What is the harm in redoing liposuction of multiple underdone areas sooner than 6 weeks?

Question

I had 600cc removed from the abs, flanks, back, pubic, inner thighs, and arms. I weigh 156 and am 5'4. My plastic surgeon is redoing the procedure on everything but the arms. We are doing this at just under 6 weeks post op. We saw VERY little result from the first surgery. I have zero swelling and very little soreness- I never did have swelling and only soreness for a few days. I'm guessing because so little was done during the first procedure. What's the harm in redoing it quickly?

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, I see no harm in going back in if very little fat was removed. Sounds like you and your doc have a good relationship and I wish you the best in your next procedure

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

Performing liposuction on multiple underdone areas sooner than the recommended 6 weeks can increase the risk of complications such as excessive bleeding, swelling, and uneven contouring. Your body is still actively recovering and healing 6-weeks post-surgery. It’s crucial to allow the body sufficient time to heal and reduce the risk of complications associated with repeated surgeries in a short timeframe. Always consult with a skilled medical professional to assess your individual situation and determine the safest course of action.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

The main reason that patients are encouraged to wait is simply to give the body time to heal and so that your "final contour" can reveal itself. But since you've already been examined by your surgeon and it sounds as if you are healed, there shouldn't be any harm in having revision liposuction at 6 weeks.

Karen Quigley, MD · Answer

Personally, I would wait at least 3-4 months even if not that much was taken out. At this point in time there is definitely still swelling and it would be hard to be accurate in judging the areas that need to be redone. It may look to you like it all needs to be redone but it is unlikely that this is the case.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. From what it sounds in your description, I agree that you are likely a good candidate for revision liposuction. Of course, you will need an in-person consultation to evaluate you for this procedure. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. The main concern with doing this too early is that you can continue to have skin tightening and contour changes for up to 6 months after the first procedure. Any treatment plan should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

What is the harm in redoing liposuction of multiple underdone areas sooner than 6 weeks?

Answers (5)