How to get rid of fibrosis after aggressive lipo? (photos)

Question

I am 7 months post op aggressive lipo of the abdomen. If i stand directly under light my stomach looks atrocious!! Extremely lumpy looks like little pockets of fibrosis especially on my sides! I have been getting weekly massages and i notice no difference, please help

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, I see what you are talking about. It looks like you may have had a hyper metabolic response to an energy device like laser or vaser. What I do in my practice for these is start with 4-6 sessions of radio frequency treatment- this is non surgical and takes about 30 minutes. It feels like a hot stone massage. The venus legacy device essentially cooks.melts the scar tissue through the skin. If that fails or if the patient chooses what I do is I take them to my OR. I do a unique procedure where I put in a lot of numbing fluid and use a custom instrument to just spread around the hills and valleys of scar tissue. So there is no actual fat removal just spreading and softening. I typically do this once or twice a week. The hardest part of training surgeons to perform lipo is teaching when to stop. Liposuction is not about what you take its about what you leave behind! I would be happy to discuss in person, please feel free to contact my office

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
The best treatment is to undergo SAFE lipo which is a power assisted liposuction technique that is focused on smooth results with equalized fat distribution. You would need more of the smoothing aspect and less of the liposuction aspect. Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon for this. You can find one at plasticsurgery.org. Best of luck to you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend non invasive treatments like Vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert for a formal evaluation.  Sometimes a flat panel of coolsculpting can help.  Best, Dr. Emer

Brian A. Pinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Very sorry to hear about this issue.  Deep scarring can occur with overly aggressive or superficial liposuction.  The key is to leave an even amount of fat behind, which can be challenging and very operator dependent.  Although 7 months seems like a long time, there still will be softening of the scar tissue over the next 6 months as the scar matures.  I would recommend continuing massage regularly.  Any prominent or especially firm areas can be treated with steroid injections.  Radiofrequency treatments may help but will require multiple sessions.  Additional liposuction with fat grafting to areas may be needed if you are still unsatisfied after another 6 months or so.  I suggest a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dana,Thanks for the question and photos.  Sorry you have issues 7 months postop.  Good and bad news.  The bumpiness does get better for up to a year.  Agressive liposcution can leave hills and valleys like you are observing/living with.  Massages do help, as does minimal low dose local steroid injecitons.  I have no experience with claims of external treatments aiding in the countour irregularities.  Going back in to 'smooth things out' often causes more issues.A physical exam is essential in making any decisions or recommendations.Best of luck.Dr. T

How to get rid of fibrosis after aggressive lipo? (photos)

Answers (5)

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