6 months on & abdomen still looks bruised & very little change in colouration from a few months ago (Photos)

Question

I haven't been able to find any other photos or people that have experienced this - can someone please help? The surgeons at my clinic have assessed and are unsure. Also I have a flat hard wall behind the area that was liposuctioned, im not sure if thats linked with the blue/black type bruising - there is zero pain.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos and questions.  You may be experiencing hyperpigmentation of the suctioned area.  This generally improves with time but it can be a slow process.  Sometimes we can use laser treatments to help speed the process along.

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello, in my opinion there appears to be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can be a tough problem in some patients. Essentially the inflammatory response to surgery has increased the amount of melanin in the overlying skin. Skin type and genetics play a large role in this phenomenon, which can sometimes improve very slowly on its own (6-12 months and sometimes longer after the procedure) and sometimes may benefit from evaluation by a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon comfortable with skin lightening treatments such as creams (hydroquinone), chemical peels, or various lasers.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

This may be slowly resolving bruising or hyperpigmentation response to the procedure. Mostly likely it's bruising but bruising is typically resolved at this point. A "flat hard wall" as you said, in conjunction with the overlying skin changes, may indicate that there was some bleeding in that area after the surgery. If there is old blood in that area, then it may take a while for it to totally absorb. I recommend that you continue to consult with your surgeon and if you haven't already, consider endermologie and or lymphatic massage of that zone to help break up the firmness.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Gregarious107285,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have had a small hematoma early on that is slowly absorbing. Hopefully the pigment from the broken red blood cells will not stay and leavy a permanent discoloration.  Massage might still be helpful.

6 months on & abdomen still looks bruised & very little change in colouration from a few months ago (Photos)

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6 months on & abdomen still looks bruised & very little change in colouration from a few months ago (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Liposuction results

Answer: Liposuction results

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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