Why does Liposuction make cellulite appearance sometimes better and sometimes worse? Is it because of laser methods?

Question

I have read many times that cellulite can look worse after liposuction. However I have had a consult for upper and lower circumferential legs which clearly shows a reduction in wavey type cellulite in the before and after photos, they were not photoshopped. The technique was tumescent followed by laser. Operating time of 5 hours. I asked the assistant and she said the cannula disrupts the bands that create the appearance of cellulite. Can someone explain?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Liposuction can make cellulite worse, so you have to see an experienced physician whose expertise is in body contouring and sculpting. I suggest finding a physician who and consulting about this. Check out my youtube and social media. Best, Dr. Emer

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,There is no good answer for cellulite.  Liposuction does not reliably fix it, even when 'lasers' are used. In fact there is not a single peer reviewed paper that shows results of laser liposuction to be superior to that of liposuction alone. If you have contours that you would like improved, then liposuction will help.  If you just have cellulite, for anything other than very deep dents, you will not get relief. Best of luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Small herniations of fat through connective tissue can create contour irregularities sometimes referred to as cellulite. When skin is loose this condition may not be improved in may indeed be aggravated. There is no benefit of laser assisted liposuction over conventional liposuction. The thermal damage by these modalities is probably unwarranted.

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

Your question is excellent..in your question lies the answer ..or should I say lack of answer when it comes to cellulite.  Some treatments make it better and others make it worse.  I tell my patients that cellulite is the bane of our existence as plastic surgeons.  The reason there is no clear answer to improving cellulite is because no ONE treatment option is right universally.  Each patient responds differently so be careful when you make your decision.  My suggestion is that you ask a lot of questions to the doctor directly and NOT the assistant.  If you are talking primarily to the assistant..then you should be careful.Hope this helpsDr VasishtNew Jersey Plastic Surgeon

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Liposuction can disrupt the taut bands of cellulite.However, laser can disrupt the bands more and laser will thicken the skin and tighten the skin which will help cellulite further.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Cellulite is notoriously difficult to treat because there is no sure-fire way to fix the problem. Cellulite appears when fat bulges through the network of connections from your skin to the underlying tissues. This gives the appearance of dimpling between smooth areas. Liposuction can sometimes help if it is able to selectively target the smooth full areas. This can further be improved by releasing the connective bands themselves that are holding the dimples down. However, liposuction as a whole is too unpredictable to be able to target such specific areas and therefore it may make an area appear worse, better, or the same. Discuss your options with your plastic surgeon to find a treatment option that fits your goals.

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. Liposuction may worsen cellulite no matter the technique which is employed. It is unpredictable. Make sure you see a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Good luck.

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Dear Ms. Catreal09,Thank you for your information and questions. Cellulite treatment is difficult at best and inconsistent.Why?1)Cellulite is a result by internal attachments of skin to muscle - and it shows most in certain areas (thighs) 2) Excess isolated fat can make cellulite show more - by making bulges around these internal non expansile attachments.3) likewise lack of fat in between these internal attachments can result in irregularities.4) Loose  skin can aggravate the above. Treatment options1) Liposuction will reduce the fat and can break up some internal attachements.2) Ultrasonic or Laser  liposuction may disrupt these internal attachments to a greater degree.3) external radio frequency (RF) It can often improve the results such as Vellashape III or Thermi Tight.I recommend that you make several consultative appointments with Plastic Surgeons who are experienced and Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who hav e access to both surgical and non surgical options. In addition ideally they are members  of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).I wish you my best and success,R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

Why does Liposuction make cellulite appearance sometimes better and sometimes worse? Is it because of laser methods?

Answers (8)

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