Surface irregularity from abdominal liposuction. Can exercise help?

Question

I am 6 months post ab liposuction. I have some lumps that looks like uneven fat removal. I know revision lipo/fat grafting is one solution. What about exercise? I am still chubby overall (35-40% body fat). If I continue to work out until I have very defined abs, like those with abs fat you can barely pinch, I don't see how the big lumps could persist. Therefore, my question is: Can I improve the appearance of abs lipo irregularity if I go from chubby to very fit (think fitness model with abs) ?

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Your results may improve if you are fitter but you may also benefit from Venus Legacy Radiofrequency treatments that can help break down scar tissue. Good luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Even at six months there may be persistent swelling. This will get better as time passes. Exercise will have no effect on any contour abnormalities. Fat grafting should be required only rarely after liposuction.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Body contouring/liposuction has evolved over the past years and is not just about fat reduction but more so about sculpting and defining.  In patients who have smaller problem areas, you want an energy based device to help melt fat and tighten skin. as well, it helps to define and shape the musculature.  This type of liposuction requires a specialized body contouring specialist who is trained in 4D hi definition procedures and can do fat removal with both deep and superficial liposculpture.  Please see an expert for sculpting and defining procedures, whos practice is dedicated to these types of surgeries.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, and I am sorry that your liposuction results have not been what you anticipated. Overall, the loss in body fat will provide you with countless health benefits in addition to aesthetic improvement, but it is difficult to say whether the irregularities will improve.  If the irregularities are subtle, than improvement is likely, but if the irregularities are severe, you may always have some contour issues.  This should not be a deterrent to a healthy diet and exercise lifestyle, as any revision work in the future would be made much easier with the weight loss. Hope that this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I can not say what might be appropriate for you without an exam. Losing weight if you are overweight is often a good idea.  Good luck.

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I am sorry that you are having concerns about your procedure
and thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your
concern and agree with your assessment.

Definitively the best way of doing things is by your self. Loosing
the fat will be the most even way of achieving results. The only issue could be
the laxity of your skin, especially after massive weight loss.
If that is the case removal of skin might be granted. Do your
homework, loose your weight and the next step will depend on the skin recoil.

Wishing you the best in your journey

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

Not really.With exercise, you'll lose some fat if you burn more calories than you consume.  However, exactly where that excess fat comes off is outside your control.  It, in fact, rarely comes off from the areas people want it to; on the contrary, it may come off from areas you don't want it to.Revision liposuction, of which there are many types, is probably the best approach for discrete areas of fullness, particularly post-lipo.  You should of course consult with one or more board-certified plastic surgeons for a full discussion of this and the options for treatment.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf100

Surface irregularity from abdominal liposuction. Can exercise help?

Answers (7)

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