Is It Normal to Have a Bulge on Outer Thighs 3 Months After Lipo?

After 3 months there may remain a few tiny bumps that go away with waiting 2 more months but from the photos the bumps seem too large and should be liposuctioned again in a small touch up procedure.  Sincerely,

David Hansen,MD

From the photograph, I am concerned about the somewhat bluish discoloration. This makes me suspicious for a seroma or hematoma that may benefit from aspiration for either therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

Much swelling normally decreases by three months, but there may be a resolving hematoma which is a collection of blood underneath the skin, or a seroma, or unusual firmness which might be excessive collagen in one area. This can be determined usually by an examination and if residual fat is felt to be the issue, then focal liposuction can be done in this area whether now or in three months to allow for the greatest retraction. You should see what your surgeon says.

The reported cosmetic experience has noted that up to 22% of cases will require revision or touch up after a liposuction procedure.  This is something that patients should be aware of when considering a procedure.  Most times is a minor procedure and performed once the inflammatory phase has settled 3 to 6 months or more after the initial procedure. Your photo suggests this can be the case and commonly, revisions may be offered at no cost, or at nominal cost.

It has been 3 months which is a reasonable amount of time to allow things to settle.  Once the hip area is soft then the problem most be identified.  Is this excess fat (under suctioned area) or minimal fat around the area (over suctioned periphery).  If this is an under suctioned area then the answer is additional liposuction.  If this is an over suctioned periphery then fat grafting would be the answer.  Sometimes it may be reasonable to split the difference a bit of liposuction and fat grafting.

Dr. ES