Saddlebags return 3 years post lipo, can you advise? (Photos)

Dear MininxLC,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your photos, they actually look pretty good. In regards to exercise after surgery, it can be helpful in maintaining your results. More importantly, is that you maintain a good and healthy diet, avoiding excessive carbs (sodas, bread, pasta, candy, juices).

It appears there is some skin laxity which is generally not treated very well with lipo. In cases of mild to moderate skin laxity energy devices have a role in treatment. This includes BodyTite, Morpheus, J-Plasma, and even Vaser.

I would suggest additional liposuction in the areas of excess fat and add minimally invasive radiofrequency skin tightening, like ThermiTight, to help tighten the skin. Also, check and make sure you have not gained weight since your original surgery. If you have, loose that weight first.

You mentioned several things that can impact your liposuction results including pregnancy and lack of exercise. After surgery in order to prolong your results it's important to maintain your weight, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy balanced diet. If you are wanting further liposuction you can return to a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an evaluation.

Three years of aging and the pregnancy can definitely be enough to see a significant change in your body.
Improving lower extremities on women is challenging. Often there are issues with skin laxity, cellulite and loss of skin elasticity that continues and worsens every year.
While removing fat can reduce size and potentially improve contour doing so also compromises skin quality especially when skin elasticity is not at its best. for the same reason older individuals are not good candidates for equality Liposuction results as we age liposuction results can also diminish.
Removing fat adds to skin laxity and age and weight fluctuations worsen skin elasticities and skin laxity.
Even those who maintain weight well pregnancy always causes some weight fluctuations and this can have an effect in areas other than the abdomen.
Most of your concerns are probably easily attributed to skin issues and are unlikely related to fat distribution.
Further liposuction is unlikely to make substantial improvements.
Unfortunately there are no good quality skin tightening treatments other than direct skin excision which leaves highly visible scars.
There’s simply is no good treatment for women who have flabby size bed worsen with age.
For some individuals skin surgery like a thigh lift is justified but for others the scar and procedure itself are unacceptable.
There are certain parts of the body we have a great treatment options for like the abdomen and face but unfortunately lower extremities lag far behind when it comes to creating amazing transformations in the plastic surgery world.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD