Patients undergo Liposuction surgery to remove unwanted stubborn fat for an overall better body contour and silhouette. Being one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures, it delivers rewarding results with minimal risks when done by an experienced plastic surgeon. However, like with all cosmetic procedures, there is no guarantee that there will be no effects or complications. During this procedure, small incisions are made, and a small tube called a cannula is inserted to suction the unwanted fat. One complication that may occur after Liposuction is skin dimpling, also known as Liposuction dumpling. To better understand Liposuction dimpling, below are the patients most at risk for this complication and what can be done to fix it.
What is Skin Dimpling?
Skin dimpling is an aesthetic condition that can occur after Liposuction showing as “dimpled” or uneven skin texture. Like cellulite, it doesn’t post a health risk, but many patients who experience it want to minimize their appearance. Dimpling occurs when the underlying layer of subcutaneous tissue influences the outer layer of the skin.
What causes Liposuction Dimpling?
- Pre-existing cellulite: In some cases, the patient is more prone to skin dimpling based on their body types. If cellulite is present in the area getting Liposuction, the patient’s chances of experiencing skin dimpling afterward are higher.
- Poor skin elasticity: Poor or loose skin elasticity is another body type factor that can increase your chances of skin dimpling post-surgery. If the patient has poor skin elasticity, it is less likely that the skin will conform to the underlying tissue.
- Excessive weight fluctuation: Patients need to stay at a stable weight after Liposuction surgery, as patients who gain or lose too much weight can develop dimpling. Not only will the patient develop skin dimpling, but it will affect their surgical results as well.
- Too much fat was removed: Liposuction is not a weight loss solution and should only be done to contour the body. Therefore, if too much fat is removed, the risk of uneven fat distribution increases, which can cause dimpling.
Treating Skin Dimpling
If you happen to develop skin dimpling after your Liposuction procedure, some treatment options can help manage this. Periodically massaging the skin can keep skin dimpling from progressing by smoothing out any bumps, lumps, or irregularities. There are also laser treatments that can aid in eliminating dimpling following Liposuction. Some surgeons have also found that ultrasonic or radiofrequency energy can be effective in promoting smoother skin. Consult with your doctor if you develop Liposuction dimpling to find the best corrective measures to address the complication.