American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 
Kathleen
4 years ago
Answered

Post fat removal skin irregularities

I have had a little bit of fat removed on each side of my outer thighs, just under my hips. This procedure was done for the preparation of my stem cells, and it was a year ago. I have noticed that I have some irregularities in those areas now- my outer thighs, they look like depressed dents, almost like cellulite. What procedures can I consider to get rid of this irregularity?

Procedure: Body Contouring
Location: Dubai, BC - United Arab Emirates

Replies 6

Steven Wallach
ASPS Surgeon
Add to Favorites

You may require fat grafting to the original harvested area. You are best to be seen in person

More
Gregory Dowbak
ASPS Surgeon

Nothing to be gained by waiting. You will need fat grafting, but I do not like doing small areas like this as it inevitably winds up looking like patch work. You have suffered for a year. Add some “sizzle” to your life, get a 360 lipo by harvesting up to 4-5 liters fat from from entire abdomen, flanks, lower, mid and upper back and infuse into each hip blending into buttocks for a shape that is so sensational that not you nor anybody else will notice the original defect. You will be amazing!

More
Matthew Camp
ASPS Surgeon

Post liposuction irregularities can be difficult to correct, but the best approach is replacement of the fat via fat grafting and feathering of the indentations. This can be an opportunity for refinement of your contour as Dr Dowbak mentioned, just be clear when communicating with your Dr your desired outcome.

More
Jon Harrell
ASPS Surgeon

An exam would be able to help determine the best approach but grafting of fat to individual defects vs. regional fat grafting to a wider area around the defects would be appropriate. If you are surgery "phobic" then regular dermal fillers may work, particularly if the defects are reasonably small. It could also be a test to see if filling the defects improves them to your satisfaction. Best of Luck Dr Harrell

More
Barry Citron
ASPS Surgeon

Making the assumption that you have excess fat in another area of your body that can be used as a donor site without creating a second deformity, fat grafting can be used to restore the contour of your thighs. More than one session might be required to obtain the optimal result as the percentage survival of grafted fat is not predictable. Sagging skin in your thighs can contribute to the deformity caused by excess fat removal. It is unclear why you would have a deformity from liposuction that is not being addressed by your surgeon. Was the fat removed for stem cell harvest performed by a plastic surgeon taking into account the aesthetic changes resulting from fat removal in that area or by someone of another specialty? Hope this and the responses of my colleagues helps you understand your options. Best wishes.

More
Nelson Castillo

Thank you for sharing your excellent question. The most likely successful, and long-term, treatment would be fat grafting back to the area liposuctioned in order to help smooth some of the irregularities seen. Hope this helps.

More
Logo

Patient Care Center