What is this dent that has been left after my liposuction procedure and how can I fix it? (Photos)

Question

Prior to liposuction I had very good skin elasticity three large pregnancy bellies and not one stretch mark on my abdomen. After lipo my skin looks weird and I have like a line across my abdomen that looks really weird. I’m not sure what I need to do to fix it but I hate my lipo results and I’m looking for the most minimally invasive but If not possible what would I need to do to fix these results ? Is it even possible ?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

This is going to be very difficult to correct because you have multiple points or irregularity. One possible solution would be using a tummy tuck type incision and undermine your entire abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and flanks and then pull the skin. Hopefully, this will conceal the contour irregularities.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have had too much fat removed, or it was removed inconsistently, which has caused the irregular dents and lines on your skin.

Minimally invasive procedures are most likely to get you minimal results at a not-insignificant cost.  Micro-lipo and fat grafting might offer some improvement.

The gold standard for results would most likely be an abdominoplasty (depending on what your exam shows) , which unfortunately involves a large scar. You'll have to decide if that scar is worth the trade.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Unfortunately, you did end up with a bad result due to your surgeon's inexperience. You not only have a horizontal "dent", but also asymmetrical vertical dents of the lower abdomen, not respecting the underlying muscle anatomy and normal fascial "dents" where the muscle groups merge together. So, this is the problem: a "most minimally invasive" approach will not fix it, as it was already suggested, but will cost you $$$. As a Total Definer board certified plastic surgeon, if you were my patient, I would redo the liposuction with the VASER Hi Def Lipo technique, remove the left over fat of your upper abdomen and rib cage, remove the left over fat in the mid lower abdomen. All this requires wide release of all your previous scars under the skin and bring out your semilunar lines laterally and create the natural depression in the upper abdominal midline. These are advanced techniques as opposed to the patchwork solutions which were already suggested to you. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced  body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!
I would first recommend extreme caution in looking to noninvasive treatments. Oftentimes they are expensive and worst case scenario they can create more deformity. One way to manage this is to release scar tissue surgically by using liposuction off suction to break up the area, possibly adding some light fat graft behind it. The other would be tummy tuck options which would release the skin and tighten your muscles. You do not need skin removal with the tummy tuck - a mini approach, without belly button scar.
I wish the best of luck to you. Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon - you can find one at plasticsurgery.org.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You could get some improvement with Sculptra injections to help fill in the thin areas. Your surgeon was very aggressive. Sculptra is done in multiple sessions at least 6-8 weeks apart. It encourages new collagen to grow and fill in scarred dented areas.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Thanks for the postop issues shown in your very nicely posted photos. But your question/s are confusing??? If you ONLY desire the horizontal indentation line of mid/upper abdomen improved vs doing complete revision of the abdominal liposuction - which option is it??? To improve the indented areas only I might offer minimally invasive micro fat grafting under ultrasound injections, under local anesthesia ($3,500) or non invasive injections of hyper-diluted Radeisse/Sculptra combination ($6,000). For revision full abdomen/waist/flanks with re lipo and use of J-Plasma to redistribute the skin under anesthesia ($6,000). Best to virtual or in person consult with.....

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Delivering consistent quality, Liposuction results is not easy or straightforward. The number of plastic surgeons of mastered this procedure are in a small minority. There are substantial the number of board-certified plastic surgeons were simply not good at Liposuction.
Doing the procedure well is more difficult than most people realize.
It looks like your provider tried to do high definition, liposuction or create a domino muscle, one etching or contour definition. With this type of Liposuction excessive amounts of fat are removed at intersections of muscles, trying to make the fat look like muscle. For example, the six pack lines may be etched by removing excess of amounts of fat at those areas. That’s what it looks like to me, but it didn’t turn out all that well. I suggest you follow up with your provider and ask him or her if they attempted to do high definition Liposuction and why?
Did they show you lots of before and after pictures during the consultation? Did the results look good in those pictures?
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

What is this dent that has been left after my liposuction procedure and how can I fix it? (Photos)

Answers (7)

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