21 wks post op, my stomach is uneven, rippling, dents. What went wrong with my liposuction? Is it fixable with revision? (photo)

Question

I had lipo 21 weeks ago with a bbl. my stomach is uneven, rippling/waves @ dents secluded to my left side. What could have caused this? I researched for a year, & traveled across the country to one of the top Drs for lipo with bbl. I complained that my garment didn't fit right, and showed them at my post op appt. Did the garment cause this? I am in contact with my doctor and he agrees a revision is needed, but I'd like a second opinion on what could have caused it, and if it's fixable. Thanks

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

I am sorry that you are unhappy, and from your photos, it is obvious that something is not right. The irregularities are likely the result of excess skin and not from a poor-fitting garment. You should speak with your surgeon, but I suspect some skin removal through a tummy tuck/mini tummy tuck/modified tummy tuck will be necessary. Repeat liposuction may make things even worse.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Absolutely. We would recommend the Hidef Liposuction Revision Technique in our office that uses liposuction, lipocavitation, liposculpture, Liposonix, Ultherapy, skin tightening, fibrous release, and fat grafting. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. You have significant contour deformities of your abdominal wall secondary to a very aggressive liposuction. This can be improved with several surgeries of fat grafting.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Liposuction done in a very superficial plane can result in skin irregularities.  Also the use of extraneous energy such as ultrasound or laser can exacerbate skin irregularities such as burns to the dermis.  Postop seromas can cause scarring and irregularities to the skin.  I would first ensure you do not have a seroma.  If you do it needs to be drained or excised.  Then, I would conisder fat grafting to correct the irregularities.  Finally an abdominplasty may be the best option.  Discuss all these options with your surgeon.  Best wishes!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I would need to examine you personally for specific diagnosis but it looks as though there is a surplus of skin on the abdominal wall. An abdominoplasty is some sort might be necessary to solve this problem.

21 wks post op, my stomach is uneven, rippling, dents. What went wrong with my liposuction? Is it fixable with revision? (photo)

Answers (9)