How to improve bruising and tightness after Liposuction on inner thighs? (photos)

Question

I have major bruising and numbness after one week.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Scattered numbness in the suctioned areas occurs occasionally and will disappear within afew weeks. Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However it may take 6-9 months to disappear completely. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly the process will proceed. Arnica gel and certain lasers are also helpful to make them resolve more quickly.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

There is no proven way to speed up the resolution of bruising after surgery.Bruising is the result of a breakdown of blood into issues.Hemoglobin in red blood cells is slowly broken down to the final end product of bile.As it does so, it goes through various stages of pigmented molecules.Bruising is typically at its worst at 10 days after the procedure.There are certain techniques that minimize bruising after liposuction.This includes the careful use of tumescent solution, which contains a drug called epinephrine.Avoiding the use of ibuprofen or aspirin prior to the procedure may also decrease bruising.Once the bruising has begun, you simply have to wait for the body to absorb the breakdown products of old hemoglobin.This can take up to two or sometimes three weeks. Some people believe homeopathic remedies such as arnica can help with bruising.The scientific evidence of this is not particularly strong. I am makes most things better including bruising.The patient,Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Nichole Luis,

Thank you for your clinical post and photograph.  It does indeed appear that you have
significant bruising following liposuction of the inner thigh.  This is a well-known complication that
generally resolves with time, however, it can be quite unsightly until it does
resolve and can lead to some sequela the need to be prevented.  Resolution of the bruising once established
can sometimes be speeded up by the use of oral Arnica Montana and Bromelain
extracts which are obtained from natural food stores and as well you want to
avoid Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.I have found that use of pulsed dye lasers
and even intensed pulse light lasers can speed up the resolution of some of the
bruise, which represents blood disseminated into the soft tissue spaces of the
fat after liposuction.  Mobilization of
swelling and edema through lymphatic massage or endermology or VelaShape III or
BodyFx can also help hasten the resolution of the bruise.  Post-operatively individuals that tan easily
or individuals with darker skin can result in hyperpigmentation where the
bruise once was.  Generally, I prevent
hyperpigmentation by ensuring patients are on a bleaching regime using Retinoic
Acid and Kojic Acid, as well as Hydroquinone and then combining this with
intensed pulse light photo rejuvenation treatments or pulsed dye laser
treatments.

For the most part all bruising although not desirable will
resolve and not leave any complication or concern.  I would certainly visit your plastic surgeon
and review your concerns.  I’m sure they
will reassure you and over the next 6-8 weeks the bruisings will fade.  Unfortunately, it is now June and you
probably want to enjoy your new figure in a bikini.  The bruise itself will be unsightly for the
next 10-14 days and hopefully you’ll be able to return to summer wear quickly.

I hope this information has been of some assistance and best
of luck.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Michael E. Ciaravino, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

There is not much you can do at this point for the bruising you have now. It will eventually start to fade with time. To prevent further bruising, and discomfort the best recommendation is not taking any medications that could cause your blood to thin, for example: Advil, Aspirin, Naproxen, Vitamin E, Herbal Supplements and Diet Pills. Continue wearing your compression garment as instructed by your PS, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, and refrain from being overly active.

How to improve bruising and tightness after Liposuction on inner thighs? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: How to improve bruising and tightness after Liposuction on inner thighs?

Answer: How to improve bruising and tightness after Liposuction on inner thighs?

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.

How to improve bruising and tightness after Liposuction on inner thighs? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: How to improve bruising and tightness after Liposuction on inner thighs?

Answer: How to improve bruising and tightness after Liposuction on inner thighs?

Browse related questions

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.