3 wks post op Liposuction, I have adhesion/ internal scar tissue. Scar tissue getting thicker & nodular.Is this normal? (photo)

Question

I had submental lipo and developed an adhesion. Started small then progressively got larger and "pinned" a couple areas of skin causing dimpled look. I know the swelling on either side exaggerates it but the skin itself looks gross and puckered. Only 3 wks postop. I'm trying Accent Laser, lymphatic massage w/scar tissue focus and will look into ultrasound if I can afford it, plus I massage too. Now internal scar tissue getting thicker and turning nodular. Is that bad or mean it's breaking up?

Lars Enevoldsen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry that you are having  to deal with this complication.  From the photos it appears that too much fat was removed in the submental area and there may even be some burn injury to the skin.  I see from your profile that the surgery was done by a Dr Menon.  A look at her website reveals that ."Dr. Menon is an internist who has additional training in Laser Lipolysis"  Laser lipolysis or  "Smart Lipo" can cause burn injury if used by poorly trained doctors.  It is unfortunate that in California anyone with an MD can call themselves  "Cosmetic Surgeons".  Internists have zero surgical training during their residencies.  At this point, you unfortunately have no choice but to wait and let eveything heal completely.  Then I suggest that you have a consultation with a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and also a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.  He/she should also have extensive experience dealing with this kind of post liposuction deformity.  I wish I could be more encouraging.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I am so sorry this happened to you.  I see this type of complication daily and wish I never did.  Although I have had success in treating this, various means are sometimes necessary.  Most of the time even with all the massaging, ultrasound, radiofrequency and the like, it is often surgery or subcision with fat grafting that can help.  I suggest an evaluation by a well trained physician whether that be a plastic surgeon or dermatologic surgeon with extensive experience in liposuction, lasers and cosmetic surgery.  We have a "team" approach at our office where liposuction specialists and plastic surgeons work to fix these types of problems.  I wish you the best, Dr. Emer.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  You have a tough issue.  You appear to have been over suctioned.  All that is recommended at this time is tissue massage and time.  Allow 3 months to pass then re evaluate this issue

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The best treatment for healing wound is to leave it alone. Massage is of no benefit. It looks as though the liposuction was assisted by a laser or ultrasound and has sustained significant thermal injury.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears as internal sub dermal burn. Best to allow more healing time but I believe you will need surgery to correct. Sorry...

3 wks post op Liposuction, I have adhesion/ internal scar tissue. Scar tissue getting thicker & nodular.Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Postoperative healing after liposuction not aided by massage or any external modality.

Answer: Postoperative healing after liposuction not aided by massage or any external modality.

Answer: 3 wks post op Liposuction, I have adhesion/ internal scar tissue. Scar tissue getting thicker & nodular.Is this normal?

Answer: 3 wks post op Liposuction, I have adhesion/ internal scar tissue. Scar tissue getting thicker & nodular.Is this normal?

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3 wks post op Liposuction, I have adhesion/ internal scar tissue. Scar tissue getting thicker & nodular.Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Postoperative healing after liposuction not aided by massage or any external modality.

Answer: Postoperative healing after liposuction not aided by massage or any external modality.

Answer: 3 wks post op Liposuction, I have adhesion/ internal scar tissue. Scar tissue getting thicker & nodular.Is this normal?

Answer: 3 wks post op Liposuction, I have adhesion/ internal scar tissue. Scar tissue getting thicker & nodular.Is this normal?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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