10 months post op. Is this a burn or hyperpigmentation after lipo? (photos)

Question

I had lipo 10 months ago. I noticed right after my lipo that I had pink and tender spots on my abdomen as seen in the first picture. My doctor said they were bruises. Those pink areas turned very dark and they feel thicker and bumpy. Are those areas burns? He said it's hyperpigmentation.I also had a lot of fluid in my upper abdomen and below my belly button. My doctor didn't want to remove the fluid. My abdomen has a bulge and feels hard where it pokes out. Is the bulge because of the fluid?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you will need in office series of vbeam treatment and RF treatments at home you will need a combination of peels that we can send to you at home. this may never be able to be cleared but can be improved. Best, Dr. Emer.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Both signs are known complications of liposuction. Fluid collection, seroma, is relatively frequent and, if small, it will be absorbed by your body in time. However, if large fluid collection is left untreated, it may create cavity filled with fluid, like a cyst; this will not resolve without evacuation of fluid by means of aspiration. If fluid is still present 10 months after surgery, it needs to be evaluated with ultrasound and  should be evacuated. Bruising may also be present early after liposuction but goes away within few weeks. However, in some cases, when serious venous congestion develops in the skin vascular system, it may evolve into full thickness skin loss. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ali2424,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I suspect your discoloration is from a burn from the laser or radiofrequency used and not actual liposuction. I would suggest using products to help treat this discoloration and keeping it completely out of the sun.

10 months post op. Is this a burn or hyperpigmentation after lipo? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Burn or hyperpigmentation

Answer: Burn or hyperpigmentation

Answer: Discoloration

Answer: Discoloration

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10 months post op. Is this a burn or hyperpigmentation after lipo? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Burn or hyperpigmentation

Answer: Burn or hyperpigmentation

Answer: Discoloration

Answer: Discoloration

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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.