Discoloration on both hips (right hip is worse). Can it be from fat transfer? (Photos)

Question

I am 5mpo from my Lipo 360/bbl. A few weeks ago, I noticed some speckled bruising on both hips that hasn't gone away. I never had this months after my procedure so I don't know if the fat transfer caused this? I scheduled arm lipo with another fat transfer for my hip dip area for Jan 2024. I did see a dermatologist on this& he thinks it may be Erythema Ab Igne (but he was not sure). The area isn't painful, raised, itchy, etc. Just flat on my skin. Would another fat transfer make it worse?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear maryam127,
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 or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

Allow me to answer your question as best i can based upon your photos. However, please keep in mind that an in-person consultation with physical exam, or at least a virtual consultation, is first necessary before any legitimate evaluation or final surgical recommendations are made.

Based purely upon your history and photos, the most likely reason for your hip discoloration is something called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation”. In this case, the persistent inflammation from the fat transfer, and the body digesting it away as it melts, leads to hyperpigmentation within the skin.

In case your fat transfer to the hips does not provide satisfactory results, please read on:

In general, cosmetic hip implants are the most reliable, predictable, and permanent option for filling in the hip dips and creating more of that feminine hourglass figure, whether slim or not.  On the other hand, fat transfer to the hip area tends to survive quite poorly in most patients and thus produces only short term results (often less than 10-12 months). Injections/fillers such as Sculptra or hyaluronic acids are cost prohibitive (i.e. guaranteed to be the biggest waste of money of your entire lifetime), short lasting and possibly deadly with high volume injections. Others such as silicone/PMMA/hydrogels/etc are cheap but extremely dangerous and a personal commitment to a life of serious and sometimes deadly consequences. Typically hip implants are best custom designed and created for each individual patient’s anatomy. Because an extremely few number of board-certified plastic surgeons perform this procedure, make sure you seek consultation with a reputable and experienced cosmetic hip implant specialist.  You may have to travel a long distance from home to find this particular surgeon. Glad to help.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Skin discoloration after fat transfer can occur. And my experience it should resolve in time although it may take up to one year or longer this is likely due to persistent bruising or hemosiderin staining of the dermis.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Persistent bruising or skin changes should be discussed with your treating surgeon. It’s crucial to inform them about your concerns and the advice from the dermatologist.

Best of luck

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Keetz,
The appearance of your skin is consistent with erythema ab lipoaspiration, a condition analogous to erythema ab igne, but following liposuction.  You presumably did not have liposuction in those areas, as you are planning to now fat transfer to those areas.  It may also represent post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from your prior fat transfer that is just now surfacing, so to speak.  At any rate, these conditions are usually self limiting, but may last many months or even years.  Also, it may worsen with future fat transfer, or liposuction.  Good luck!

Discoloration on both hips (right hip is worse). Can it be from fat transfer? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Persistent bruising or skin changes

Answer: Persistent bruising or skin changes

Answer: Erythema ab lipoaspiration

Answer: Erythema ab lipoaspiration

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Discoloration on both hips (right hip is worse). Can it be from fat transfer? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Persistent bruising or skin changes

Answer: Persistent bruising or skin changes

Answer: Erythema ab lipoaspiration

Answer: Erythema ab lipoaspiration

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift Revision

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