Liposuction and Dimpling

Liposuction is consistently one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, liposuction was the sixth overall most popular cosmetic procedure in 2011, and the most popular cosmetic surgery. In that year alone, 325,332 procedures were performed. Almost all patients are happy with the results from their liposuction procedure. Nevertheless, there are some risks involved, as with any surgical procedure. The most common risks are swelling, bleeding, and bruising at the incision sites. However, there may be other risks, although considerably more rare. Skin dimpling is one such example of a potential outcome from liposuction surgery.

Liposuction Procedure

In a liposuction procedure, the surgeon will make a series of small incisions into specific areas of the body targeted for fat removal. This may be around the abdomen, as well as on the knees, thighs, and chin. A thin metal tube, called a cannula, is then inserted into the body at the incision site, and the fat is then gently vacuumed out of the body. In some cases, ultrasound energy or laser technology may also be used to help heat up and melt the body fat, making it easier to remove.

The procedure is not intended to tighten up loose skin, but liposuction can be done in conjunction with a skin tightening procedure, such as a tummy tuck. Because liposuction is not a skin tightening procedure, patients with poor skin elasticity may experience skin irregularities, or dimpling, after liposuction surgery.

What Can Cause Skin Dimpling As a Result of Liposuction?

Skin dimpling will occur because the skin and underlying tissue around the incision sites will heal unevenly following liposuction. There can be several factors that will result in skin dimpling following liposuction:

• Large weight fluctuations following liposuction
• Removal of large amounts of fat from a single site on the body
• Poor healing following the procedure
• Removal of too much fat from one specific site on the body
• Poor skin elasticity
• Excessive existing cellulite

How to Prevent Skin Dimpling following Liposuction

The best way to prevent skin dimpling is to maintain a constant, healthy weight after liposuction. This will often involve a regular exercise plan and a sensible diet. It may also reduce the amount of cellulite on the body. Keeping well hydrated will also prevent skin dimpling by preventing the body from retaining too much excess fluid.

However, patients that are prone to skin dimpling after liposuction (such as those with existing cellulite or poor skin elasticity) may want to undergo a skin tightening procedure along with liposuction.

How to Treat Skin Dimpling

Massaging the uneven lumps of skin may help soften them so that they will be more evenly distributed. Some spas even offer this sort of massage to even out skin following cosmetic procedures. Some nonsurgical skin tightening treatments, such as Thermage, can even out areas of skin dimpling.

Liposuction can do a great deal to boost patients’ self confidence. Keeping up a regular exercise and diet plan will go even further by preventing skin dimpling.

To schedule a liposuction consultation, contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery today.