Why am I fatter/have flabby, hanging bulge after liposuction? Do I need a tummy tuck because of this?

Question

I finally decided to have lipo to give me more curves last July. By 6 months, my results were so horrific (back rolls got deeper + stomach bulged and it looked worse than before surgery) that the doctor asked me to come back in for a revision. Even after the revision in March, it’s the same like before, and each month I look worse. My stomach now hangs and I can grab my fat. I never had this problem before surgery. At my heaviest, nothing bulged out or hung over when I sat. I workout religiously

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. And some patience where the skin is not so elastic liposuction Ken cars the skin to loosen and hang. This could be the case for you. With that being said, it is not uncommon to stage liposuction and tummy tuck as both of these procedures disrupt the blood supply in and Ken negatively affect wound healing when done in one setting aggressively. I believe that you could benefit from a tummy tuck As it will remove the excess skin and fat and work to flatten your torso. Good luck.

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
In my opinion and based on these photos, I would recommend an abdominoplasty. With this procedure, I would be able to remove that excess tissue you are grabbing at between the umbilicus and the pubic region. In addition, there is a rectus muscle repair, the umbilicus is given a more youthful appearance, and I like to liposuction the flanks giving an hour-glass appearance. Keep in mind that the excess tissue to your bra line will not be removed in this process. In order to address this, you would need to be flipped mid-surgery adding to the operative time, anesthesia time, and your recovery. I would suggest you speak with a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and to discuss your options.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Liposuction only removes fat but does nothing with the excess skin.  After liposuction, your skin is now hanging.  You will need either a tummy tuck or possibly even circumferential body lift.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Andre P. Marshall, MD · Answer

Hi BrownineOne, 
Your skin can oftentimes respond in an unpredictable fashion after liposuction. Once the fat has been removed the skin may contract but seldom does it ever return a state without laxity. The skin laxity will always be more exaggerated when sitting or bending. Some surgeons employ radiofrequency energy under the skin after liposuction to help provide some degree of skin tightening. A tummy tuck does remove excess abdominal skin, but a formal evaluation would be needed to make an assessment. Unfortunately your expectations were not achieved with two procedures. We always suggest a consultation with your previous surgeon or another board certified plastic surgeon to determine the next best course of treatment. Best wishes as you continue to heal. 
Dr. Andre P. MarshallDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

During liposuction, the extra fat is removed and relies on the skin to contract postoperatively.  If poor skin quality, massive weight loss or stretch marks, loose skin or sagging skin may occur.  If weight gain, fat may redistribute and go elsewhere.  Back rolls may be difficult to eradicate.
Tummy tucks remove the excess skin, tighten the muscle, often reposition the belly button.  At the time abdominoplasty, lipo may also be performed to improve contouring.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Your issue is not excess of fat, for that reason liposuction hasn’t not fixed your issue and only was aggravated by the second one. 
Your issue is saggy skin and more deflation will worsen it. 
You are a perfect candidate for Tummy Tuck, muscle repair to create a flat abdomen and smaller waist. 
No technology use (Jplasma, bodytite) will tighten your skin. 
Be encouraged!! You will look awesome after doing the correct procedure. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BrownineOne,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears you are a candidate for a tummy tuck.  Liposuction can do a great job removing fat, but it does not remove any skin.   A tummy tuck will remove the excess skin as well as correct any abdominal wall laxity.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Peter Andolina, DO · Answer

After reviewing your photos and reading your post I think the issue you are having is that your skin has not rebounded after your liposuction. This can happen sometimes with liposuction especially if the skin has lost some of its elasticity. If the excess skin is now the issue there are a few options to consider. A tummy tuck will definitely get rid of the excess skin and make the skin tighter. You may not need a full tummy tuck but you will need a formal consult and exam to determine that. There is also renuvion which has been used as an adjunct to liposuction in some cases. It deliver RF via heated plasma to the subcutaneous tissues and is supposed to promote contraction of the tissues.

Lourdes Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and pictures.

After evaluating your case you seem to be a great candidate for a Tummy Tuck to remove the skin excess on the abdomen combined whit 360 liposusuction to reshape your body. The BMI neet to be under 33 for surgery. By combining these procedures we can achieve goog results.

Make sure to approach to a certified surgeon to help your clear all your doubts.

Best wishes!

Why am I fatter/have flabby, hanging bulge after liposuction? Do I need a tummy tuck because of this?

Answers (12)

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