPS members also) experienced in facelift and necklift procedures and see what can be made better. I think you may not have had surgery by a real plastic surgeon. Good luck and best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Fortunately you are early in recovery and it is too early to evaluate your final result.  See her plastic surgeon and consider continuing compressive band therapy to attempt to flatten irregularities in the skin and reduce swelling.My guess is that eventually you will see loose skin at which time he may need a neck lift to correct it.

I looked deformed and I'm really depressed at 2 1/2 weeks after Chin Lipo. Can it be fixed and if so how soon? (photo)

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I looked deformed and I'm really depressed at 2 1/2 weeks after Chin Lipo. Can it be fixed and if so how soon? (photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Chin Liposuction

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