Why my Skin has Changed After Liposuction?
Nowadays, liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. It aims to remove stubborn fat deposits and sculpt the body. While it can create dramatic improvements in contour, many patients notice unwanted skin changes after the liposuction. Understanding why these changes occur can help set realistic expectations and guide post-surgery care.
How does Liposuction affect the skin?
Liposuction removes adipose tissue (fat) from beneath the skin using a cannula, creating a new, slimmer contour. However, the skin that once stretched to accommodate the fat does not always shrink back perfectly to fit the new shape. This can result in several types of skin changes, including:
- looseness
- sagging
- rippling
- surface irregularities
Why my skin has changed after liposuction?: Key Reasons for Unwanted Skin Changes After Liposuction
Loss of skin elasticity
Skin elasticity is the ability of your skin to stretch and then return to its original shape. It is crucial for optimal results. Patients with good skin elasticity are more likely to see their skin tighten smoothly over the new contours. However, if the skin is less elastic due to age, genetics, or previous weight fluctuations, it may not retract fully, leading to loose or sagging skin.
The amount of removed fat is important
Removing large volumes of fat can leave a significant gap under the skin. If the skin cannot contract to fill this space, it may appear wrinkled or folded. Overly aggressive fat removal also increases the risk of surface irregularities and injury to underlying tissues.
Age and Collagen Loss
As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, making it less firm and more prone to sagging after fat removal. Older patients are generally at higher risk for post-liposuction skin changes than younger individuals.
Genetics and Skin Quality
Some people are genetically predisposed to have thinner or less resilient skin, making them more susceptible to irregularities, dimpling, or rippling after liposuction.
Surgical Technique and Healing
The used technique during liposuction matters. Uneven fat removal or damage to underlying tissues can create lumps, ripples, or depressions in the skin. Additionally, as the body heals, temporary swelling, fluid accumulation, and residual fat deposits can cause lumps and unevenness, most of which resolve over time.
Common Post-Liposuction unwanted Skin Changes
- Loose or Saggy Skin: especially in areas where a lot of fat was removed or the skin was already stretched.
- Rippling or Dimpling: Wavy or uneven skin surface, often due to poor elasticity or uneven fat removal.
- Lumps and Bumps: Temporary swelling, hematomas (blood collections), or residual fat can create lumps under the skin, which usually improve as healing progresses and good after-care treatment.
- Folds and Wrinkles: Skin may fold or wrinkle if it cannot retract to the new contour, particularly in patients with significant weight loss history or poor skin quality.
- Necrosis: Skin necrosis is the death of skin tissue resulting from a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the treated area. This disruption in circulation can be caused by trauma, injury, infection, exposure to toxins or chemicals, or as a complication of the liposuction.
How can I prevent or treat unwanted skin changes?
Prevention
- Choose a skilled, experienced surgeon who uses precise techniques (check her/his profile and previous procedures to be sure is a certified and experienced surgeon).
- Start your post-op treatment as soon as possible (MLD and post-op care). Do it with a certified therapist.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support skin health.
- Follow all post-operative instructions, including wearing compression garments and attending follow-up appointments.
- Consider combining liposuction with skin-tightening procedures (like a tummy tuck) if you have significant excess skin.
- Wear the compression garment and the foam to have more skin uniformity and better outcomes.
- Keep clean and dry your skin and clothes.
Treatment
- Most minor lumps, swelling, and unevenness resolve with time and proper post-op care (MLD, compression garments, massage, etc.).
- For persistent loose skin, non-surgical skin tightening treatments or additional surgical procedures may be recommended.
- (In case of necrosis) any changes in skin color, pain or fever ask your surgeon to check your symptoms and treat them as soon as possible.
A final word
Skin changes after liposuction are common and depend on several factors, including skin elasticity, age, genetics, the amount of fat removed, and surgical technique. While some changes are temporary and improve with healing, others may require additional treatments. Understanding these factors and working closely with your surgeon and your post-op therapist can help you achieve the best possible outcome and minimise unwanted skin changes after liposuction.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find usin Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
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