What Is Revision Liposuction?
Revision liposuction is a corrective procedure designed to improve the outcome of a previous liposuction surgery. Also called secondary liposuction or liposhifting, it can involve removing additional fat, grafting fat back into areas that appear too hollow, or addressing scar tissue and irregular contours.
While many patients are satisfied with their initial results, some are left with asymmetry, lumps, indentations, or residual fat that affects their confidence. In other cases, the body changes over time due to weight fluctuation, aging, or skin laxity. Revision liposuction helps refine and restore a smoother, more natural shape.
Why Is Revision Liposuction Performed?
Common reasons patients seek revision include:
- Contour irregularities (lumps, ridges, or hollows)
- Asymmetry between treated sides
- Overcorrection (too much fat removed)
- Undercorrection (not enough fat removed)
- Fibrosis or scar tissue under the skin
- Loose or stretched skin after fat loss
Even when the first surgery was done properly, healing can be unpredictable — and the final outcome may not appear until swelling fully subsides. Some patients also find their original surgeon used outdated techniques or lacked sufficient experience with body contouring.
Techniques Used in Revision Liposuction
Revision requires a careful, tailored approach depending on the specific issue. Common techniques include:
- Additional liposuction: For undercorrected areas where residual fat remains
- Fat grafting: To fill dents or hollows caused by overcorrection
- VASER liposuction: Particularly effective for treating fibrosis (scar tissue) by softening adhesions
- Subcision: A method of releasing tethered skin caused by internal scarring
- High-definition sculpting: For cases where original results lacked muscle definition
- Skin-tightening procedures: RF, laser, or surgical excision for sagging skin
A revision case may involve one or several of these methods depending on severity and tissue quality.
Is Revision Liposuction More Complex?
Yes — revision liposuction is often more difficult than a first-time procedure. Reasons include:
- Scar tissue and fibrosis that make fat removal harder
- Altered anatomy and irregular fat layers
- Weakened skin elasticity, especially after aggressive liposuction
- Volume restoration needs, which require precise fat grafting
Only experienced surgeons with a strong aesthetic eye should handle revision cases, as poor technique can make the problem worse.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for revision liposuction if:
- You are unhappy with the results of your original liposuction
- At least 6–12 months have passed since your first surgery (to allow scar tissue to soften)
- You are at a stable weight
- You are physically healthy and emotionally prepared for realistic improvements
- You understand that results may require staging and may not achieve perfection
Patients with thin or overstretched skin may require skin tightening or other surgical interventions such as a tummy tuck.
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Recovery After Revision Liposuction
Healing varies depending on the complexity of the revision. Expect:
- 7 to 14 days of downtime for minor corrections
- 4 to 6 weeks of compression garment wear
- Bruising to subside within 2 weeks
- Swelling to improve over several months
- Final results to appear within 6–12 months
If fat grafting is used, note that not all transferred fat survives — and touch-up sessions may be necessary.
Risks and Limitations
Revision liposuction carries the same risks as primary lipo, plus added complexity due to scar tissue and prior fat manipulation. Potential risks include:
- Persistent asymmetry
- Uneven contours or skin rippling
- Scar tissue build-up
- Fat graft resorption
- Infection, bruising, or bleeding
- Nerve damage or numbness
- Need for additional procedures
Some contour issues — especially deep indentations from aggressive first-time lipo — cannot be fully corrected. The goal is improvement, not perfection.
Revision Liposuction in Belgium
Revision procedures are considered advanced and are typically performed by plastic surgeons with experience in fat grafting, scar correction, and high-definition body contouring.
In Belgium, prices for revision liposuction typically range from €3,500 to €6,000, depending on the surgeon’s expertise, the complexity of the case, and whether additional procedures (such as fat transfer or VASER) are involved.
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