Join
For Providers
Join
Sign in

Ask a doctor

Should I be concerned about a small hard tender bruise 13 days after liposuction to my abdomen? (photos)

I'm 13 days out and still swollen but concerned about a hard bruise by my belly button. I wear a garment with a foam pad under every day and night.

Doctor Answers 5

August 8th, 2015

Bruising Concerns after Liposuction

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Bruising Concerns after Liposuction
What you have is expected during the recovery process after liposuction. 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. If you are
concerned or if it does not improve, speak to your plastic surgeon to get it examined.

Learn more: http://drnichter.com/compression-garments-important-liposuction/

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS
January 24th, 2014

Liposuction bruising

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Yes, bruising is normal after liposuction and your bruising looks normal. Pictures do not tell the entire story. If it feels like there is fluid below the black and blue area, it may be a hematoma, a small collection of blood. If it is just a bruise, it will go away in a couple of weeks. Bruising usually migrates inferiorly, turns yellow, and then resolves.

Consult your surgeon, trust his advice, and be patient.

Learn more: http://www.dccosmetics.com/procedures/body-contouring/laser-liposuction-dc/

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD
Chevy Chase Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 107 reviews

January 22nd, 2014

Liposuction bruise

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
That is way too early for concerns about bruising.  Consider Arnica Montana to assist with swelling and bruising.  Best Wishes!!
Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD

You might also like...

*Treatment results may vary

Related content

View all Liposuction reviews
January 22nd, 2014

Should I be concerned about a small hard tender bruise 13 days after liposuction to my abdomen?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
If this was three months than YES I would be concerned. But at this early date I am not concerned./ But best to see your surgeon IN PERSON..// 
Darryl J. Blinski, MD
January 21st, 2014

Bruising after liposuction

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Small lumps and bumps, as well as bruising after liposuction is completely normal. Liposuction is a blunt type injury with significant tissue trauma and bruising. The area around your belly button has fibrous bands as well as more blood vessles than other areas; this increases the risk of bruising. Massage the area, and it should resolve over time. Nothing to worry about.

Eric Weiss MD
Eric Weiss, MD, FACS

Eric Weiss, MD, FACS
Orange Park Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 34 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.