Is liposuction any easier the second time around?

Question

I had liposuction in conjunction with an abdominoplasty in February of last year. I am scheduled to have the same area (flank/hips) redone on the 22nd of January. My question is, could the recovery period be any less intense for a revision? The first round of lipo was pretty painful, and I was wondering if maybe, there is a chance that patients report less sensitivity when having the same area done a second time.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Recovery is hard to predict. We utilize our Hidef Liposuction Revision Protocol which includes liposuction, Liposonix, lipocavitation, Ultherapy, skin tightening, and Brazilian Cellulite Treatment. The treatments we use will dictate the amount of recovery. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I'm a bit surprised that convalescence was so hard. Most liposuction patients or sore but not in particular pain. Generally revisions are more limited so the convalescence is easier.

Joseph C. Berardi, MD · Answer

You can anticipate the discomfort should be the same, if the surgeon uses the same technique and tumescent formula.  The only difficulty may be for the surgeon.  With secondary liposuction, the surgeon will encounter more scarring and more difficulty passing the cannula through the tissues.  Thank you for your question.Joseph C Berardi MD

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear JLR2012,

Liposuction recovery is typically “like the worst workout I have ever had”. Tummy tuck on the other hand is more akin to recovery from a C-Section or a hysterectomy. Whereas patients are usually back at work in five to seven days with liposuction, tummy tuck typically takes two weeks. I suspect that your first procedure’s discomfort was primarily from the tummy tuck.

Liposuction the second time around if treating the same areas of the body usually yields less fat because scar tissue is now in the areas as opposed to the first time around, but the recovery should be quite similar to primary liposuction only.

I hope this has been of help to you.

Robert D. Wilcox, M.D.

Gustavo E. Galante, MD · Answer

Generally, a repeat liposuction procedure should not be that much different than the first procedure. However, there is more scar tissue within the fat, so the results may be more unpredictable.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you had a tummy tuck and liposuction most likely the tummy tuck caused most of the discomfort. Secondary liposuction is usually not that painful.

Michael Hueneke, MD (retired) · Answer

I would guess the tummy tuck was the component that would make you most uncomfortable. as the other surgeon mentioned, it is harder to remove the fat but easier to recover in most cases

Is liposuction any easier the second time around?

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