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Healing Bruises After Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

asked 3 years ago by vv3037 in Corpus Christi TX
Latest answer by Jaime Perez MD
Question viewed 39,084 times
Tags: bruising, healing, recovery

I just had Liposuction and a full Tummy Tuck done a week ago. I'm very pleased with what I've seen so far. However, I have extensive bruising from my hips to my knees, both sides of my stomach area, and the pubic area. How long before these bruises heal, and how can I speed up the healing process?

13 answers to Healing Bruises After Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

Bruises after tummy tuck and liposuction

Most of the bruising is from the liposuction element of your surgery. It looks like you will have a beautiful result and 10 days is very early for you to be at all worried. The bruising will be gone in another 2 weeks and you will be feeling much better by then. Stick close to your surgeon and follow their advice for the best recovery. Good luck!

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Follow post-operative instructions

Bruising time and severity varies from individual to individual. The best thing that can be done is to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions for a faster recovery. Using a compression garment for two weeks 24 hours a day and as tolerated thereafter, except for showering, will help with swelling and prevent slow healing and excessive drainage. I also use TopiFoam on my patients up to three days after surgery to assist with the bruising. Drinking adequate amounts of liquids... more

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

You have a great result

First of all, you have a great result! Your bruising and swelling look normal for one week after surgery. You will be surprised, but the swelling and bruising will resolve over the next week or so. I usually have my patients go for medical massage starting 10 days after surgery to help with the swelling and lymphatic flow. However, you should discuss this with your surgeon before starting any therapies. Also, avoiding alcohol, salt and spicy foods helps keep the swelling down. Finally,... more

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

Most of the bruising resolves by 2 weeks

In most cases, the bruising is much improved by 2 weeks, and the swelling by anywhere from 2-4 weeks. I find that simple things like walking at gentle massage really do help, but time is the best treatment. You look like you are healing relatively normally for 1 week after surgery; be patient and talk directly with your surgeon as he or she will have their own specific protocols for the post-surgery period.

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.drsalemy.com

Bruising Post Tummy Tuck

Bruising can last a few weeks. Every one is different when healing from surgery. Your results look great so far. I would recommend to be patient, maintain a healthy lifestyle and consult your surgeon if you have any further questions or concerns following your surgery. Best of luck.

Jaime Perez MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

www.jaimeperezmd.com

Bruises after Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck

You have an excellent result and should be pleased with your outcome. The bruising is from the liposuction and will resolve over the next two to three weeks. Wear your compression garment and remember to drink plently of water and walk. I think you have an excellent surgeon!

Rondi Kathleen Walker, MD
Washington Plastic Surgeon

www.walkerplasticsurgery.com

Bruising and swelling after Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

Bruising and swelling are common after liposuction and abdominoplasty. Techniques to minimize these normal processes include the application of topical creams containing standardized Arnica such as BruiseStick or Omega Intensive Complex. Above all, minimize strenuous activity and continue to massage the areas as directed by your surgeon.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Pineapple extract may help for post-op bruising

We have had success with two products: 1. Sineech, an arnica product; and 2. Bromelien, a pineapple extract product derived from the stems of the pineapple. It is recommended to take Bromelien 500 to 750 mg twice a day between meals. Other helpful tips include gentle massage of the area and getting physically active. Bruising is a natural response to an abdominoplasty as well as liposuction. The blood will settle down your body by gravity turning from purple to yellow then fading out. ... more

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Be patient, bruising may take 4 weeks to fade

The bruising is likely mainly due to the lipo and not the tummy tuck. It may take 3 or even four weeks for all of the bruising to fade. Hang in there. You really can't speed up healing, but you can impede it. You have had a major operation and your body needs time to mend. Be sure to keep hydrated, keep up your calorie and proteins, move. Your results look great so far. By the way, don't be tempted to do too much, you will need about 6 weeks for the strength to build in the repaired... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

It gets better just stay out of the sun.

Hello, Brusing can be made worse when lipo and a tummy tuck are performed at the same time. It should get better with time though. Some patients have tried Arnica Montana, an herb, and believe it may hasten the resolution of the bruising. Just give it some time, you are looking pretty good and you are early in the healing.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Just relax it will get better

After tummy tucks and liposuciton it is very common to have bruising and swelling. The bruising usually goes away in a few weeks along with the majority of the swelling. Most of the products available for swelling and bruising don't work too well. I would just relax and let time take its toll and allow you to heal the "natural way"

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Continue to rest, think positive and eat a balanced diet.

The best way to recover is to do exactly what your doctor recommends. Nutritional supplements are a good way to prepare for the surgery and can help in the healing process. We suggest Vitamedica's surgical recovery program. Being patient in the first three weeks can be hard however your body needs a little time and you will be even happier with the results. You look fabulous.

Charles Perry, MD
Sacramento Plastic Surgeon

I love your result

Your plastic surgeon did a great job - Smooth contour and great shape to the belly button. I like a vertical oriented belly button like you have. I do not like the inverted smile belly button shape that some doctors provide. If you look at any swimsuit model, their belly button looks like yours. As for swelling, I tell my patients the following: Avoid spicy and salty foods Medical massage or lymphatic drainage should only be done 6 weeks after the surgery, to keep the treatment from... more