Liposuction Revision

You went into your first liposuction procedure with high hopes for what the surgery would accomplish. Unfortunately, your results didn’t turn out as planned, and now you are left with contour irregularities or asymmetries that make you more self-conscious – instead of more confident – in your appearance. Liposuction is a procedure that typically produces excellent results when performed correctly on the right patient. When the treatment doesn’t go as planned, a second procedure may be needed to correct the issues left behind by the first surgery. This procedure is known as revision liposuction.

What is Revision Liposuction?

Revision liposuction is designed to address concerns after an initial liposuction procedure. It is also an appropriate option for those who have seen changes to their contour since their first procedure due to weight fluctuations. The treatment addresses issues that are keeping you from feeling fully confident in your body and creates long-lasting improvements for most patients. Dr. Barrett has the experience and expertise to handle the complexities that often accompany revision liposuction to create the contour you originally wanted.

Is Revision Liposuction Right for You?

Most of the patients that come to Dr. Barrett for revision liposuction have one or more of the following concerns:

• Depressed areas due to the removal of too much fat
• Bulges of leftover fat that leave a less-than-desirable contour
• Irregularities when the treated area is not blended with surrounding areas
• Asymmetrical results in the treatment area
• Dimpling due to inconsistent fat removal
• Loose, hanging skin that has failed to conform to the new contour
• Overall dissatisfaction with the results of your first liposuction procedure

When you come in for your revision liposuction consultation, Dr. Barrett will take the time to discuss your medical history, first procedure and concerns regarding your results. He will also listen carefully to your goals to ensure the treatment plan he creates will meet your expectations.

Who is the Best Surgeon for You?

When liposuction doesn’t go as planned, it can create significant changes in the treatment area that make revision procedures more complicated and challenging. Regular tissue planes are altered, and the ability of the skin to heal appropriately may be compromised. Scar tissue creates obstacles to creating the ideal contour in some cases. When revision liposuction is your only option, you need Dr. Barrett’s expertise in reconstructive and revision surgeries so that you can achieve a better result with your revision procedure.

Preparing for Your Revision Liposuction

While liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure, some preparation before your appointment can impact the success of your procedure. Dr. Barrett may provide a few steps to ensure your treatment is successful and minimize your risk for complications, such as:

• Stop smoking before your appointment to ensure healthy healing
• Avoid some over-the-counter medications and supplements that could compromise your results
• Take time off after your procedure to give your body time to recover properly
• Fill prescriptions before your appointment, so they are ready for you when you arrive home

You may have additional instructions depending on your specific situation. The more closely you follow Dr. Barrett’s direction, the better your experience and results will likely be.

Revision Liposuction Overview

Dr. Barrett usually offers local anesthesia or twilight sedation for his revision liposuction procedures. Because he uses the tumescent technique, there is less trauma to surrounding tissue. This method makes for a more comfortable treatment and a shorter recovery process in most cases. At the same time, the addition of the tumescent fluid into the treatment area allows the fat to be removed with the precision necessary to produce an optimal contour.

If Dr. Barrett is addressing areas where too much fat was removed, he might include fat transfer with your procedure to restore volume to those areas. Fat transfer involves the removal of fat from another area of the body to graft into the area in need of additional fullness. The fat is processed in a centrifuge and then placed into syringes for injection into the treatment area.

The incisions used for liposuction are too small to require any suturing. Instead, Dr. Barrett will place dressings over the areas and provide you with a compression garment to wear for the first few days. This garment aids in the healing process by reducing swelling and encouraging healthy blood flow to the area. You will be able to go home the same day as your procedure – no overnight stay in a hospital is required after revision liposuction.

After Your Revision Liposuction

For the first two weeks after your revision liposuction, you will likely experience some swelling and general soreness. You will be given a prescription for pain medication to keep you comfortable during the early days after your procedure. Dr. Barrett will also instruct you on steps like using cold compresses to manage swelling and pain. Your compression garment will also help reduce postoperative side effects.

Minimizing your scarring is a top priority for Dr. Barrett after any procedure. He will meet with you weekly after your surgery to monitor your recovery and address possible complications before they arise. He will also give you a patented silicone scar gel to apply twice daily for three months to reduce your scars. You will also receive specific instructions on your recovery based on your unique situation, if appropriate.

Most patients are back to work and light activities within a week or two. However, you will need to wait on strenuous exercise for four to six weeks to ensure your body has ample time to heal. At that time, you will be back to full speed and enjoying the results of your procedure.

Achieve Your Body Contouring Goals

It can be very disappointing to realize the results of a cosmetic procedure did not turn out the way you wanted. Dr. Barrett understands the disappointment and frustrations patients often have when they come in for revision procedures. He will take time with you to address all your concerns and customize your revision liposuction to your precise needs and desired results for an optimal outcome. If you are unhappy with the results of your first liposuction, contact Barrett Plastic Surgery today at 310-598-2648 to find out if revision liposuction is the right choice for you.

The information about liposuction revision was reviewed by Dr. Daniel Barrett. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.