I had liposuction 30 days ago and have since noticed a hard bulge developing in the center of my abdomen. It is approximately 3 inches in diameter and is much harder than the other abdominal tissue surrounding it. My surgeon, who is out of state, said it is a possible necrosis. What is the best way to treat this? Massage, steroid injections, excision? Is there a surgeon in Las Vegas skilled in treating this form of post op issue? The goal is to completely rid this lump.
Answer: Liposuction bulge Hi Alexus,thanks for your question and your photos. It is extremely difficult to tell base on picture only. Being 30 days after surgery likely means it may be a seroma that has a capsule and will need to be drained surgically or if your ribs are low enough, it may be a xiphoid or breast bone. Again it all depends on what the lump is. An ultrasound would help figure out what it is exactly if a physical exam is not enough. If it necrosis, massage would help. Steroid injections may help as well but may cause some underlying fat loss as well and skin color changes. Excision is also an option but time may get rid of it. Most plastic surgeons are capable of taking care of this problem. Good luck.All the best,Carlos Mata MD, MBA, FACS
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Answer: Liposuction bulge Hi Alexus,thanks for your question and your photos. It is extremely difficult to tell base on picture only. Being 30 days after surgery likely means it may be a seroma that has a capsule and will need to be drained surgically or if your ribs are low enough, it may be a xiphoid or breast bone. Again it all depends on what the lump is. An ultrasound would help figure out what it is exactly if a physical exam is not enough. If it necrosis, massage would help. Steroid injections may help as well but may cause some underlying fat loss as well and skin color changes. Excision is also an option but time may get rid of it. Most plastic surgeons are capable of taking care of this problem. Good luck.All the best,Carlos Mata MD, MBA, FACS
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April 12, 2016
Answer: Post Liposuction Irregularities, Swelling -- Try Massage, Velashape or Venus Legacy With Your Compression This looks more like a hernia that is now visible after surgery or a seroma/hematoma or scar tissue. You need a formal evaluation. Post liposuction hyperbaric oxygen, massage, and radiofrequency treatments may help. Best, Dr. Emer.
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April 12, 2016
Answer: Post Liposuction Irregularities, Swelling -- Try Massage, Velashape or Venus Legacy With Your Compression This looks more like a hernia that is now visible after surgery or a seroma/hematoma or scar tissue. You need a formal evaluation. Post liposuction hyperbaric oxygen, massage, and radiofrequency treatments may help. Best, Dr. Emer.
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April 12, 2016
Answer: Liposuction and fat necrosis Your surgeon is probably referring to fat necrosis. This can happen if the blood circulation is affected to the fat under your skin during the liposuction procedure. It is unlikely that you will have a collection of fluid (seroma) following a liposuction only procedure. You do have a tummy tuck scar and I am assuming that this was done on another occassion. If it was done at the same time, then seroma is indeed a possibility. It is not uncommon to feel lumps and irregularities 4 weeks after liposuction. You do need to give it time and massage the abdominal wall and see how things settle over the next 3 to 6 months.
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April 12, 2016
Answer: Liposuction and fat necrosis Your surgeon is probably referring to fat necrosis. This can happen if the blood circulation is affected to the fat under your skin during the liposuction procedure. It is unlikely that you will have a collection of fluid (seroma) following a liposuction only procedure. You do have a tummy tuck scar and I am assuming that this was done on another occassion. If it was done at the same time, then seroma is indeed a possibility. It is not uncommon to feel lumps and irregularities 4 weeks after liposuction. You do need to give it time and massage the abdominal wall and see how things settle over the next 3 to 6 months.
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April 11, 2016
Answer: This is not Necrosis Hello,It is more likely a small, loculated collection of fluid called a seroma. You should be evaluated by a surgeon locally to evaluate you and possibly drain this.Best of luck!
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April 11, 2016
Answer: This is not Necrosis Hello,It is more likely a small, loculated collection of fluid called a seroma. You should be evaluated by a surgeon locally to evaluate you and possibly drain this.Best of luck!
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April 11, 2016
Answer: How to treat possible necrosis after liposuction? Thank you for your question and series of photographs and I am sorry that your results have not been what you anticipated. It is difficult without an in-person examination to determine what may be taking place. Most commonly this is a discrete fluid collection termed a seroma, but it would be important to voice your concerns to your surgeon to ensure that other issues are not taking place - swelling, muscle laxity, or residual adipose tissue. Your out of state surgeon may be able to recommend someone in Las Vegas that you can see or you can search for local board certified surgeons in your area using the below link. Best wishes.
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April 11, 2016
Answer: How to treat possible necrosis after liposuction? Thank you for your question and series of photographs and I am sorry that your results have not been what you anticipated. It is difficult without an in-person examination to determine what may be taking place. Most commonly this is a discrete fluid collection termed a seroma, but it would be important to voice your concerns to your surgeon to ensure that other issues are not taking place - swelling, muscle laxity, or residual adipose tissue. Your out of state surgeon may be able to recommend someone in Las Vegas that you can see or you can search for local board certified surgeons in your area using the below link. Best wishes.
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