Liposuction Revision in NYC

Liposuction revision addresses contour irregularities after a previous liposuction procedure. An unsatisfactory liposuction result can make the thought of another operation difficult. My first task is to understand what is causing the contour you see, what your tissue will allow us to change, and which limitations may remain.

A revision plan should explain those distinctions before asking you to choose another procedure.

How Do You Know If Your Liposuction Went Wrong?

Liposuction should be done with precision and care. Results generally take 3 to 6 months to become clear. There are signs that can indicate your liposuction did not go as planned, and we go through the main ones here.

Uneven Fat Distribution

If, after a few months, you start noticing irregularities like bumps, waves, or lumpiness on the treated areas, this could be a sign of uneven fat removal.

Such outcomes could be the result of a lack of experience on the part of the surgeon or a mismatch between the procedure and your body type. Whatever the case, uneven fat distribution is a strong indicator that a revision might be necessary.

Dents and Divots

Dents and divots in the skin can closely resemble cellulite and are often a result of an overly aggressive lipo procedure. This usually happens when too much fat is removed from certain areas, or too close to the skin, leaving the skin looking uneven and unnatural. 

Scar Tissue Buildup

Scarring is a natural part of any surgical procedure, but excessive or raised scar tissue could signify a problem. Not only is this aesthetically unpleasing, but it can also cause discomfort and skin irregularities.

Loose or Sagging Skin

Loose skin after liposuction is often an indicator that too much fat was removed, making it difficult for the skin to contract to your new contour. This can result in a saggy, unnatural appearance. Treatments like skin tightening or surgical removal of the loose skin may be necessary to correct the issue.

Cannula Marks

Cannula marks appear as straight lines or "stripes" on your skin and usually suggest that the liposuction cannula was passed too closely to the skin's surface.

Such marks can be conspicuous. Corrective options can include additional liposuction, fat grafting to smooth the area, or energy-based treatment with VASER or BodyTite. Which of these applies depends on the depth and extent of the marks, and Dr. Smith will tell you at consultation what he thinks will help.

Tissue Necrosis

Loss of or damage to skin can be a sign of over-aggressive liposuction that interfered with the region’s blood supply. Liposuction too close to the skin can cause these issues as well.

Additional Concerns

It's also crucial to watch out for other alarming symptoms like drainage beyond what your surgeon told you to expect, skin infections, prolonged pain, and uneven results. These can all indicate that the initial liposuction did not go as planned and that corrective action could be appropriate.

Your options for revision.

Watch Dr. Smith explain the options for correcting a liposuction result

If you are unhappy with your first liposuction, revision is often possible. How much can be corrected depends on what was done the first time and on what your tissue will allow. Dr. Darren M. Smith performs these revisions and teaches the techniques nationally, and he will tell you at consultation what he thinks is achievable in your case.

Tumescent Liposuction and Advanced Methods

The go-to option for most revisions, especially in cases of uneven fat removal, is tumescent liposuction paired with VASER ultrasound, fat grafting, and BodyTite when warranted.  This multi-modality approach allows us to break up scar tissue, fill in divots, and tighten any loose, irregular skin.

Fat Grafting

Sometimes filling in the gaps is necessary. Fat grafting takes fat from one area of the body and injects it into another, correcting the hollows or bumps left by the initial procedure.

VASER for Breaking Down Scar Tissue

VASER uses ultrasound energy to target and break down scar tissue. Doing so opens up the space between the skin and the deeper tissue layers, which allows for more effective fat grafting. In Dr. Smith's experience this improves the appearance and feel of the treated area, though how much it improves varies. Dr. Smith considers VASER non-negotiable in revision liposuction for exactly this reason.

Are You a Suitable Candidate for Liposuction Revision?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for corrective liposuction procedures. If you tick most of these boxes, you could be a good candidate for a liposuction revision.

Our Liposuction Revision Procedure

When it comes to revising a liposuction procedure, each patient's needs are different. At Dr. Darren M. Smith's practice, the plan is detailed and built around your anatomy. Revision works with the tissue the first operation left behind, so it aims to improve the result rather than to deliver the outcome the first procedure was meant to produce. Some irregularities improve a great deal, some improve partly, and some cannot be fully corrected. 

1. Initial Consultation

It starts with a consultation with Dr. Darren M. Smith, who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

During this stage, he will examine the areas that were treated in your previous liposuction procedure, discuss any concerns you may have, and evaluate your skin's elasticity and any excess fat or skin. The intent is to gain a complete understanding of your goals for the second procedure.

2. Reviewing Your Previous Procedure

Dr. Smith will also evaluate any available records from your previous liposuction procedure. Understanding the technique used originally and identifying what might have gone wrong the first time around are essential steps for planning your revision surgery.

3. Customized Surgical Strategy

Equipped with insights from your consultation and previous procedure, Dr. Smith will then lay out a surgical strategy tailored to address your specific issues. This could involve using different liposuction techniques or incorporating additional procedures like fat grafting or skin tightening, depending on your unique needs.

4. The Day of Revision

On the day of your revision surgery, Dr. Smith will remove residual fat deposits, smooth the transitions between treated areas, and work on your overall proportions. Energy-based techniques may be used where they help. Every operation carries risk, including bleeding and injury to the skin, and he will go through those with you beforehand.

Combining Liposuction Revision With Other Procedures

Patients often ask whether they can correct their liposuction and address another concern at the same time. In many cases combining liposuction revision with another procedure is reasonable. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on the length of the operation and on your health, which Dr. Smith will assess.

Combining procedures offers you the benefit of undergoing anesthesia only once, which can reduce both cost and recovery time.

It can also address more than one concern in a single operation. For example, a tummy tuck can remove excess skin after revision liposuction.

Tummy Tuck

If your primary concern is loose or sagging skin around the abdomen, combining a tummy tuck with your revision liposuction could be beneficial. This procedure removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles, making it a natural complement to liposuction.

Breast Surgery

Breast surgery, like breast augmentation or a breast lift, can also be combined with liposuction revisions. Such a combination can harmonize upper and lower body proportions, especially if the initial liposuction is focused on the abdomen or waist.

Fat Transfer

Another popular option is to have a fat transfer, like the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), alongside your revision liposuction. This involves relocating excess fat from the revision procedure to areas that may benefit from added volume, like the buttocks or face.

What to Expect After Liposuction Revision

So you've decided to get a liposuction revision and you're likely wondering what comes next. Here's what you can typically expect during the recovery phase under Dr. Darren M. Smith’s expert care.

Initial Recovery Experience: The First Few Days

• Bruising: Bruising in the treated areas is common and usually lasts one to two weeks. Dr. Smith finds that adding VASER substantially reduces blood loss, which helps limit bruising, but that is not the main reason he uses it in revision cases. In revision liposuction VASER is non-negotiable, because it breaks up the scar tissue left behind by previous surgery.
• Mild Discomfort: You will be sore. Most patients find the discomfort manageable with oral pain medication and stop needing it after the first day or two, though some need it longer.

Wearing Compression Garments

You will wear a compression garment for 4 weeks after surgery. It helps control swelling and supports healing.

Getting Back to Routine

• Return to Work: Most patients feel ready to return to office work within two days after the cosmetic procedure.
• Physical Exercise: A light workout regimen is typically permissible 4-5 days post-surgery, with the go-ahead for more intense physical activities usually coming at the two-week mark.

Long-term Recovery: What to Look Forward To

• Swelling: While swelling will be most noticeable during the first week, it will significantly decline during the second week.
• Final Results: It takes about 3 to 6 months to fully appreciate the new contours and improvements made during the revision liposuction procedure.

Potential Risks of Liposuction Revision Surgery

Liposuction revision carries the same kinds of risk as a primary liposuction, including infection, bleeding, and new contour irregularity. Dr. Smith will go through the risks and the likely benefit in your case at consultation.

Consult with Dr. Darren M. Smith About Liposuction Revision

We understand that dealing with bad liposuction results can be both physically and emotionally taxing.

Dr. Darren M. Smith is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has completed advanced fellowship training. Liposuction revision is a regular part of his practice.

When you choose our NYC practice, you get a plan built around what went wrong and what can realistically be improved. Dr. Smith will tell you before surgery what he expects to be able to change and what he does not.

Book an appointment online or call us at (212) 633-0627.