5 Months After Liposuction I'm the Same Size I was Before, Why Would this be? (photo)

Question

I had liposuction done 8.25.11. When it was done I swelled up about 3 sizes bigger. It has gone down now ( 5 months later) but I the same size I was be for but little more shapely in hips. Is this normal. I went for a yearly to family doctor and found out I had edema (pitting in legs) Do you think the liposuction caused it? I am having a secondary liposuction surgery to correct the unsatisfactory results and am very concerned about having it done.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

in my opinion, you do not look like a good liposuction candidate.  An in person examination would be necessary to know for sure, but it looks like a tummy tuck / abdominoplasty would have been more appropriate for you.   I would seriously consider this prior to having another round of liposuction.

	 

	Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.

	I would suggest that, prior to undergoing any further surgery, you be evaluated by your internist.  You need to figure out the reasons for prolonged lower extremity edema.

	By looking at your picture series,  I wonder if you were a good candidate for liposuction to begin with.  If not, this would explain why your results are less than satisfactory  and not as dramatic as you would have hoped for.

	For example, if the major concern in your case was muscle laxity or intra-abdominal adipose tissue,  then liposuction was not indicated in the first place.  You should seriously consider whether further surgery will help you or not.

	Make sure you are working with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

	Best wishes.

David Whiteman, MD · Answer

Looking at your photos, it is possible that other alternative procedures such as tummy tuck surgery could yield the results you are after better than liposuction, but without a personal consultation I couldn&rsquo;t say for sure. I see a slight difference from before, but understand your frustration. I would recommend going back to the original surgeon who performed your liposuction if you are comfortable doing so and haven&rsquo;t already, as well as consulting with several board certified plastic surgeons so that they can help you determine which procedure will best meet your needs. It&rsquo;s also important to bring up your history of edema after liposuction during the consultations so your prospective surgeon will best know how to address your cosmetic issue while minimizing the possible side effects.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

You were not a good candidate for liposuction alone and that is why you are did not achieve the result you expecting. You were and are a good candidate for tummy tuck. You have separation  of the rectus muscle and revision liposuction is waste of time.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Your abdomen is quite prominent in the photos, and this may represent internal abdominal fat, and muscular laxity, as well as external abdominal fat reachable through liposuction. The first concern is straightening out the swelling in your legs. Next you should rethink if liposuction is the correct procedure for you.
	Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

5 Months After Liposuction I'm the Same Size I was Before, Why Would this be? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: You will gety better rtesults with tummy tuck

Answer: You will gety better rtesults with tummy tuck

Answer: Was liopsuction right for you

Answer: Was liopsuction right for you

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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

5 Months After Liposuction I'm the Same Size I was Before, Why Would this be? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: You will gety better rtesults with tummy tuck

Answer: You will gety better rtesults with tummy tuck

Answer: Was liopsuction right for you

Answer: Was liopsuction right for you

Browse related questions

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.