Can I get liposuction in the same area twice in one week if I was not put under general anesthesia?

Liposuction revision should not be performed for months (often 6 months) to allow swelling and scar tissue to resolve. It is impossible to make an assessment of results so soon after surgery. It usually takes about 6 weeks to really see the results as the swelling takes a long time to resolve.

Thank you for your question, and I am sorry you are concerned about the outcome of your first liposuction procedure. Let me assure you that the recovery process takes some time and you are still much too early after your surgery to accurately visualize your final results. I encourage you to give yourself much more time - up to six months after your procedure - and see what you look like then. If you are still dissatisfied, that would be an excellent time to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in liposculpture for further assessment. 

If any of the areas overlap that you want to be liposuctioned, wait three to six months once all of the swelling has resolved.  If the areas do not overlap, this can be done at any time. Kenneth Hughes, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Liposuction creates a lot of swelling and edema.  There is no way you can tell if they left fat on you after only 2 days.  I always tell my patients you will look bigger than you were normally for 1 month.  It takes up to 6 months for the swelling to go away.  So no, you shouldn't get liposuction again until all the swelling has subsided.  If you do it too early, you can potentially create contour deformities as the surgeon cannot see what is fat and what is edema fluid.Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dear MissKorean9,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. I strongly advise that you wait at least 6 months before you have a revision. You may want to look into a body contouring procedure that combines liposuction with laser, radiofrequency (RF), and acoustic therapy to produce the best balance of fat reduction and skin tightening and smoothing for your body type and anatomy. We use a proprietary liposuction technique, combined with Emsculpt to help each patient reach his or her desired result. First off, all devices and instruments used are FDA-approved. We start your treatment with Emsculpt to help strengthen your abdominal muscles, augment your buttocks, and reduce any diastasis or abdominal muscle laxity that you may have. This is particularly important for patients who want convert a “round” abdomen to a “flat” abdomen. Emsculpt has been proven to be able to do this based on peer-reviewed research. We then use Smart / Laser Liposuction or VASER (ultrasound) to reduce dense, fibrous fat, and stimulate collagen formation; Radiofrequency-based skin tightening to maximize skin contraction; and Ultrasound, RF, or subcision (Z Wave, Venus, Cellfina) to treat cellulite, maximize fat reduction, and smooth out any irregularities postop. These procedures are usually performed in the office, with only local anesthesia. Patients go home the same day as surgery, do not need any narcotics postop for pain control, and can return to light exercise and work two days after their procedure. In my practice, we select the appropriate treatment for each patient based on their skin quality, amount of fat and surgical goals. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. Preoperative visualization with Crisalix can simulate what your body will look like after surgery and can help you make your decision. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

It takes time to see final results from liposuction surgery. You will have swelling that takes time to resolve.  I ask my patients to not look for results for months. Please try to practice patience. In 6 months if you still have concerns speak with your board certified plastic surgeon about future treatment options. Best wishes!