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

Question

Hi, I’ve had a bbl done more than 7 weeks ago with a renowned plastic surgeon in Europe, unfortunately I had some beginning burns due to the aggressive lipo. I haven’t worn the garments to let the burns heal, they seem to be healed fine. However I do have some dark spots on my side where the burn were and they don’t seem to go away. I usually recover from bruises very fast. After the BBL all other bruises disappeared fast. Could this still be bruising or could it be permanent?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

John Sampson, MD (license obligations) · Answer

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.

Katherine Feliz Camilo, MD · Answer

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

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

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

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

Answer: Dark spots

Answer: Dark spots

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

Answers (7)

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

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

Answer: Dark spots

Answer: Dark spots

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.