What can I do about itching after BBL?

Thanks for your question after BBL.In my practice we have patients visit with our post operative skin healing specialist.  We advise a regimen of healing massage and application of liquid silicone healing cream that is quite helpful.  We also evaluate other causes of itching such as the fit of your garment and medications.  Follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon to make sure you are on track for a great result.Best Wishes.

Thank you for your question.This is not uncommon, it is part of the healing process. You can try using moisturizer mixed with OTC Hydrocortisone 1% to help calm the itch. Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Claritin taken by mouth are also helpful in decreasing the itch. This will eventually go away on its own, but it can be frustrating when you are itching, numb, and in pain. Hang in there. Good luck with healing.

Itching is fairly common after surgery.  If there is any sign of rash or allergic reaction, that would be something different.  My patients choose to wear a soft cotton t-shirt under the garment to lessen the itching.  Follow up with your PS to determine if any of your medications could be the culprit.  Keep a positive attitude, continue walking, and eat/drink enough complete protein to facility wound recovery.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Itching is generally associated with healing and represents small sensory nerves recovering from the surgery.  Although it can be uncomfortable, I view it as a positive sign.  Most patients obtain relief with Tylenol or Benadryl — although Bendryl can make you sleepy.

There can be many causes for itching after almost any surgical procedure.  Let's start with the most dangerous and work through the problem.
Allergic reaction to medications:  Usually but not always accompanied by a rash.  Itching often worse in areas not involved in the surgery such as palms of hands or soles of feet.  May respond to medications such as Benadryl.  If shortness of breath occurs, requires urgent trip to the ER.
Reaction to pain medications: Many pain medications can cause itching.  It is not an allergic reaction but a side effect.  Usually responds to Benadryl and similar medications.  May require a change in pain medicines.
Skin Dryness: Common after using the strong cleaning agents used to prep the skin before surgery.  These agents dry the skin and cause itching.  Responds to a good skin moisturizer and is self limited as the agent's drying wears off and the skin's natural moisture returns.
Garments:  Many of the post-op garments can irritate the skin.  Usually confined to the areas that the garment touches and responds to moisturizers and wearing of cotton garments (tee shirts/panties) under them.
The first step though to is contact your plastic surgeon and determine what the probable source is and then treat it.  It may take a few different trials as it is not always easy to determine what the cause is.   Give your doctor a call.  
Hope this helped and best of luck.

Dear sanantoniolady,Itching after a BBL could be caused by an allergic reaction to any medication prescribed so you should contact your PS; or also could be from dry skin caused by the compression garment. I recommend you to wear a cotton shirt under the garment and also keep your skin well moisturized with lotion. Best wishes.

Hi Sanantaniolady_37,Thank you for your question, I suggest contacting the surgeon who did your procedure. The itching could be from several different things. Best of luck!

This is normal for some patients, I recommend that you contact your surgeon first and see what he suggests that you do. I definitely would recommend that you wear a cami under your garment, and stay very moisturized. Please just try and not to scratch the area, as this can make you even more sensitive and cause you to itch even more.