Indented stomach after BBL - Revision possible? (photo)

Question

I had a BBL recently, I am 5’9 and weight 210lbs. I am very unhappy with my results and I am wondering if it’s possible to fix my stomach. I have a huge indent in my stomach and want to know if there is any hope im flattening it out with a revision surgery? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Liposuction can often create contour irregularities.  It is possible this can be revised by tracking the area with a liposuction cannula or by fat injection or by a mini tummy tuck.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

A contour indent after BBL/liposuction can sometimes be improved, but the timing and cause matter a lot. I reviewed your photo; it shows an uneven depressed area across the lower central abdomen, although a single image cannot separate swelling, scar tethering, skin laxity, and uneven fat removal with certainty.

If this was recent, the first step is follow-up with your operating surgeon and allowing the tissues to settle, often several months and sometimes closer to 6-12 months before a revision plan is reliable. Depending on the exam, options may include massage or other scar-management measures during healing, release of tethered scar tissue, careful fat grafting to a hollow area, limited liposuction around the edges, or in some patients a tummy tuck if loose skin is part of the problem. Revision is possible in many cases, but it should be planned only after the contour is stable and the skin quality has been examined in person.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and limited view photos. Yes, this can be greatly improved. You would need the rest of the abdomen liposuctioned, the lower area skin to be released. Corrective surgery is always more difficult and no spot or small area blending will work. The best way to get a good result is to have the surgery done correctly the first time. Unfortunately it did not happen in your case. It is not your fault. I use the VASER Hi Def Lipo technique under deep intravenous sedation in our in office accredited surgical suite. Although you did not show the results of your BBL, any deficiency or asymmetry can be addressed at the same time. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Martin Benjamin, MD, FACS · Answer

Not to worry! That is very fixable! They may have been a bit too aggressive on one side vs. the other. Much can be accomplished with high volume lipo 360 in combination w/ Vaser Ultrasound to smoothen things out and then I would add Renuvion JPlasma to ensure tightening of the skin after such aggressive symmetrizing liposuction. Good luck!

David Hansen, MD · Answer

You would do good with lipo of the tummy to smooth out the irregularities but be sure to get it done under local for best results so the doc can stand you up occasionally to fine tune it.

Kamol Pansritum, MD · Answer

Based on your description, the indented area on your abdomen is likely due to uneven fat removal or irregular healing after liposuction. In most cases, a revision with Vaser liposuction can help smooth the contour and improve skin tightening by about 60%. Vaser technology uses ultrasound energy to selectively break down fat and stimulate some skin contraction, which helps correct surface irregularities and improve the overall contour. However, complete correction is not always possible&mdash;especially if there is scar tissue or significant skin laxity&mdash;but most patients see a noticeable improvement after revision.

Tuan A Truong, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Contour irregularities can occur after liposuction, and a discussion with your surgeon about this unfavorable result should be initiated. Revision can absolutely be performed several months out from the original surgery; it may be as "simple" as additional liposuction or you may need other interventions. If the answers to your questions are unsatisfactory from your surgeon, a 2nd opinion should be sought. Good luck on your journey!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Contour irregularities can be a result of liposuction.  A revision of your liposuction should help to improve the contour of your abdomen.  You didn't say how far out you are from surgery, but it's best to wait 3 to 6 months before considering a revision.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your nicely posted before, and after photo, but does not show your result of your BBL. I would recommend a virtual consultation. My initial impression is to do a combination of liposuction of areas of abdomen with fat grafting to the dent in combination with the new ALLOCLAE injections. Best to virtual consult to expect these to range from $5000-$8000

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The ability to improve liposuction outcomes depends on a number of variables.
The most important variable is how much fat was left behind to work with.
Another variable is the patient candidate for Liposuction in the first place.
In your case you appear to have been a pretty good candidate for Liposuction with a reasonably good skin integrity so you had the potential for a good Liposuction outcome.
It may be difficult to improve the overt treated area on the lower abdomen, but the rest of the abdomen can probably be reduced so there is a better overall match.
Recognize that revision or secondary liposuction is much more difficult than primary procedures.
Any attempt and improving your outcome by anybody who isn’t sufficiently talented can make things worse.
While I’m generally pretty pessimistic about improving poorly done Liposuction results in your case, I think you should be able to get a good outcome if you can manage to find the right provider.
Delivering consistent quality Liposuction results is more difficult than most people realize.
The number of plastic surgeons who approach mastery of Liposuction is in reality quite small.
 The best providers for doing revision work is most likely the same providers who do the best primary Liposuction procedures.
To find the right provider, I suggest patient’s schedule multiple in person consultations.
Bring pictures of yourself to use as reference.
During each consultation, ask each provider to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection of before, and after pictures of previous patients who had similar body characteristics.
In your case, you want to see lots of examples of previous revision work, and patients who had similar problems like the one you have.
Because revision work is not nearly as common as primary procedures providers will have less before and after pictures.
Regardless, you should ask to see a lot of before and after pictures, not just the best results of the providers career.
An experienced provider should have access to more before and after pictures then you have time to look at it during the consultation.
Seeing just a few examples is totally insufficient to vet providers accurately.
Take careful notes during each consultation.
There’s no correct number of consultations needed to find the best provider.
The more consultations you scheduled the more likely you are to find the better provider for your needs.
The biggest mistake patient can make is having only one consultation and then scheduling surgery.
Having only one consultation, more or less eliminates the ability to find a better provider.Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Indented stomach after BBL - Revision possible? (photo)

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