How safe is Lipo if I have mesh in my abdominal wall?

Question

I had hernia and diastasis recti repair surgery with mesh done a year ago. I had it done Robotic laparoscopic. I wanted to know if it's safe to have to have lipo of the stomach. The mesh is 20x12 cm. it's Symbotex into my abominal cavity.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best. The best in body contouring not only removes fat with energy devices like VASER ultrasound but also internally heats the skin with radiofrequency devices such as Renuvion (J-Plasma), InMode BodyTite, and ThermiRF to heat the undersurface of the skin and tighten it at the same time as fat removal. These combinations are called 4D HI-DEF VASER Liposuction and can only be done by a well-trained body contouring specialist. At the same time, fat should be harvested and purified, with PRP and stem cells added, and then injected into muscles, indentations and cellulite to get body shaping and contouring. For a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), we inject the fat into the buttock for contouring and lifting, but fat can also be used in areas such as the chest/breast, arms/shoulders, calves and face.  Cellulite should also be treated with a combination of Cellfina, subcision, and/or fillers such as Bellafill, Renuva synthetic fat, or Sculptra. If skin is very loose before surgery, then it will need to be removed: tummy tuck/abdominoplasty for lower abdominal skin; breast lift for excess breast skin; and/or a brachioplasty for loose arm skin.

Overall, you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.
"

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Since the procedure was performed laparoscopic, the mesh is placed behind your muscles inside the abdominal cavity.  Liposuction is performed on the fat that is in front of the muscles.  Therefore, you "should" be fine to have the procedure, however, your surgeon should carefully evaluate you to make certain you dont have any kind of recurrence of your hernia or hernias.

Hope that helps.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Surgical risk is generally a matter of degree rather than a binary proposition like "safe" or "not safe."  The type of mesh you have, how much abdominal wall fat you're carrying and its distribution, your skin elasticity, how the procedure is technically performed, and other factors influence risk profile and outcome.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear vrod714,
generally speaking, it is possible to get liposuction even if you have a mesh. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

It sounds like your mesh was placed inside the abdomen behind the abdominal muscles. If this is the case, then it should not be in the way of your liposuction which is done outside of the muscles. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

How safe is Lipo if I have mesh in my abdominal wall?

Answers (7)

Answer: Liposuction candidate

Answer: Liposuction candidate

Answer: Hernia repair with mesh

Answer: Hernia repair with mesh

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How safe is Lipo if I have mesh in my abdominal wall?

Answers (7)

Answer: Liposuction candidate

Answer: Liposuction candidate

Answer: Hernia repair with mesh

Answer: Hernia repair with mesh

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