Liposuction tunneling - How long does it take these tunnels to collapse?

Question

I have a question about liposuction and the end result. I read online that instead of removing a certain percentage of fat from the full treated area all over, fat is removed with a cannula by creating some tunnels along the treatment area which then over time collapse with the help of the compression garment revealing a more contoured, flat, & fit looking area. How long does it take for these tunnels to fully collapse? One year??

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

After liposuction, the cannula passes through the fat layer in many small paths, but the final shape is not just a matter of those paths “collapsing.” The contour usually evolves as swelling decreases, the tissues soften, and the skin gradually adapts to the smaller fat layer.

A useful timeline is that early swelling improves over weeks, the contour becomes easier to judge around 3 to 6 months, and subtle firmness or skin contraction may keep changing up to 12 months. Compression can support healing and swelling control, but the final smoothness also depends on skin quality, the amount of fat removed, and how evenly the tissues heal. If there is a visible groove or irregularity after several months, an in-person exam is needed to decide whether it is still healing or a persistent contour issue.

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

The collapse of tunnels created during liposuction can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s healing process, the extent of the procedure, and the skill of the surgeon. In general, most tunnels created during liposuction should start to collapse and heal within a few weeks to a few months after the procedure. However, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. If you have specific concerns about your recovery, it’s best to consult with your surgeon for guidance.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Liposuction removes fat by passing a cannula into the layer of fat being treated.   It cannot and should not remove all of the fat.   Normally by 6 weeks you will see a result from your liposuction procedure, and by 3 months the majority of swelling and healing has occurred.  In rare cases there will still be areas of healing a year after surgery.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Liposuction works by removing small individual particles of fat by inserting a thin stainless steel tube called a cannula with small openings connected to a source of vacuum. Each time the cannula is passed through the fat removes multiple small individual particles of fat. It is the cumulative effect of passing the cannula back-and-forth thousands of times that eventually reduces the fat layer to get the desired effect. passing a cannula through fat without suction does not remove fat and will not give results.
When it comes to Liposuction there are only two variables but matter.
They are patient candidacy and surgeons skill.
All other variables are relatively insignificant compared to those two.
People are you the good candidates for liposuction or they’re not and surgeons are you good at liposuction or they are not.
A patient who is an excellent candidate for Liposuction has the potential for getting an excellent outcome if they correctly select a sufficiently talented provider. The same patient can have disfiguring outcomes if provider selection is not done correctly.
An individual who is not a good candidate for liposuction will not have quality liposuction results regardless of who does the procedure.
Understanding your own candidacy for the procedure it’s probably the most important and should be the first step in the process of having this procedure.
The second step is finding the right provider.
Liposuction results very dramatically based on who does the procedure.
Not all plastic surgeons have mastered liposuction which is a far more difficult and complex procedure than most people believe.
Liposuction results are permanent an irreversible. I’ve done poorly patients are left this figured.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of properly vetting plastic surgeons through multiple in person consultations when it comes to Liposuction procedures.
Candidacy for Liposuction can be narrowed down issues related only to subcutaneous fat. in other words the perfect candidate for Liposuction as only issues with distribution of subcutaneous fat and no other variables causing aesthetic concerns. individuals who had other issues like skin laxity, muscle separation from previous pregnancies, visceral fat etc. may not be ideal candidates for liposuction is because of it.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Liposuction tunneling - How long does it take these tunnels to collapse?

Answers (4)

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