Is this normal level of bruising one week after Lipo? (photos)

Question

Been wearing compression except to shower. Was supposed to have smart lipo but laser didn't work and they did regular without consent. Is this normal?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Your bruising looks to be excessive. It should not affect your long term results, but it should be seen by your surgeon. Always best to err on the side of caution. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

This is more than we usually see, but is likely not harmful.  Healing after liposuction is usually pretty straight forward.  There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The later phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The bruising in the picture is much more extensive than is commonly seen after liposuction. It should not have any effect on the long-term results but should be examined in person by your surgeon.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, your brusing is more than usual.  Even SMARTliposuction can have brusing, but please discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

The level of bruising seems more than average.  With tumescent liposuction, fluid is injected before the liposuction to decrease pain and bruising.

R. Scott Yarish, MD · Answer

You do have much more bruising than the "typical" liposuction patient.  However, this could be caused by many factors unrelated to the technique used.  Some patients bruise more than others due to inadvertently taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anticoagulants prior to surgery.  And some people just bruise more from any cause.  The good news is that it should all be gone within 4 weeks or so.  Make sure to stay out of the sun until all bruising is gone or some pigment may remain.  Hot baths (after a week post op) and arnica should help speed the process.  Make sure you check with your surgeon for more specifics.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, IamdariYour bruising is extensive.  Depending on patients'  body and medications taken prior to and after the surgery, some patients can experience more bruising than others.  Please follow up with your plastic surgeon to be examined in-person and follow his/her post-op instruction.Your bruising will improve next 2-3 weeks.Good luck with your recovery.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Very hard to advise with so little information. Even with SmartLipo bruising though rare can occur................

Kyle Shaddix, MD · Answer

That seems to be a little more bruising than is normally expected.  But that does not mean that anything is wrong.  Different people and different areas of the body sometimes have more pronounced bruising.  I think the contour actually looks quite nice.  The best thing you can do is to continue wearing your compression garment as directed as this will help refine your final result.  Though the bruising is significant, that's all it is - bruising.  It will go away given some time.  You should certainly make your plastic surgeon aware of the bruising and be evaluated to make absolutely sure there are no concerning issues.  I anticipate that you will do just fine though.  I wish you the very best.

Brian Arslanian, MD · Answer

Bruising can be pretty variable in patients.  Some have almost no bruising but a lot of swelling, and some vice versa.  I think you have a little more than I would expect, but I wouldn't say its anything to be worried about.  You probably had a little bit of bleeding after surgery which continued to leak and led to what you have.  As long as its not getting worse, or it doesn't feel really firm and painful, then you should be ok.  Keep wearing your garment and see your surgeon in the next few days so they can hopefully reassure you that you are going to be ok.Good Luck

Is this normal level of bruising one week after Lipo? (photos)

Answers (12)

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