Discoloration From Liposuction - can this be improved? (Photo)

Question

I had liposuction 7 months ago and I am still having this terrible discoloration on my abdomen. It hasn’t improved at all over time. The liposuction was clearly overly aggressive. I’ve tried two rounds of vbeam laser and it doesn’t seem to be improving. She used the regular vbeam but I’m thinking about paying more for a dermatologist to use the vbeam perfecta. What else can I do? At this rate I’m just going to tattoo my whole stomach. Also it appears to be vascular and change intensity throughout the day. When I’m cold it looks the worse. When I’m fresh out of the hot shower or have just massaged it, it is barely noticeable.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Vbeam laser is an excellent modality for patients who have rosacea, blushing of the skin, facial and body telangiectasia, spider veins, redness, post surgical redness, and skin flushing. It is a safe procedure that can be used at varying depths to help treat micro blood vessels in the skin. We also use it in our office for facial skin inflammation, keloids, and hypertrophic scarring. It is an important part of scar therapy. Vbeam can be combined with chemical peels and other lasers, but experience with the treatment is essential. The Vbeam laser does not affect deeper tissue. Schedule a consultation with an expert in Vbeam and you will find it to be an excellent modality for many skin types. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Martin Benjamin, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! This is a common occurrence in petite patients with aggressive liposuction. The good news is that it typically does improve over time although it can take a very long time! For areas of hyperpigmentation sometimes we prescribe a low dose hydroxyquinone cream. If it is truly reticularis and vascular, I would recommend waiting at least a year before any interventions (save your money) as it may improve on its own. Certainly IPL can improve the appearance but I always tell my patients to wait at least a year in terms of allowing the maximum healing before you start spending money on laser treatments that you may not actually need. Good luck!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It seems that most of your problem is related to vascular response. In other words the nerve regulation of blood vessels is still returning to normal level after “injury” during liposuction. This happens to every patient who has liposuction but reaction is individual and may last much longer in some patients like you. In time it will improve and very likely completely disappear. Sun protection is critical to avoid permanent dispigmentation. Good luck.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Morpheus will help a lot but may need to be done a couple of times. It probably is your best option.  They usually clear up on their own but those discolorations can take up to 2 yrs to go away .

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hello, dear. This appears to be a persistent vascular change after aggressive liposuction, such as post-inflammatory erythema or dilated capillaries (vascular matting). The fact that the color changes with temperature or massage suggests an active vascular component. The standard Vbeam laser may be insufficient. The Vbeam Perfecta is a better option because it offers greater precision and power, and with several well-adjusted treatments, there is usually improvement, although more than 3-4 sessions may be necessary. It is essential to see a dermatologist who is an expert in vascular lasers.

Discoloration From Liposuction - can this be improved? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Morpheus helps with post lipo discolorations

Answer: Morpheus helps with post lipo discolorations

Answer: PERSISTENT VASCULAR DISCOLORATION POST-LIPOSUCTION

Answer: PERSISTENT VASCULAR DISCOLORATION POST-LIPOSUCTION

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Discoloration From Liposuction - can this be improved? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Morpheus helps with post lipo discolorations

Answer: Morpheus helps with post lipo discolorations

Answer: PERSISTENT VASCULAR DISCOLORATION POST-LIPOSUCTION

Answer: PERSISTENT VASCULAR DISCOLORATION POST-LIPOSUCTION

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.