Should Bruising from Lipo Still Be Around 4 1/2 Months Later?

Question

About 4 months and 2 weeks after lipo of flanks, stomach, inner thigh, and bra line, I still have bruising on my hips and inner thighs. Arnica didn't really help and I am now using Hydroquinone as per my doctor's instructions. Is it normal to still be bruised like this? I am afraid it is permanent skin discoloration.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

Yes, unresolved bruising 4 months after liposuction would be unusual if not impossible. Most bruising resolves after about 1-2 weeks. Most likely you have dealing with some staining of the skin, possibly from hemosiderin (a byproduct of broken down blood cells). The body should eventually resolve this for you, but it could take months to years. I am not certain how well hydroquinone works for this. In general, hydroquinone is thought to affect the melanocytes in the skin, which really doesn't have anything to do with hemosiderin deposits. But, a dermatologists recommendations should be followed instead of mine for this.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hemosiderin staining can improve over about one year's time.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Jonathan Weiler, MD · Answer

This type of skin discoloration can occur with liposuction, it will fade over time and follwing your PS instructions of using hydroquinone to treat those areas is the best route. Be sure to continue to massage the area and do not expose the area to any sun as it can make the situation worse. Good luck and the discoloration will fade with time.

Gary R. Culbertson, MD · Answer

Yes, you are correct. Bruising would be very unusual 4 1/2 months following any surgery unless you are on a blood thinner and/ or these are new bruises. The discoloration most likely is hemosiderine deposits which have deposited under your skin following resolution of the bruise. The good news is that with conservative treatment like massage/ manipulation/ etc. these areas can slowly fade out with time. This may however take many months to years. Laser ablation of these deposits can also be an option if conservative treatment fails. Best,

	 

	Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS

Should Bruising from Lipo Still Be Around 4 1/2 Months Later?

Answers (4)

Answer: Bruising

Answer: Bruising

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Should Bruising from Lipo Still Be Around 4 1/2 Months Later?

Answers (4)

Answer: Bruising

Answer: Bruising

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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