What is Revision Liposuction?
Revision Liposuction or “revision lipo” is a complex cosmetic procedure that corrects irregular and undesirable results from previous liposuction surgery. It is often done with fat grafting to smooth these irregularities. We specialize in repairing and revising previous liposuction here at the AJ Plastic Surgery Centre.
Lipo, when performed unevenly or too aggressively can result in asymmetries, irregularities, lumps, or dents that can be traumatizing for patients. We have developed a special technique that greatly improves these irregularities. Revision liposuction is an extremely challenging surgery that requires detailed pre-operative planning and meticulous technical skill. We have patients from all over East and Central Africa who have suffered from significant asymmetries, irregularities, indentations, and scarring from previous liposuction surgery or Brazilian Butt Lift surgery.
The severity of their problems ranges from subtle contour irregularities to noticeable asymmetries including shelves or chunks of fat left behind and deep indentations or grooves that are adherent to the underlying muscle. Many of our patients told us that after their poor liposuction surgery they couldn’t wear fitted shirts or pants because their irregularities were visible even through clothing so they stopped going shopping and lived in baggy clothes.
We’ve helped young women in their 20′s and 30′s who could never wear a bikini or even a bathing suit. We have developed a technique that greatly improves these irregularities. Although these have been some of the most difficult cases we have performed, they are also the most rewarding and we feel grateful that we have been able to help so many patients look and feel better.
- Before Procedure
- During Procedure
- Results & Recovery
Good to Know Before Procedure
For patients who have had less than desirable results, it is often emotionally challenging and distressing for them to undergo a revision surgery. We understand the emotional distress that can accompany having another surgery. We want you to know that we are here to listen and to help you.
We are always honest about what can and cannot be repaired and help my patients set realistic expectations for what revision liposuction surgery can do for them. At your consultation, we will evaluate all areas that need to be repaired and give you an honest assessment. If possible, please get your old operative report from your previous surgery. Knowing what you have had done in your previous surgery is extremely helpful for planning the revision liposuction surgery with AJ Plastic Surgery Centre.
What Happens During Procedure
For your comfort and safety, revision liposuction will be performed under general anesthesia. We will also place a numbing solution in all areas. We are treating so you will not feel pain even though you are under anesthesia.
After all areas are numbed, we use a custom-crafted instrument to break up irregularities and obtain fat grafts. Small incisions (<4mm) are made in the skin to access all areas that are being operated on. We try to use your already existing incisions if possible. Then using a thin cannula connected to suction – lumps or shelves of fat left behind are gently removed and blended into the surrounding areas to create a smoother contour and asymmetries can usually be corrected.
Dents and areas where too much fat was taken are lifted and fat grafted. Every single case is unique and customized to each patient. We have developed a special technique to help smooth and even irregularities – the specific details will be discussed at your consultation.
Results & Recovery: What to Expect
Recovery from revision liposuction is relatively easy. A few hours after surgery you should be up and walking around. Many of our patients return to work a few days after revision liposuction. We have developed a gentle liposuction technique that has minimal pain and a quick recovery. Most of our patients tell us their revision surgery was much less uncomfortable than their previous surgery.
Swelling and some bruising are normal the first two weeks after revision liposuction. You will wear special garments that are measured for your body with foam over grafted areas to minimize swelling and provide support while healing. We use dissolvable sutures so they don’t need to be removed.
Following revision liposuction, the scars, which are extremely small, may be a little red. Over the next 6-12 months they slowly fade. You will start scar treatments around 2 weeks after your revision liposuction surgery. We will discuss scar care in detail with you and also provide you with scar medications and products at your follow up appointments.