Large Area Lumps Under Skin After Liposuction? (photo)

Question

I am 9 days out from breast augmentation, lipo in multiple areas and labiaplasty. My surgeon was very aggressive. I'll be honest and admit that I did NOT wear my compression garment 24/7. When I sit it creases and I'm seeing some indentation in my skin where that happens. My bruising has has faded significantly (using Arnica gel & epsom salt baths). However, I have LARGE tender areas that are very hard under the skin. What do I do to break these up? Would the garment help at this point?

Kenneth Dembny, II, MD · Answer

Post-surgical compression garments are extremely beneficial following liposuction and serve several beneficial purposes. The garment compresses the tissue layers together at the site where the suctioning was performed; this helps to reduce/eliminate the potential space in this plane and decreases the risk for significant fluid accumulation (seroma). The compression of the skin and underlying fat reduces the amount of swelling and thereby increases blood flow, and improves post-op pain. Decreasing swelling in the area of suctioning helps to decrease the amount of dependent swelling that occurs as a result of gravity in lower body areas. The garment also provides reshaping and recontouring benefits.

	Garments should fit snug, but not be too tight. The garment should cover, and fit smoothly across, the entire area that was treated. Some creases may occur with sitting or joint flexions, but these should not be excessive. If you feel like the garment is too constrictive or binding in a particular area, it may be worth speaking to your surgeon, and checking to see if a slightly larger size would be helpful. As swelling resolves over time, post-op garments may become loose; changing to a smaller size will help maintain the benefits. Although many patients seem to dislike the compression garment initially, more than a few often grow to like it and continue to wear it for a significant amount of time post-op.

	Bruising is common following liposuction, but the pictures you provided illustrate a significant amount of bruising. The lumpiness you feel under your skin may be swelling within isolated areas of fat, or could be areas of hematoma formation. It has been my experience that when patients demonstrate more bruising in an area, they are more likely to have a (small) hematoma.

	Even when patients wear a compression garment regularly, some irregularities may be felt in the fat during the first one to two months post-op. As generalized swelling improves these firmer or lumpy areas of fat are unmasked. These firmer spots are areas of fat that have more persistent swelling. Given time these will subside and the consistency will return to normal.

	As for what to do right now….wear your garment and speak to your plastic surgeon if you have specific concerns. Other wise there is not much you can do. There is no way to ‘break up’ these areas; they will improve with time.

	Best wishes, Ken Dembny

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Swelling and healing as well as scar maturation can persist for 6 months and sometimes up to 1 year following liposuction.   I would follow with your doctor at this point.

	 

	Kenneth Hughes, MD                                                                                                                                    

	Los Angeles, CA

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The picture demonstrates a greater than average amount of bruising after liposuction. It does help to where the compressive garment but even without it you can expect significant improvement. Other than time there is no specific treatment that assists the healing process.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question! It is rather difficult to fully evaluate your situation without an in-person exam. That being said, small lumps and other contour irregularities are not uncommon after liposuction.  Shortly after surgery, you may see collections of blood (hematomas) or pockets of fat (fat necrosis). Typically, they will resolve in 2-3 weeks along with most bruising. Keep in mind that you may continue to see lumps as a result of swelling. It will take additional 2-3 months to completely subside.  
Although some physicians recommend massaging these lumpy areas, it's effectiveness is not entirely confirmed. I'd suggest that you give it time and let healing process complete naturally. If your swelling persists months after the procedure or you begin to experience increasing discomfort, you should notify your plastic surgeon. 
Remember that an in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your situation and guarantee an individualized medical advice. Best of luck!

Terrence Higgins, MD · Answer

It's too early to evaluate your results from your liposuction.  Your Garment is important so wear it as instructed.  I think endermology is beneficial for post op swelling and edema...check with your surgeon before undergoing any intervention like endermology.  Continue with arnica. Best of luck to you.

Large Area Lumps Under Skin After Liposuction? (photo)

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Large Area Lumps Under Skin After Liposuction? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Lumps after liposuction

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