Liposuction has the potential to dramatically enhance the body’s shape and contour, producing highly desirable results for the patient. There is a range of things liposuction can do for you, and in some cases, liposuction can even improve your health.

However, in the hands of an inexperienced doctor, liposuction can lead to unnatural body shapes, asymmetry, lumpiness, indentations or rippling of the skin.

Unfortunately, this scenario is relatively common which is why revision liposuction has become a popular service for the skilled cosmetic practitioner. Correcting a “botched” liposuction procedure is highly challenging, so here’s what you should know about liposuction revision and how to best avoid poor results in the first place.

Why is Liposuction Revision Performed?

Some “botched” jobs are caused by the removal of too much or too little fat, and others are due to asymmetry. This can be due to poor planning on the doctor’s part or problems with their surgical technique, or post-op complications.

The growing demand for cosmetic and plastic surgery has resulted in a rise in the number of clinics offering procedures including liposuction. Unfortunately, many of these practitioners have received very little training or experience before performing some of these cosmetic treatments, which increases the risk of unsatisfactory results.

The increase in medical tourism has also increased the demand for liposuction revision surgery. Patients opting to have their cosmetic procedures done in countries where surgery is substantially cheaper increase their risk of unsatisfactory results. Clinics in countries like Thailand that lure patients with their summer holiday and ‘nip and tuck’ package deals, may sound great but can come at a cost. There’s a lack of regulation and no guarantee that the physician you’re seeing has any qualifications to perform the procedure. Cosmetic treatments in many of these countries are also outdated and use old technology instead of the latest techniques we may be using in Australia.

Liposuction revision is not only required after a badly performed liposuction procedure, but changes in the patient’s body can also warrant correction. People who have experienced sudden weight gain or loss may feel they need revision liposuction due to the irregularities that have appeared in their body shape.

Liposuction revision may also be beneficial for those who’ve had a successful treatment but have gained weight or aged in the years after the procedure.

Are You a Good Candidate for Revision Liposuction?

Often people are turned off by the procedure and are too afraid to return to the doctor for a correction or are disillusioned with liposuction altogether. How do know if you are a good candidate for revision liposuction?

You Have Realistic Expectations

Candidates must be realistic about the outcome of their surgery. While the doctor will endeavour to correct any abnormalities in the body’s appearance, there may be limitations. This must all be discussed in your consultation before the procedure to ensure everyone has the same expectations.

You’re Healthy

As with a standard liposuction procedure, the best candidates for the cosmetic surgery are those who are in good health and at a healthy starting weight.

Your Body Has Fully Healed & Final Results Have Taken Shape

Typically, patients are advised to wait 6-12 months from the time of their liposuction surgery. This is so you’ve allowed enough time for your body to heal from the initial procedure and swelling doesn’t interfere with the revision process, and so that the decision is based on the actual result.

Ultimately, it’s a combination of factors that determine whether liposuction revision is appropriate for you and this needs to be a joint decision between you and your doctor.

How Can You Avoid Revision Liposuction?

The key to avoiding liposuction revision in the first place is to ensure you do your research on the procedure and the clinic you’ve chosen.

There are several types of liposuction procedures used depending on the results desired and the problem areas. Ensuring you’re undergoing the most suitable procedure for your needs will help minimise the chance of unsatisfactory results.

While you may be happy with the clinic, be diligent about researching the doctor you’ve chosen to perform the liposuction surgery. Are they qualified to perform the exact procedure you’re having? Has he/she had extensive experience in this procedure? Can they show you a portfolio of before and after pictures, so you can see successful treatments?

If you’re considering travelling abroad for your liposuction procedure, understand your risks before packing your bags. Don’t rely on the glossy brochures and an appealing price tag to make your decision. Do some independent research and get a second opinion in Australia before putting yourself at risk.

Liposuction is an effective tool to contour and enhance a patient’s body shape. It’s not a weight loss surgery. If you’re trying or planning to lose weight in the future, it’s worth doing so before undergoing the procedure. Substantial weight loss after your liposuction treatment can affect the results, so making sure you’re at a healthy weight prior will help you avoid undergoing liposuction revision later.

That said, liposuction can be used as an obesity treatment, to learn more see our post on how much fat can liposuction safely remove.

Experiencing a “botched” liposuction procedure and being left disappointed with your results can be very emotional. It’s understandable that many people are hesitant about having a second liposuction procedure and living with the irregularities can be difficult.

It’s a good idea to have a couple of consultations with credible doctors to help you make your decision, perhaps you won’t have to hide behind baggy clothes forever. Get in touch with us at Cosmos Aesthetics to arrange a consultation to discuss how revision liposuction could achieve your desired result.