Steroid injections for post lipo fibrosis? I had waist, upper & lower abdomen & bra back area lipo (Photos)

Question

My surgeon says the dips and lumps are “normal”. I Had liposuctionon my waist, upper and lower abdomen along with bra fat back area My umblicous area seems protruding and feels harder than any other area. I’m afraid I have devoloped fibrosis. I have been looking at possible treatments to reduce the lumpiness after lipo. Corticosteroids injections is one that keeps popping up. What’s the mechanism of steroid injection and is it even a treatment for lipo fibrosis?

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Treatment for contour irregularities after liposuction depend on how far out from the procedure you are. Immediately a massage therapy can be helpful, along with some other ultrasound devices that offer Similar results. Steroid injections decrease the inflammatory process which can work to soften or reduce scar tissue. This is best done in small localized areas. If you are further out from liposuction, around one year or more, repeat liposuction often with an energy device such as VASER, can break up the fibrosis. Good luck.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Steroid work by causing atrophy of scar tissue, but also normal tissue. It is highly controversial to use in post liposuction patients as it is unreliable and can cause permanent damage and contour irregularities. Looking at your photos indicates you would be better served by revision liposuction with an expert. Steroid will only make things worse for you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 8661anon,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to be careful with steroid shots since they can remove too much fat and cause the skin to discolor.  You appear to have some residual fat which could be removed with liposuction. An examination is needed to be certain.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person examination is always best but it appears from your photos that the protrusion that bothers you may be from abdominal wall laxity.  This is not corrected during liposuction, but rather from a tummy tuck.  Steroid injections have their place in addressing scar tissue, but they are not typically used for generalized areas.  Lymphatic massage is helpful after liposuction in the first few months.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Thanks for the posted photos. I do not recommend steroid injections to treat fibrosis, since these injections can dissolve tissue! I see you had limited lipo thus the irregular results. I would offer redo superficial liposculpture using the S.A.F.E. lipo techniques, firm compressions and aggressive postoperative massages. Fee for redo is from $6,000. Best to virtual consult with...

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

When posting regarding the outcome of his surgical procedure patients need to always include the timeframe of when the surgery was performed and include proper before and after pictures. If you don’t have before and after pictures then ask your surgeon to forward the ones they took.
Lumpiness early after liposuction is normal and typically settles down by about six weeks or at the most three months.
It looks to me like you have muscle separation from previous pregnancies and may have been a better candidate for a tummy tuck rather than Liposuction.
Perhaps your procedure could’ve been done better but I’ve certainly seen worse. I think your outcome is a combination of less than perfect Liposuction on someone who is not necessarily a good candidate for the procedure.
If you haven’t waited six months from the date of surgery and that’s the first thing to do.
Injecting steroids is not a good idea and it’s unlikely to improve anything and can lead to highly undesirable side effects from steroids.
If you have an uneven fat distribution then revision surgery is typically the correct first next step. The other option may be to convert the procedure to a full tummy tuck which may have been a better option in the first place. finally without seeing before and after pictures or having the luxury of an examination there is a chance that some of your body contour is related to excess visceral fat. When that’s the case weight loss can make great improvements.
Follow up with your provider and if you want a proper second opinion consultation you should schedule those as in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons in your community. for second opinion consultations patient should come prepared with copies of before and after pictures and a copy of your operative report. Those are all part of your medical record that you are entitled to by simply asking your doctors office to forward them to you.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Steroid injections for post lipo fibrosis? I had waist, upper & lower abdomen & bra back area lipo (Photos)

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