Do I have anything to worry about? (Photo)

Question

Darkened skin and bulge. Is it normal for my stomach to be so dark? My skin color should look like my breast and the lighter part of my belly. I'm two weeks post op lipo. Just noticed because I just took microfoam tape off today. Is this bruising, is it from tape, garment, lack of circulation ? 2nd I have a bulge where most of the fat was removed. Hoping this is a scar tissue since it's hard. Will it resolve?

Jairo Ulerio, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos.  In my opinion is too fast to talk about final results,  it will be good  to  wait the time that your surgeon told you, or ask him about your doubtsI hope my answer will help you to your question.Before undergoing any surgical procedure, please seek a board certified plastic surgeon

Rigo J. Mendoza, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos.  The darkened skin is most likely bruising since you are only 2 weeks out.  The bulge however, can be swelling or a fluid collection, either a hematoma or seroma.  You should go see your Plastic surgeon and get it evaluated.  A fluid collection may have to be drained.

William J. Hedden, MD · Answer

It is common to sometimes have the tissue become darker where liposuction was performed. This typically goes away on its own. But since you also have an area of fullness this could be from an underlying hematoma or seroma ( fluid collection). It would be best to follow up with your surgeon.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

This may be a hematoma or seroma.  In essence a fluid collection.  Your surgeon may need to aspirate it to help it resolve.  Compression with an even surface is recommended during this recovery period.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

After two weeks from liposuction there may be swelling in bruising that can contribute to the appearance demonstrated in the photographs. You should feel comfortable visiting your surgeon for examination as well as reassurance.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photographs and questions.  With liposuction, bruising to the skin can develop, and is likely causing the darker discoloration to the skin that you are witnessing.  This may take a few weeks but should resolve spontaneously.  As far as the bulge you are describing, this will require an in-person assessment by your surgeon.  Most commonly this is an area of asymmetrical swelling from the fluid placed into the abdomen in order to perform liposuction, but it may also be a result of fat that was not evenly removed, or laxity of your stomach muscles, which can only be addressed with a skin excision procedure such as a tummy tuck, not liposuction.  Hope that this helps.

Greg Bancroft, MD, PhD · Answer

Although it is impossible to say exactly based solely on the photos without an exam, I would not be excessively worried about the skin darkening right now. Two weeks is relatively early after liposuction and resolving bruising can contribute to the darkening of the skin. In addition, often patients with more pigment in their skin (ie - Asian, Latina, or African American) can experience a reactive hyperpigmentation (or temporary darkening) when areas of the skin are healing. These should both improve with time so I would advocate patience for right now.The bulge area is impossible to say without examining in person. It may be a fluid collection, residual fat, or simply due to loose muscles or skin in the area. If it is loose muscles or skin, these in my opinion really only get good improvement with tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery.The best course of action so soon after surgery is patience and close communication with your surgeon so he can follow your progress and evaluate your concerns to ensure the best outcome.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. This is most likely simple bruising and swelling that it typical for liposuction. It does not look overly concerning from your photos, and the firmness is also common. It would be best to see your surgeon though. Best wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Sorry but the posted hotels are under exposed so can not really see your escorted issues. Best to see your surgeon ASAP...

Do I have anything to worry about? (Photo)

Answers (9)

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