Untether Skin from Muscle to Fix Bumps/pitting Caused by Lipo?

Question

I have pitting on my saddlebag area due to lipo that I got 11 years ago. My plastic surgeon says that to fix it he would "untether" the skin from the muscle by running a thin rod under the skin, and then pouring in my own fat to smooth out the area. I've heard that untethered skin can hang loose and get saggy and I don't want that! Could I just get fat injections to fill in the pitting without untethering the skin?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

In my experience this is loose skin and best treated by a thigh lift. However, most pateints are reluctant to undego this extensive of a procedure. Fat injecting alone could make the dimpling more prominent.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Although fat injections are very good for depressions in the subcutaneous compartment after surgical or traumatic events, some depressions are anchored by your collagen bands and the fat won't displace the epidermis and dermis high enough. In fact, if this situation exists, the fat could extend outwardly beyond the depression which can raise the normal skin and make the depression look deeper! Your plastic surgeon has examined you and has a better idea if fat injections without the untethering (subcision) could help or if the subcision is necessary.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you have some areas of dimpling and depression, fat injecting alone may help. Sometimes the skin needs to be released.

Jeffrey Kenkel, MD · Answer

There are many things to consider when evaluating a patient who is unhappy with their prior surgery. An assessment of the following is critical: 1. how much fat will be required to fix the deformity; 2. Is the overlying skin mobile or fixed to the deeper tissues ( if the latter some "release" will be required; 3. Quality of the overlying skin - if it is poor, you may require some type of excisional surgery to accomplish your goal.

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD · Answer

I agree with Dr. Wilke.  If the skin is stuck to the muscle, it has to be released and then the area filled with fat.  Remember, without the fat the skin may be loose and wrinkly, but with the fat filling the area, the chance will be minimized (think of an under filled balloon which is being filled).

Untether Skin from Muscle to Fix Bumps/pitting Caused by Lipo?

Answers (9)

Answer: Post liposuction irregularities

Answer: Post liposuction irregularities

Answer: How to Correct Skin Pitting Caused by Liposuction

Answer: How to Correct Skin Pitting Caused by Liposuction

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Untether Skin from Muscle to Fix Bumps/pitting Caused by Lipo?

Answers (9)

Answer: Post liposuction irregularities

Answer: Post liposuction irregularities

Answer: How to Correct Skin Pitting Caused by Liposuction

Answer: How to Correct Skin Pitting Caused by Liposuction

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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.