How to avoid “lipo belly” and scarring in recovery?

Question

I really want to get airsculpt but my major concerns are the scarring and lipo belly. How can I make absolutely sure I don’t get lipo belly? (The unevenness on the front of the belly that you can tell someone has had lipo.) Is it massages? If so how consistently? I haven’t seen a dr lay this out. Scarring - how do you heal scars while wearing a faja. Most drs say the scars go away but I see them on many, many post op pictures.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your questions regarding airsculpt and your concerns about "lipo belly" and scarring. Achieving optimal results and minimizing complications requires a combination of proper surgical technique and diligent post-operative care. Here are some strategies to help you avoid these issues:

Choosing an Experienced Surgeon: The skill and experience of your surgeon are crucial in avoiding unevenness and excessive scarring. Make sure to select a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing airsculpt procedures.

Post-Operative Massages: Lymphatic drainage massages can significantly reduce the risk of developing "lipo belly" by promoting proper fluid drainage and reducing swelling. It's typically recommended to start these massages within the first week post-surgery and continue them regularly, as advised by your surgeon. The frequency and duration can vary, but many patients benefit from several sessions per week for the first few weeks.

Compression Garments (Faja): Wearing a compression garment as directed by your surgeon helps reduce swelling and supports the skin as it adjusts to your new contours. Ensure the garment fits properly and is worn consistently, as instructed.

Scar Management:

Scar Creams and Oils: Applying silicone-based scar creams or gels can help minimize scar formation. These should be used once your incisions have fully healed, usually around 2-3 weeks post-surgery.
Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your scars from sun exposure, as UV rays can darken scars and make them more noticeable. Use sunscreen or keep the area covered.
Massage: Gentle massage of the scar tissue can improve its appearance and flexibility. Consult your surgeon about when to start and the appropriate techniques.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle post-surgery can help preserve your results and prevent the development of "lipo belly."

Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are essential to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns promptly.

By following these guidelines and maintaining open communication with your surgeon, you can enhance your chances of achieving a smooth, even result and minimizing scarring.

Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or need additional advice.

Best regards,

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

First off, Airsculpt is a liposuction brand so what you're saying is you want liposuction. With that said, it now opens you up to any Plastic Surgeon who performs excellent liposuction.....and THIS is the most important factor contributing to results. Uneven results are mostly due to uneven removal of fat. If the fat is taken in an even fashion then the results are even. Good lipo, good results. Bad lipo, bad results. So how do you know who to pick to do your lipo? You'll need to meet with the doctor and get to know each other. After a history and physical exam the doctor will discuss what can be achieved with your body. You should also be given a detailed description of how the surgery is performed including positioning, incision placement, equipment used, cannulas sizes, etc. As a patient, you should look at online reviews and see what patients are saying about their lipo experience and results with that doctor. You should review THAT doctor's before and after photos. Ideally, you should find some before and after patients that have similar bodies as you. Once you decide to move forward and the surgery is completed, then follow the instructions very tightly. I do recommend post lipo massages since I find that it helps reduced the swelling quicker and essentially speeds up the recovery and results. Most patients undergo once per week massages for about 4-6 weeks but others sometime get massages 2-3 times per week. Scars can be treated with silicone gel early on to help minimize their appearance. Scars are permanent but they fade with time. There will always be a mark in the skin where the incision has been made. Keep in mind that it's very important to protect your investment with a healthy strict diet and regular daily exercise. Patients that are at their ideal body weight for their height and exercise regularly look the best. Take your time and find the right surgeon for you. I hope this helps.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Liposuction results are purely based on patient candidacy and skill of the provider.
The number one reason patients failed to be good candidates for Liposuction is skin laxity.
Even mild skin laxity can compromise what can be achieved using Liposuction alone.
If Liposuction is done with good technique, removing the fat in an even manner, there should be no skin compromise.
 Can be compromise even if the procedure is done well on individual who have significant skin laxity.
I generally recommend patients have in person consultations exclusively.
During each in person consultation, asked 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 to your own.
Highly experienced surgeons should have access to hundred or preferably thousands of before and after pictures to choose from.
 This is the most important variable in regards to provider selection.
If you ask the provider to show you 10 examples of patients who had very similar skin, body, and fat characteristics to your own, you should get a pretty accurate assessment of what results are likely to look like. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

How to avoid “lipo belly” and scarring in recovery?

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How to avoid “lipo belly” and scarring in recovery?

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