How Much Time Should I Wait Between Lipo Procedures? (Photos)

How long one would have to wait is entirely dependent on what you need to revise. We usually wait until all the swelling has subsided. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianRealself100 Surgeon

I recommend waiting 3 months in between procedures.  This allows for some of the swelling to diminish, allowing for more accurate planning.  It also is important to decrease general anesthesia risks such as blood clots by spacing the procedures adequately.   If you are having general anesthesia and such a large volume liposuction (4000-5000cc is large volume),  you are approaching a scenario when it is recommended that you are monitored overnight and not just sent home from an outpatient surgery center due to fluid volume shifts and potential lidocaine toxicity.   Please be sure that you are having the procedure in an accredited facillity with a board certified plastic surgeon.

I would break the liposuctions into 3 procedures a week apart if done under local tumescent anesthesia.  If done under general anesthesia then a few months apart is better since you will probably need touch ups in the previous areas and enough time will have gone by to be able to fix them.  I would do inner, outer and front thighs, knees and buttocks in 1 procedure; upper and lower abdomen and hips in a 2nd procedure; and midback, axillae and arms in a 3rd procedure. Sincerely,

David Hansen,MD

Liposuction revision, also known as liposuction correction or liposhifting, is a cosmetic surgery that improves the results of a previous liposuction procedure. It can be performed on any area of the body that was previously treated, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, or neck. Some reasons for revision liposuction include: Asymmetry Too much or too little fat removal Sudden weight gain or loss Weight gain or aging after the procedure Skin irregularities, such as skin laxity, irregular bumps, keloids, or a wavy, rippled appearance Dimpling or lumpiness, which can be caused by small pockets of fat or scar tissue The procedure involves making small incisions in the targeted areas, and depending on the case, additional fat may be removed or reinserted. Some risks of liposuction revision include:InfectionBleedingAdverse reactions to anesthesiaScarringIrregularitiesPlacing too much or too little fatSwellingBruising A consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon can determine if liposuction revision is appropriate.

I recommend that patients wait between 3 to 6 months between procedures. It's important to ascertain that all the seeking has dissipated. Also, in elective surgery, you should give body a rest between anesthesia sessions. Then you can critically evaluate what needs to be done in the second procedure or even if this is necessary.