A botched Hi-Def Liposuction can impact the patient's well-being & mental health. Here are the common complications to look out for & what to do about it.
December 10, 2024
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High-definition liposuction is a surgical technique that removes excess fat, primarily the abdomen and waist, to sculpt the body and enhance muscle definition. This fat removal and body contouring surgery can help achieve a sculpted appearance, such as a four or six-pack abdomen and a pronounced V shape on the sides for men, as well as the "number 11" or 11-line abdomen for women.
Unlike traditional liposuction, high-definition liposuction requires meticulous attention to detail. It is a more advanced form that involves customised body sculpting to create a more athletic look for the patient. Doctors performing high-definition liposuction must be skilled and experienced, with an artistic eye, as they work in the deep and superficial fat layers to actualise the appearance of sculpted abdomen muscles.
A botched body contouring treatment can lead to detrimental repercussions, impacting the patient's well-being and mental health. Here are the common complications to look out for and what to do about it.
Local complications and side effects
A study conducted by Danilla et al. [1] involved a historical cohort of 417 patients who underwent high-definition liposuction between 2015 and 2018. The findings revealed that while 84% of the patients reported satisfaction with their results, many experienced local complications. These complications typically occurred at the site of the wounds or from intravenous access. The reported local complications included hyperpigmentation, seroma, and nodular fibrosis.
The research also revealed that 16 patients expressed dissatisfaction with the muscle definition, and 17 reported noticing an unnatural appearance in their body contour.
4-pack, 6 pack or 8-packs, which one can you get?
The appearance of the abdominal muscles — whether they form a sculpted 11-line, 4-pack, 6-pack, or 8-pack — depends on the patient's unique body anatomy, much like a fingerprint. Each individual has a unique body outline, shape, and contour. It's important to acknowledge that overly aggressive technique will result in an unnatural look.
Dr Ivan Puah, an accredited MOH liposuction doctor in Singapore with liposuction and body sculpting surgery experience for almost two decades, shares, "As the patient works towards improving their fitness, the most natural results will reveal themselves. This journey is intended to emphasise your body's best features, contributing to a natural appearance that can withstand weight fluctuations over time.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all definition of an ideal athletic physique. Each person's body is shaped by genetics, lifestyle, and age. The specific goals and expectations vary from patient to patient and will be thoroughly discussed during the consultation with the doctor."
Read more about botched liposuction
- Cases of liposuction gone wrong
- Correcting botched gynecomastia surgery | Why it happened
- FAQ Botched Lipo: Causes, What to do, Lipo revision
- Cases of liposuction gone wrong
- Corrective Liposuction Revision: Is It Worth It?
Unsuitable Candidates of high definition liposuction
Even the best liposuction doctor may not be able to help patients achieve optimal results if they are not suitable candidates.
High definition liposuction is not suitable for individuals who have undergone massive weight loss, experience severe skin laxity, or have unrealistic expectations about the outcomes.
This procedure is most appropriate for those who are very close to their goal weight, are somewhat fit, but struggle to achieve the desired abdominal muscle definition. High definition liposuction is ideal for both men and women who work out regularly and maintain low body fat levels.
Avoid complications post-op and how to get optimal results
The best candidates for recovery are those who diligently follow their doctor's instructions. This includes consistently wearing the compression garment during the first couple of weeks and regularly going for manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massages to aid in post-liposuction recovery.
Compression is crucial after the procedure as it helps reduce postoperative swelling, assists with skin retraction, and prevents contour irregularities.
Avoid water activities, such as swimming or using a sauna, until your stitches are removed (if you have any). Your doctor will provide guidance on when it is appropriate to resume workouts. For the first 48 hours post-surgery, it is important to keep meals light and ensure you get plenty of rest.
Read about our real patients’ stories!
What to do if you discover you have a botched high definition liposuction
The above patient is a male patient of Dr Ivan Puah. He came for consultation with severe lumpiness, unevenness and unnatural-looking results from his botched high-definition liposuction procedure done in Australia, including severe dents on the chest, skin folds and unevenness from botched gynecomastia surgery. He later sought liposuction correction surgery for both conditions with Dr. Ivan Puah.
During the consultation, an assessment will be conducted to determine the necessary measures to be taken, based on the issues that need correction. Corrective liposuction revision is performed in a day surgery.
"Corrective liposuction surgeries are complex and time-consuming," says Dr.Puah. These procedures require more than just skilled hands and theoretical knowledge. The liposuction doctor must have a thorough understanding of the patient's clinical condition, select the appropriate surgical approach, and visualise the desired outcome.
He emphasises the importance of managing expectations: "Patients should be mentally prepared that while some areas can be corrected, sites with more severe complications may only see partial improvements at best." By combining these factors, both the patient and the doctor can achieve realistic and satisfying results.
At Amaris B. Clinic, Dr Ivan Puah and team are always at hand to help. We always strive to deliver on the trust granted to them because at Amaris B. Clinic, a patient’s well-being comes first.
Schedule an appointment today for a better tomorrow.
