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What happens when liposuction goes wrong?

July 15, 2022
January 30, 2024

Liposuction is not just about removing fat; it demands application of scientific knowledge & finesse, a competence that is gained only with clinical know-how.

Table of Contents

Lipo post-op woman looking into a mirror

Liposuction is one of the most popular fat removal and contouring procedures worldwide for a good reason. It permanently removes pockets of fat that do not respond to exercise and diet, effectively correcting disproportionate body fat distribution due to genetics to refine your figure.

The treatment removes the subcutaneous fat (which accounts for about 80% of our body fat) between our skin and muscles. On the other hand, visceral fat - the deep fat surrounding our organs - cannot be removed with liposuction and can only be targeted with a healthy lifestyle, such as an improved diet or regular exercise.

When done right, liposuction can boost self-esteem and body confidence by granting you a more aesthetically appealing physique. The procedure can be performed on your face, chin, arms, back, belly, waist, thighs, buttocks, and calves.

Since fat is a living tissue with regenerative cells, the extracted fat can be used to correct contour issues or enhance other body areas, such as the cheeks, breasts, and buttocks.

Are you an ideal candidate for liposuction?

Liposuction is ideal for you if you have localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. You should also be in good overall physical shape, without any underlying medical conditions.

You’ll also have to ensure your BMI is within the acceptable range of 28 and below. In addition, having realistic expectations regarding the results will make you a good candidate.

How to find the right liposuction doctor in Singapore?

Liposuction doctor, Dr Ivan Puah, treating a patient during surgery in Singapore

Identifying the right doctor to perform liposuction in Singapore can be time-consuming but extremely important as the doctor's skills determine your liposuction result. Looking for a MOH-accredited doctor to perform liposuction in Singapore is just the beginning.

You’ll want a doctor who performs the procedure regularly and consistently achieves high satisfaction ratings from his or her patients. Before-and-after images of former cases would also give you a better idea of what to expect. A detailed assessment and discussion will help you make an informed decision regarding the procedure.

This should go without saying, but do not opt for a doctor or clinic because it is the cheapest in town. The quality of work performed by the doctor and your safety ought to be your top priority. After all, the intent is to find the most suitable doctor to deliver the results you yearn for while ensuring your health and well-being are not compromised.

Why botched liposuction jobs happen & how they affect your self-esteem

Woman with botched Liposuction being treated for correct surgery at Amaris B. Clinic
Female patient who had botched liposuction procedure performed on the inner thighs overseas. There are obvious skin irregularities, overly aggressive suction causing rippling and large pigmented scarring, as seen in the picture. The patient sought liposuction correction surgery and fat grafting with Dr Ivan Puah.

We can't emphasise enough the importance of finding an ethical, experienced liposuction doctor who can deliver your desired results. Liposuction is not just about removing fat; it demands applying scientific knowledge, and finesse – a competence gained only with clinical know-how and years of experience with diverse cases and patient profiles.

A skilled doctor will know where to create suitable incisions to remove fat thoroughly. The “The more, the merrier” concept does not apply here. If your liposuction doctor makes multiple and unnecessary incision points and employs incorrect liposuction techniques, you could end up with excessive scarring and contour irregularities.

Suppose you didn't do your due diligence and opted for an inexperienced or unskilled liposuction doctor. In that case, you run the risk of a botched liposuction job resulting from under-correction or overcorrection.

During liposuction, fat is removed consistently and evenly across the area. If it isn't performed by a skilled lipo doctor, you could end up with lumpy and warped sites. This uneven fat removal can cause "lumps", "peaks", and "valleys" that distort your body shape.

If your liposuction doctor is too aggressive, it can also damage tissue beneath the skin, resulting in a permanently dimpled appearance resembling cellulite.

How to correct a botched liposuction job

Fat Grafting doctor, Dr Ivan Puah, treating a patient during surgery in Singapore

Once bitten, twice shy, so make sure you conduct thorough research for your corrective surgery. A few key things to look out for are reviews of the clinic and doctor, the number of corrective cases performed by the doctor, the years of experience they have had in performing liposuction, and the aftercare services they provide.

Undercorrection forms "lumps" and "peaks" must be removed, flattened, and corrected accordingly. In contrast, overcorrection causes "valleys" – noticeable indentations and depressions that appear unsightly, and these may require additional fat grafting to even the areas out and "fill" up the holes.

"I have performed corrective liposuction surgeries for years. They are more challenging and time-consuming. I try my best to “patch,” “fill,” and "mend" the damage; the patient should be mentally prepared that while some areas can be corrected, sites with more severe complications may be partially improved at best," explains Dr Ivan Puah, a MOH-accredited liposuction doctor in Singapore and the chairman of the Lipo Peer Review Committee.

Those whose liposuction procedures went wrong may experience discomfort, recurring pain, excessive scarring, and more. To make matters worse, it could lead to different degrees of psychological repercussions.

"Patients who have had a bad experience with the previous surgery are traumatised. Some cried as they shared their experience with me during the consultation. Not only do they suffer physically, but they are also affected psychologically. They have lower self-esteem, some suffer from social anxiety and even depression," shares Dr Ivan Puah.

Once you've spotted the signs of botched liposuction, seeking corrective treatment is crucial so you'll be able to avert its long-term physical and psychological consequences. You are also advised to wait three to six months after your previous procedure, allowing your wounds to heal completely before your corrective surgery.

Regain your body confidence with Amaris B. Clinic

Women posing with their legs

US-trained and with over 15 years of liposuction experience, Dr Ivan Puah developed the MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique, a fully customised surgical approach, to effectively remove over 90% of localised fat while achieving sculpting for his patients.

This novel surgical approach also stimulates collagen reproduction for firmer skin and prevents the future deposition of fat in the targeted areas. He performs Vaser Liposuction, 4D Liposuction (Hi-Definition Lipo), Corrective Liposuction Surgery, scar revision surgery, fat grafting, and gynecomastia surgery with the support of an experienced surgical team and anaesthetists in an approved operating theatre.

Dr Ivan Puah and the medical team at Amaris B. Clinic always put their patients first. They will discuss your expected result in detail during your consultation and follow up closely with you throughout the aftercare appointments.

If liposuction or corrective surgery is what you seek, leave it to the team of medical professionals at Amaris B. Clinic. They're here to help enhance your look, improve your body shape, and boost your confidence with their fully personalised approach.

Reference

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