360 Lipo 5 months post-op. He took 3 liters out but I don't see any results, should I have to pay for a revision?

Question

If my doc agrees that There is no results (We have before & after pics)And I need more work done.Will I have to pay more money?

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Liposuctions can need a touch up procedure sometimes and your doc will usually only charge for the operating room which often is only $1000-1500.  There are several reasons why it may not look the way you envisioned it, but it is usually not the doc's fault. He/she will usually be glad to help you look better but you need to do your part in exercising and dieting etc... as well. Never expect a touch up for free.  Most docs will tell you this up front during the consultation as well so there are no misunderstandings. If you need a touch up, then always give your doc the chance to be the one doing it. You owe him/her that much.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Each Doctor will have their own policy. You may still have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, without preop and postop photos, no specific advise  can be given. 3000cc liposate (fat + liquid) or pure fat are not the same. In Florida, the surgeons are restricted to 4000cc of fat removal at one time. Your surgeon should've explained that to you, if he/she thought that you might have more fat. The term "360 degree liposuction" is being used by a lot of surgeons lately. They might do areas of your abdomen and back, but are these areas connected? No area of the torso should be untouched by liposuction in a 360 degree procedure. Only this way you can expect maximum skin shrinkage all the way around.If you do not see a result, I would seek another opinion from another board certified plastic surgeon. First of all, another surgery is not a revision. A revision refers to a small area that did not heal as expected. You cannot expect a surgeon to go back, redo your whole liposuction procedure for free and call it a revision. Second, would you go back to the same surgeon who did not give you an expected result even if he/she will do it for free? Third, your next surgery that you call a revision is much more difficult than the first surgery due to internal scarring. This can further limit your results in the hands of a poorly trained body sculpting surgeon.See several experts in body sculpting before deciding who should do your next surgery. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Christina.30,Every surgeon has a revision policy. Many involve reduced or even no fees for the surgeon (depending on the situation) while the patient may still be responsible for facility (the use of the operating room, staff, and supplies) and anesthesia fees. Best to go back to your surgeon and have a talk about your concerns again.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

It really depends on the doctor, the details of the situation, and the revision policy.If 3 liters of fat was removed the first time, it seems a little surprising that there would be literally "no difference", if the patient hasn't re-gained weight.  Here in Florida, we are subject to a 4 liter limit, in any event.If I were the surgeon in your case, and the result was not what I had hoped,  I might very well reduce or waive my portion of the fee for the second procedure, but the patient should expect to pay for anesthesia and OR supplies.  I think that would be fair.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Every surgeon's office varies on revisions and payment.  You will need to talk to your doctor directly.However, a 3,000 cc removal of fat is a large number and you should see very noticeable results from the first procedure.  Revision liposuction of the same area(s) will result in about a 20% yield from the first procedure.  So, in your situation, I would expect only a 600 cc (20% of 3,000) removal.  If you did not see a result with a 3,000 cc removal, you certainly will not see any difference with only a 600 cc removal.  You may need to consider other options, (i.e. skin removal, weight loss, etc)Good Luck!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Without posting before and afters for us to compare really hard to answer. each surgeon has their own  revision policies. Most charge for use of OR, supplies, anesthesia with NO professional Md component.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

There is something wrong with this picture. If your doctor removed 3 L of fat, you should definitely see some dramatic results. Please provide pre and post op photos so we can help you. Ancillary services are typically a waist of time and money when the initial surgery is not provided appropriately.  Will await more information and photos to provide you a definitive answer.

360 Lipo 5 months post-op. He took 3 liters out but I don't see any results, should I have to pay for a revision?

Answers (8)

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