Athletic, Fit 39yo Seeks Liposuction for Trouble Spots on Abdomen, Flanks, Butt - Charlotte, NC

Well, 4 years later and I still have the big dimples in my tummy. You can see the 2-3 inch tunnel made by the insertion of the cannula (the tube that sucks the fat out!). It’s very distinct in certain lighting and looks unnatural. I think Dr. Harper took too much fat from that area upon insertion, so the rest of my belly sits higher. The big dimples in my upper outer thighs where too much fat was taken are still very sunken. They have never changed. At this point, I’d say the surgery was not worth it. The extra fat is gone in my tummy, but the dimples offset any cosmetic gain. Now: I have not gained any weight so that isn’t skewing my opinions.

Well, it's been a while since my final post. Due to an injury I was sidelined from exercise and have gained about 12 pounds during my time in a cast. This is when I could really see the long term results of my lipo. I've gained weight very oddly in my stomach. No fat in the bottom area and all cellulite at the top. It's actually quite odd. I can now really see the deep line left by poor use of the cannula rod tool. It looks like my belly button is frowning. When I'm super lean like in the last photo I posted two years ago it was hardly noticeable. This weight gain makes it all very obvious. If I could go back again I would have done the surgery but not chosen this surgeon. I regret the decision as I do consider my lipo to be 'botched' both on my stomach and legs (still have the craters from him taking too much fat! Hopefully once I lose this weight it won't be as obvious.

Well, I finally waited the requisite amount of time to see if anything would improve. Dr. Garrett Harper (Charlotte Plastic Surgery) saw me a few weeks ago and agreed that his treatment of my sub-gluteal crease area was 'too aggressive'. I'm left with hollows and dents where there is not enough fat. I've been pretty upset given the fact that I didn't need much done at all and I definitely regret having any type of surgery. Dr. Harper agreed to perform a revision at no cost (already in the contract) with only surgical room fees applied (would total about $550). I don't have much fat to be found for a fat graft, so it would have to come from the inside of my knees and inner thighs. At this point, given the bad result from the first surgery, I don't have faith that the second surgery would turn out as expected. I'd rather be left not wanting to wear a bikini vs. not being able to even wear shorts. My husband and I have spoken about it at length and we both feel like I should wait for now. Side note: I also have hemosiderin staining behind both legs that left me looking bruised. It's caused by iron deposits in the skin after bruising. It may or may not go away. This was not caused by the dr - it just happens. I will say that Dr. Harper has been understanding and fully owned the fact that this was his mistake, but that's of little solace to me when I look at my legs. I could tell he felt bad when he was looking at it and he could see how upset I was. I do think he cares a lot about his patients. This is the danger of plastic surgery - you can't ever be sure of the result. As I researched it more, I read so much about how even the best PS shouldn't touch the sub gluteal crease as more often than not you'll get a less than stellar result. I wish I knew this before as I never would have touched it having read what I have now. As for the stomach lipo, I still have some noticeable track marks where the cannula was used (see pic - there's a little dent/track line in my lower left abdomen and also a spot where the incision scar is noticeable). They aren't bad, but definitely not worth what I've been through to make the smallest of changes. It's just 'fine'. At least nothing traumatic here at this point. My final verdict - leave it alone, it's not worth the risk in the long run. Now, I will say that had it turned out perfectly I'd be saying how it was SO worth it. The question is this - are you ready to live with an undesirable or bad result? Is it worth the risk? Only you know. I wish I hadn't done it. :/