Neck SmartLipo gone wrong - I am unsure if this is fat, fluid collection etc.? (photos)

Question

I am 31 years old and I recently underwent a chin smart Lipo and reg tummy lipo. Both procedures were botched. My neck now looks FAR worse than before. The procedure was performed 5/31. I personally do not believe this physician should be practicing. I know I have to fix my tummy, but at this time, the chin takes precedence, as it is something I see everyday. I have developed a bulge underneath my neck w some striations. I am unsure if this is fat, fluid collection etc. Please help!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach would give you the most improvement. Kybella, Ultherapy and/or ThermiRF treatments (Venus Legacy) are non-invasive options that would do well in combination. VASER Neck Lipo with ThermiRF will provide you with more dramatic results in relation to contouring and tightening the chin and neck. See a cosmetic dermatologist for a long term treatment plan. Best, Dr. Emer.

Benjamin Gonzalez, MD · Answer

I am sorry for your experience. SmartLipo is an excellent choice for the neck area but only in the right experienced hands. The single best thing to do is to seek at least 2 separate opinions from  experienced provider in your area. Bring any before photos you may have with you as well. It is difficult to give you proper advice on these types of platforms without actually seeing you and seeing before photos as well. There are ways to improve what I can see in the photo so I do not want you to feel hopeless. I don't want to trivialize how you feel but the good news is that the photos do not look seriously bad. I know this is your face so seek at least 2 separate opinions as I mentioned to find solutions to improve.....Wishing You Well!!!

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties following your submental lipo. 
The procedure of liposuction is an
"insult" to the soft tissues, resulting in swelling which will
initially totally obscure the operative result. It is important to know how far along you are in your postoperative course. Firm cords initially may represent swelling along the tracking of the cannula. One cannot determine the nature of the submental fullness you demonstrate without a physical examination. One can rule out a fluid collection with a needle aspiration.  There are non-surgical ancillary treatments available to control swelling. If the fullness persists after the swelling dissipates, one could perform a secondary liposuction, or consider non-surgical treatments such as kybella. 60-80% of the swelling should subside within the first 6 weeks, with the remainder slowly subsiding over 6-12 months.
Continue
care with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

Scott Powell, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

As others have said, SmartLipo generally works well in the neck and I am sorry you are having issues.  The good news is it can still get better.  Liposuction of any kind takes a full 6 months to recover and obtain the final results.  That being said, I would seek an in person consultation with another Doctor/ doctors, as well as your treating surgeon, to see if there are other modalities that can help with the recovery and getting you the results you are hoping to achieve.Part of the bands could be from the underlying platysmal muscle.  These sometimes become more prominent after the fat is removed.  They can be treated with Botox, or sometimes ligation.There also still can be scar tissue/ swelling that needs time to resolve.Good luck to you,Dr. Powell

Neck SmartLipo gone wrong - I am unsure if this is fat, fluid collection etc.? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Neck Lipo

Answer: Neck Lipo

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Neck SmartLipo gone wrong - I am unsure if this is fat, fluid collection etc.? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Neck Lipo

Answer: Neck Lipo

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.