Are there any risks to getting liposuction in the same area multiple times?

Question

I've had 360 abdomen liposuction twice before. I wasn't able to maintain the results and gained the weight back. I was wondering if I can try again for the third and final time or would you advise against it? I wasn't sure if there were any risks I should be aware of like scar tissue. Thank you.

Elizabeth Kiwanuka, MD, PhD · Answer

Liposuction is a great way to target unwanted fat but one of the most common side effects is scar tissue (also known as fibrosis). Patients may feel some lumps or area of hardness a few weeks after surgery. The risk of fibrosis increases with repeat procedures. 
To avoid fibrosis development it’s very important to start your post-lipo lymphatic drainage massage as soon as possible and to wear the garment. 
For repeat or revision liposuction VASER is great choice. VASER uses ultrasound technology to emulsify stubborn fat deposits before their removal. This allows for the removal of fat from more fibrous areas while minimising the trauma to surrounding tissue

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

Getting liposuction in the same area multiple times can carry some risks, just like any surgical procedure. It’s important to discuss these concerns with a skilled plastic surgeon. Potential risks may include:1. Scar tissue: Repeated liposuction can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which may affect the appearance and texture of the skin.2. Uneven results: Over time, it may become more challenging to achieve the desired contour, and results might be less predictable.3. Complications: There’s always a risk of surgical complications, such as infection, bleeding, or anesthesia-related issues.4. Numbness and nerve damage: Repeated procedures can increase the likelihood of numbness or nerve damage in the treated area.5. Emotional impact: Multiple surgeries can have a psychological impact, so it’s essential to consider your emotional well-being.Make sure to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss your specific case and the potential risks and benefits involved. They can provide guidance based on your unique circumstances and goals.

Pallavi Kumbla, MD · Answer

Hi lc31 and great question! A person is only born with a set amount of fat cells. Liposuction removes these fat cells permanently. However, if you do gain weight again the remaining fat cells enlarge as well as fat cells in any areas where liposuction was not performed. Also, each time you have liposuction you generate scar tissue so it does make subsequent session of liposuction more challenging. However, there are different techniques that can be utilized to break up the scar tissue. I would say in my experience usually after two sessions the yield of fat is low due to the scar tissue so I would caution against proceeding a third time. However, the final decision of whether to proceed or not should be determined by an in person evaluation. I hope this helps answer your question!

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

This is a bit unusual that you gained the weight back. The reason is, is that when we remove those fat cells (adipocytes) from liposuction, you can never deposit fat again in that same area. Did you gain the weight back in the same area or a different area? If you gained the weight back in the same area, then most likely you had an incomplete liposuction procedure and some fat cells were left behind. If there is fat tissue present, we can always do more liposuction. The risk does increase with the presence of scar tissue. Your safety is our #1 priority in your surgery journey. We take great care to plan the liposuction, examining the specific areas that have been previously treated, and making a careful analysis of where we will remove fat tissue from. You can definitely have the procedure again.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

With each liposuction, there is new fibrosis (scar tissue).  When you gain weight post liposuction, the fat may be distributed more unevenly or lumpy.  Removing the fat is more difficult with each liposuction due to this fibrosis.  A healthy lifestyle is very important in maintaining your results.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Liposuction permanently removes fat in this causes a permanent change in fat distribution.
If having liposuction sone twice and it didn’t remove sufficient amount of fat even with weight gain then some continuous fat is not the problem.
It’s highly unlikely that a third liposuction session is indicated unless the previous to were not done correctly.
Without the pictures we can’t make an assessment.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!With each successive liposuction procedure, there will be diminished results after previous fat removal as scar tissue will fill the space between muscle and skin. If you are still seeing visible improvement with each procedure, it may be worth another "go".It is best to be at a healthy comfortable stable SUSTAINABLE body weight at the time of surgery. The cosmetic effect improves with lower BMIs. Before embarking upon further surgery, you should consider lifestyle changes...a healthy diet and regular exercise. If sustainable weight loss is not achievable, one may consider a bariatric procedure such as a gastric sleeve to achieve dramatic permanent weight loss.Best wishes...

Are there any risks to getting liposuction in the same area multiple times?

Answers (7)

More Liposuction Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (7)

More Liposuction Questions

Which procedure would be recommended for outer thigh laxity? (Photos)

What’s going on? Surgeon said looks good but at 1 yr stormed out of room without assessing. Now 2 years post op. (Photo)

When can I get liposuction of the legs/thighs after Accutane?

Lipo tips & recovery?

Is Liposuction the best route for my arms and armpit fat? (Photo)

Would any doctor be willing to perform liposuction to someone on warfarin?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS