What are the Symptoms of an Infection?

Question

I wear my compression garment daily and had lipo on my thighs and knees. How would I be able to tell if I had an infection? What would cause an infection? Sometimes it hurt to walk, a tad bit of burning at times and I am 1 week post op. So now my skin looks like it went from black bruising to red. Ive called my surgeon so I am going in to have him take a look. I had general anesthesia as well.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. However, it is hard to tell without a picture. Here are some basic signs of infection : Heat on infected area, redness, swelling, oozing (usually yellowish in color), pain/discomfort, and fever. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double board certifiedPlastic surgeonHoffman EstatesBarringtonOakbrookChicago

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

Infections after liposuction can be caused by bacteria entering the surgical site. Symptoms may include increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage at the incision sites. Fever and general malaise can also indicate infection. Promptly contact your surgeon if you experience these symptoms after liposuction for proper evaluation and treatment.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Signs of infection include redness, abnormal discharge, fevers/chills. Fortunately, infections are quite rare after liposuction surgery.

	I hope this helps.

Kimberly Finder, MD · Answer

Signs of infection and inflammation are similar:

	
		redness
	
		swelling
	
		heat
	
		pain


	It is important to be seen by your surgeon as soon as possible to distinguish between expected inflammation after liposuction and more serious infection. In my experience performing over 5000 local anesthesia-only liposuctions, infection is exceptionally rare when the skin incisions are left open to drain.

What are the Symptoms of an Infection?

Answers (4)