7 Weeks Post-lipo, Troubling Results? (photo)

Question

Male, 49, reasonable shape, had lipo on my belly 7 weeks ago. Photos are attached showing the results. A sharp indentation just below stomach, then even bigger than before around my navel, which is also deeper than before. Doctor said after 2 weeks it is fluid that will drain. Now he says it is fibrous tissue that will stay. This looks awful - I had a little extra before, but looked natural, now deformed. I would be grateful for any advice from doctors.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Final appraisal of the results of liposuction are not done differently six months. Listen to your surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You will need 6 months or more before your results can be appreciated. Massage may help with breaking scar bands if they are forming or have formed, but you should receive instructions on postoperative care from your surgeon. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for the posted photos. It is difficult to offer any advice except for PATIENCE for a couple of reasons---

	
		There are no pre-op photos for comparison
	
		Seven weeks is way to early to assess outcome. Many irregularities are related to postop swelling and resolve with nice results. 


	Do follow closely with your surgeon. All the best.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At 7 weeks after liposuction you are likely still swollen. You also may need to massage the area to help with the differential swelling and /or tight tissues.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It's hard to say without seeing preop photos and knowing exactly what was done but it can take a long time to see the results of lipo; 4-6 weeks for 85%, 3 months for 95% and up to six months or more for 100%.  That being said, at 7 weeks you should most likely not be bigger than you were before surgery.  You should speak with your PS, consider an ultrasound or CT Scan to make sure there isn't fluid still trapped in there and, finally, consider another opinion.  If it is fibrous tissue it may be amenable to a revision at some point, but that's something you'll need to talk to your PS about.

	Sorry for the problem.

	Dr. E

7 Weeks Post-lipo, Troubling Results? (photo)

Answers (7)