Abdominal, flanks, back liposuction complication, what could be causing this rash like condition? (Photos)

Question

Hi, I am one month post op and look like I have a rash - see pics. My surgeon has no idea what this is. First day post op looked really awful - see pics. So, I was wondering if anyone has seen/experienced this before and what it could possible be? I thought maybe an allergy but it doesn't itch. I've taken Methylprednisolone tablets, Silver Sulfadiazine cream and impoyz cream but my skin has not cleared up completely. Any help, advice, suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am so sorry that this is your experience on what should be a positive life changing experience. This is necrosis , damage to the skin's blood . vessels and needs immediate care.  this needs proper wound care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help it heal, and long term . radiofrequency treatments to improve the discoloration and scarring.  This is not a rash, it appears to be circulatory damage to the skin as a result of the liposuction technique used. You also have some swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. You need to see your physician immediately or an expert in revision liposuction/body contouring. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!This is not a rash. This is circulatory damage to the skin from liposucton. Was this laser lipo? Is your doctor a board certified plastic surgeon? You need to see a board certified plastic surgeon. The skin here has been damaged.Best of luck!

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question and I am truly sorry you are going through this. I agree and would have you do some hyperbaric oxygen treatments to start enhancing blood flow and help with dyspigmentation. It looks like you also have some vasculitis or erythema ab igne developing from superficial energy device usage. You should be having very thorough care at this point, I would also have a dermatologist and have a thorough chat about nutrition

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

As other docs have noted this is not simply a rash but extensive damage to the blood supply to your skin.  There are multiple reasons this could occur the most likely being a burn of some sort.  I would seek second opinions in person from a board certified plastic surgeon ASAP.  If your surgeon does not know what is going on, you need to find another who can help minimize whatever damage is done and optimize results.  If you cannot find a local doc willing to see you often the University plastic surgery departments in your area are an excellent option.  Best of luck.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

I do not want to be the bearer of bad news, but I have seen these results countless times.  Some areas are superficial skin loss which usually heal with some permanent pigmentation issues.  Most of your coloration is from too superficial liposuction damaging the deeper skin layers causing pigmentation issues which take 1-2 years to resolve and often leave several permanently pigmented areas.  Some darker skin patients get hyperpigmentation (darker areas) post liposuction, but the areas of scabbing you have are completely different.  I have heard of hyperbaric chamber treatments, but I do not have personal experience in their benefit with your condition.  I would go for a second opinion if your surgeon has "No idea" what is going on.Best of luck with your continued healing.

Abdominal, flanks, back liposuction complication, what could be causing this rash like condition? (Photos)

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