10th months post abdominal liposuction and my tummy is hard, wavy and lumpy. Will it ever heal? (photos)

Question

10 months after abdominal liposuction and this is what my tummy looks like: swollen, hard, wavy and lumpy. I don't see any evolution since the 3rd month. Ultrasound shows there's no liquid underneath, but fat between 7 and 11 mm (0.25-0.43 inches) thick. A few hours after the operation, it looked perfect. But my doctor only told me to wear the compression garment assisted by soft thick foam for 10 days (I wore it for 15 days). Is it worth waiting any longer to see improvement? What can I do?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Unfortunately this looks like contour issues and may have some underlying scarring. I suggest a second opinion, sometimes non invasive options can give some improvement but likely this is permanent or can be improved with a revision surgery.  Best, Dr. Emer.

R. Clark Mooty, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  Based on the one photograph provided, it appears you have contour deformities as a result of the liposuction.  It would be beneficial to be able to compare your pre operative photos to your current result.Liposuction can be done a number of different ways (suction, laser, ultrasound assisted, etc).  Regardless of the modality used, the treating physician needs to be aware of the areas they are treating and constantly assess the thickness of fat present.  Contour deformities are one of the most common complications related to liposuction.  The indentations occur from over aggressive removal of fat and/or failure to treat a particular area from multiple liposuction approaches.  Using multiple access sites for liposuction allows the area to be treated in different directions and minimize track marks or indentations.  Additionally, the physician must recognize when to stop treatment in order to limit the chance of a divot or depression.  I have to agree that at 10 months, it is unlikely a dramatic change will occur on your abdomen.  Correction of contour deformities will be best directed with formal clinical examination.  contour deformities following liposuction may require a combination of liposuction and fat grafting.  I encourage you to follow up with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Did you have liposuction assisted by a laser or ultrasound? If so the thermal damage can create significant scarring and possibly produce unwanted permanent contour abnormality.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions.  I don't think it will change much after 10 months.  What type of liposuction was performed? Also preop picture will help how you were before. It is the time to talk to your PS and express your concerns.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

Usually you have a good glimpse of the final product by 6 months. Technically you are not fully healed for one year. It has been my experience that two more months of healing will not change your results significantly. Surface irregularities is a known complication of liposuction. This can usually be fixed with more liposuction and or fat grafting. I would talk to your PS and express your concerns.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

A few issues are presented in this case. #1 Poor candidate for lipo, but no before posted photos to compare. #2. Poorly preformed lipo by the surgeon. #3 revision of any type very difficult to determine without in person examination. Seek these second opinions.....

John Dean, MD · Answer

I don't think that you will have a lot of improvement of your puckering, at 10 months post op.  Vigorous lymphatic massage may be of some benefit as ultrasound may not show pockets of fluid, but pockets of edema between areas of scar, may be present.

Thomas Guillot, MD (retired) · Answer

You have some contour deformities which may or may not settle down.  It would be interesting to know what type of liposuction you had - regular vs ultrasonic vs laser.  You need to see your surgeon and express your concerns.

10th months post abdominal liposuction and my tummy is hard, wavy and lumpy. Will it ever heal? (photos)

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