Q: I want to have tumescent liposuction on my abdomen but my surgeon says that I need to also do my hips at the same time? Do I need to agree? 

A: You should thoroughly understand your alternatives and decide on whether you want a treatment or not. Many surgeons are thorough and want you to benefit by their previous patients who stated after surgery that they wish they also had done liposuction on the adjoining area because that would help them look even slimmer and more shapely but now the other area looks extra large when viewed next to the liposuctioned site.

Q: I had liposuction of my neck and although there is significant improvement with reduction of the fat, I am unhappy with an irregular texture of skin that looks like crepe paper. What can be done?

A: In the first couple of weeks, the skin looks reduced in volume from the loss of fat but there is still swelling. As the swelling resolves, the crepe paper appearance starts to show. This is very common and improves with massage and sometimes the use of external ultrasound is done and this can help expedite the smoothening of the skin surface.

Q: I have constant burning pain in my thigh after liposuction was done a few weeks ago. Will I have to live with this for the rest of my life?

A: Nerves can get damaged or irritated during liposuction. Sometimes there’s patchy numbness and sometimes there is pain. Usually this is temporary but unfortunately nerves take very long to heal compared with other body tissues. If this is a long term issue you can see a pain management doctor or neurologist for treatment that may help minimize your pain.

Q: I had liposuction underneath my neck and there was a hematoma the doctor said. Now I have a firm area that isn’t softening and looking as flat as the other areas. What can be done? 

A: There are times that external ultrasound can help but your doctor has to ensure that there is no contraindication for this. Warm moist compresses can help too but not in the acute phase.

Q: I had Smart Lipo on my buttock and now have a bad crease on the upper back of the thigh right under the buttock. What can I do?

A: There may improvement by having fat injections. You should be seen in person for a consultation with examination by a board-certified plastic or dermatologic surgeon. The crease below the buttock and the posterior thigh is a well-respected area by those physicians who do liposuction. Over resection must be avoided as the buttock may fall.