Liposuction Revision: When Things Don't Come Out Quite As Expected

Every patient and every surgeon have one thing in common, you both want your results to be the best it can be.  However, it must be realized that the goal of cosmetic surgery is to improve upon what one already has.  The number one reason for patient dissatisfaction after liposuction is the familiar term, unrealistic expectations. 

Having Realistic Expectations
Don't you dislike that term?  Sure, it is easier said than done, and you completely set out to have those proverbial realistic expectations.  But when you plunk down $3,500+ of your hard earned money and you deal with the discomfort and downtime, you get your hopes up pretty high.  But the truth is, surgery cannot make you into someone else and it cannot give you someone else's body. There are many factors which contribute to a great physique: diet, exercise, genetics, and lifestyle choices.   If you do not work out and do not have significant muscle tone, you are not going to have it after liposuction.  As a patient you must be realistic in what you will achieve after liposuction.  Liposuction removes fat, it does not tone muscles, it doesn't correct cellulite, it doesn't fix lax skin, and it won't make a size 18 into a size 2 without significant volume removal and skin tightening procedures,  And even after all that, you will not look like a a 13 year old girl who weighs 90 lb and has perfectly young, elastic skin.  I wish liposuction did all that, but it doesn't.

What Liposuction Will Do For You
Liposuction can reduce your waist line.  It can reduce the circumference of your thighs, calves, arms, buttocks, etc.  It can make you thinner, it can help you fit into a clothing size that you used to fit into when you were younger, or before you had the baby, or before you put on the "Relationship-10 (lb)".  Liposuction can give you self confidence if it pertains to the above.  It can allow you to fit back into those jeans you liked so much a few years ago.  It can allow your six pack to show.  It can even make you feel better about wearing a bathing suit in public.  Yes, liposuction can do all of these things.

Now don't get me wrong, you are supposed to be happy with your results.  Many, many patients are thrilled with their results.  But as I always say, the enemy of good is better.  So be careful about having repeat liposuction procedures until you get it "perfect"..

When The Reason To Be Dissatisfied Is Crystal Clear
We all hope for having no need of a revision procedure, but sometime it can happen. Of course, even with realistic expectations, contour irregularities and unsightly scars may result.  Or you may wish to have more volume removed, or even restore fat in an area that seems now like a dent.   If you have visible waviness, lumps and dents that were not there before your liposuction procedure.  Ask your surgeon what he or she feels will help rectify the problem.  Revision liposuction is a discussion best had with your surgeon before your original procedure, just in case.