Botched Lipo - can it be fixed? (Photo)

Question

I got liposuction and a fat transfer on July 20th. I had a seroma for 2 months that was finally resolved using a drain. I've had over 30 massages, ALWAYS worn my garments as instructed, & followed PS's orders. Now, 3 months po, my abdomen looks TERRIBLE. PS says this is my result & ultrasound MAY help. If not, revision is required. Is it possible to resolve this without another surgery? Is this due to the surgeon's poor skills?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi illustrativeb,

Thank you for your question regarding the possibility of fixing your botched liposuction, and for providing your history and pictures. Since you are only three months post-surgery, I recommend waiting another three months before making any decisions. If your condition does not improve after this period, revision liposuction should be considered.

For revision liposuction, using a VASER along with a specialized cannula can be effective in breaking up any scar tissue or fibrosis. Most plastic surgeons would advise against doing a revision only three months post-surgery. It is generally recommended to wait a full six months or longer before considering any revision.

It's important to note that the issues you're experiencing, such as seromas, skin rippling, and asymmetries, are known potential complications of liposuction and can occur with any patient and surgeon. These complications are not necessarily reflective of your surgeon's skills. Seromas, in particular, are a recognized complication associated with liposuction.

Therefore, rather than attributing these issues solely to your surgeon's performance, I suggest continuing to work with your chosen plastic surgeon to achieve the results you desire, even if it means undergoing another surgical revision. Good luck and I hope this provides clarity on whether your “botched” lipo can be addressed effectively with further intervention.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Ralph M. Rosato, MD · Answer

It take time to heal after surgery especially with a prolonged seroma. The firmness will soften and some of the irregulates will resolve as you heal. The final result will not be apparent for 12 months. After that time very little improvement will happen. Some of your changes may be due to loose skin. It sounds like you are doing all you can to get the best result. Good Luck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Delivering consistent quality, liposuction, results is more difficult than most people realize. The number of plastic surgeons who truly masters in this procedure are in a small minority.
Being bored, certified in plastic surgery with years of experience, and an overall good reputation any one single procedure especially not Liposuction.
I have to get anybody considering having Liposuction properly go through a vetting process to find the right provider in. I recommend patients do this by having multiple in person, consultations with local plastic surgeons, who seem to have a lot of experience with this procedure. During each consultation, ask each provider to open up your portfolio and show you their entire collection of before and after pictures of the previous patient who looks similar to you.An experienced plastic surgeon should have no difficulty showing you the before and after pictures of at least 15 previous patient. Highly experienced surgeons will, in fact have hundreds or even thousands of before and after pictures to choose from. Being shown a handful of pre-selected images, representing the best results of the providers career is insufficient to get a clear understanding of what average results look like in the hands of each provider. I recognized at this point you already had the procedure, and for those considering Liposuction, it is important to recognize, the impact of proper provider selection. 
Liposuction results are permanent and more or less irreversible. Postoperative massage has no impact on liposuction results.
There are no non-surgical options to improve your outcome and very can be done in regards to revision surgery.
Correct email for the done liposuction especially when the procedure was done. Aggressively is extremely difficult and only partial improvements are possible at the best.
Revision Work is many times more difficult and complex than doing primary Liposuction. The importance of getting assessment and vetting providers for any type of Revision Work can not be over emphasized.
I’m sorry you find yourself in this situation. I wish I could be more optimistic regarding helping your outcome.
The outcome of your procedure is a direct reflection of how the surgery was performed. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Jose Segura, MD, PhD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, thank you for sharing your photographs and in your case medical management is required and there are good alternatives to improve these results and you are not a candidate for revision surgery since there is the possibility of forming more scar tissue and the result could be more catastrophic. I hope you consider this opinión.

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