When patients inquire about liposuction with plastic surgeons, they’re often focused solely on fat reduction. And yes, it’s great for that.
But one of the most important factors for liposuction success is dependent on how well the skin adapts. When the skin is unable to retract after surgery, it can negatively impact contour and definition. Adding a tightening or lifting procedure to liposuction, however, can lessen or eliminate this situation to deliver optimal results.
Combining procedures in this way is known as comprehensive contouring. And it’s something you and your surgeon will consider as you think about getting liposuction.
Why Does Skin Sometimes Not Bounce Back?
Life does a real job on the skin.
When we’re young, the skin’s regular encounters with the sun, smoke, pollution, and dehydration are not a big deal. The skin is generally able to bounce back. For a while. But the older we get, and the more exposure the skin endures to these elements, the less elasticity and flexibility it will have over time.
And that’s just external factors.
When we’re younger, our skin is rich with elastin and collagen. These are what give the skin its smoothness and ability to bounce back. Unfortunately, as we age, elastin and collagen production decrease.
Interestingly, fat can provide structural stability behind the skin. So when it’s removed via liposuction or as a result of sudden and dramatic weight loss, the skin is left unsupported. Certain areas, such as the upper arms, thighs, and abdomen, are particularly susceptible to looseness following fat removal or weight loss.
Other factors, such as skin tone and thickness, will determine the skin’s ability to bounce back. Darker skin, oily skin, and/or thicker skin tend to fare better with the aging process than lighter, dry, and/or thinner skin.
Whatever the case, comprehensive contouring can address the issue of loose skin by adding procedures to liposuction.
What Are Some Examples of Comprehensive Contouring?
For patients who experience mild looseness of the skin (or who simply want additional firmness), a seasoned surgeon may recommend combining liposuction with an energy-based skin-tightening procedure.
One of the most effective is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) with microneedling. This advanced, minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment combines the collagen-inducing effects of microneedling with the healing properties of your body’s own PRP.
How does it work? Microneedling involves creating micro-injuries in the skin using fine, sterile needles, stimulating the body’s natural healing process, and promoting collagen and elastin production. When combined with PRP—derived from your own blood and rich in growth factors—the treatment enhances tissue regeneration, accelerates healing, and improves overall skin tone and texture.
This technique can greatly improve skin firmness and definition, especially in the above-mentioned problem areas. Results will vary, though, depending on factors such as the patient’s skin quality, elasticity, and overall health.
Meanwhile, for skin that is excessively loose or lax and has reduced tone, liposuction will probably be more successful if accompanied by a lift procedure. These surgical procedures include the tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift, where excess skin is removed, and the underlying tissue tightened.
Rely ONLY on Experienced Plastic Surgeons
When vetting the best doctor for your liposuction procedure, consider only board-certified surgeons with many years of experience.
The experts at Star Plastic Surgery are those surgeons. So contact us today to schedule your consultation.
We will provide a personalized approach to your liposuction that considers fat reduction along with how well your skin will adapt. Then, given our vast experience, we will only integrate a skin-tightening technique with liposuction when we know it will give you the best comprehensive contouring experience available.