Dark spots 7 weeks p.o. after burns from lipo waist/BBL. Could this still be bruising? (photos)

Your description sounds most like a burn induced from a laser utilized during the procedure.  However, if a laser was not used, it would be difficult to opine on the exact cause, pressure from something external - compression garment?  Allergic reaction to something? Extremely aggressive liposuction that cuts blood supply to skin?  At any rate, this scar most likely will get better over the course of a year.  Scar creams, silicone sheeting, bleaching, and laser may all be appropriate, but time will likely produce the best result.

Dear AnaAnaAna33,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after 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

The dark spots that look similar to bruising for a lot of patients is actually post inflammatory hyper pigmentation. This can occur from liposuction burns, which usually occur when laser lipo or vaser lipo is used (the heat causes the burn). It can also happen when a basket cannula is used. Very rarely does it occur with a mercedes tip cannula and standard tumescent liposuction or power assisted liposuction. These "burns" can also occur from repetitive rubbing or creasing with the 1st stage compression garment. Like the garment almost rubs the skin raw in areas. This increased pigmentation will fade over time and usually takes ~12 months to resolve. You can speed things up with hydroquinone cream or laser resurfacing such as a fraxel. 

Thank you for your questions and photos!Dark spots or hyper-pigmentation are due to the overproduction of melanin in the skin by melanocytes. It is very common, after having a liposuction procedure, to be  bruised and have some areas darker than others due the proper healing process of your dermis.It is still too soon for your incisions to be completely mature, this process can take up to 6-12 months (sometimes more) to be complete.Keep wearing your garment wearing something underneath to protect your sking from further marks.Always discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Wish you a prompt healing.

Hi , thank you for posting your pictures. i dont think the spots will be permamnet , try to use whitening creams and exfoliation on those areas after healing is complete and with approval of your surgeon. Best wishes 

this is most likely hyperpigmentation from your dermis healing When patients have skin incision is it normally takes 9 to 12 months for the scars to be mature. Patients after hyper pigmented which lasts from six weeks to three months then slowly improve. Even if your injury was not full thickness you still most likely developed dermal injuries that are causing the same type of hyperpigmentation. Just like skin incision is this could continue to change for 12 months or longer.  If the area was very bruised after the procedure then this could potential he represent hemosiderin deposits which come from  The iron in red blood cells left after bruising. My best guess is that this represents hyperpigmentation changes as part of the dermal injury. Best, Mats Hagstrom M.D. 

Thank you for your question and photographs. Usually, when the color change is more purple it signifies some underlying blood. Occasionally, I will see around areas of aggressive liposuction, change in the vascularity of the tissue such that it becomes more red for a couple of months. It's also possible that there is still a blood collection beneath the skin. Unfortunately, this will have to be looked at in person. Best of luck.