Lipo Incisions Look Inflamed - What Can I Do?

Question

4 weeks ago I had SmartLipo on abdomen & back with a total of 15 small incisions. Most healed nicely except for the 2 largest ones on each hipbone. They are red and inflamed although stopped oozing about a week ago. Initially, any type of ointment and bandaids were making them worse until I discovered on my own that I should use gauze pads and plain cloth tape (apparent allergic/sensitive to most adhesives!) What should I be doing to help with the "angry" redness & swolleness of the incisions?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If there is redness and swelling an infection needs to be ruled out by your sureon. Infected skin usually hurts but not always. If the scars are trying to become hypertrophic, or angry scars, and there is no infection, then the drug-store purchased scar dressings of silastic gel, may help suppress ths reaction. For you, you should see your liposuction doctor.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Following surgery, your surgical incision sites will go through a maturation process. For the first few months they will be red and possibly raised and/or firm. Some of this may be due to the multiple passes of the liposuction wand (cannula). Uncommonly it can indicate an infection so see your plastic surgeon if concerned .As the scar matures, after 6-12 months, it becomes soft, pale, flat, and much less noticeable. You may experience numbness, tingling, burning, “crawling”, or other peculiar sensations around the surgical area. This is a result of the healing of tiny fibers which are trapped in the incision site. These symptoms will disappear. Some people are prone to keloids, which is an abnormal scar that becomes prominent. If you or a blood relative has a tendency to keloid formation, please inform the doctor. #liposuction #healing

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

Red and swollen scars can indicate an infection, so you should see your surgeon to have your scars checked out.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  This problem needs to be checked by your surgeon.  It's hard to tell from your description whether you have some component of wound infection or incisional friction/ laser burns, or whether it's just normal postoperative redness of an incision.

	Better to have someone experienced look at it than to seek help online...

	 

	Take care,

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

As stated repeated passing of the laser fiber through the skin can cause thermal type injuries to the skin. However, I have occasionally observed this even without lasers and it may be due to the exposed nature of these incisions over the hip which are subject to repeated trauma by your clothing. I believe the padding function of the gauze may be another reason why you saw an improvement with its use.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Most liposuction incisions will heal with minimal scarring within 1-2 weeks. I hope your surgeon was a Plastic surgeon. The number of your incisions (15) seems much for abdomen and back. Anyway, laser assisted liposuction such as Smart lipo can cause burns at the incision sites. Most of these burns will heal well with local wound care such as gauze and antibiotic ointment. If the incisions are not healing well or becomes inflamed, you need to see your surgeon as soon as possible. Occasionally, there may be an infection requiring antibiotic treatment.

	Good Luck.

	Dr Okoro

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

We see patients treated at the local 'liposuction center' here in town with this same issue- the skin over the 'hipbone' area can be quite thin, and can be burned by laser liposuction cannula. Burns are one of the distinct disadvantages that laser liposuction has, as compared to safer forms of liposuction that don't use heat. These wounds will heal with time (moist dressing and frequent band-aid changes) but you may have an unsightly scar in this region. It pays to do your 'homework' when it comes to choosing a surgeon for your liposuction procedure - most of the board certified plastic surgeons I know don't use SmartLipo because of the problems with skin burns.

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

If you notice that the incisions from your liposuction procedure look inflamed, it's essential to take appropriate steps to promote healing and prevent any complications. Here are some actions you can take:1. Keep the area clean: Gently clean the incisions with mild soap and water daily to remove any dirt, debris, or bacteria that could contribute to inflammation or infection.2. Apply topical antibiotics: If your healthcare provider has recommended or prescribed antibiotic ointment, apply it to the incisions as directed to help prevent infection.3. Use cold compresses: Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the inflamed areas can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin and avoid prolonged application, as this could cause tissue damage.4. Take anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Follow the dosage instructions provided on the packaging or by your healthcare provider.5. Avoid picking or scratching: Refrain from touching or scratching the incisions, as this can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Keep the area covered with sterile gauze or bandages if needed to protect it from irritation.6. Monitor for signs of infection: Keep an eye on the incisions for any signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms or if the inflammation worsens, contact your healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation and treatment.7. Follow up with your healthcare provider: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns or complications.It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions for post-liposuction care and to contact them if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery. They can provide guidance and recommendations based on your individual situation to ensure a safe and successful outcome.

Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD, FACS · Answer

Discuss with your surgeon concerns of redness or inflamed incision sites after surgery.Best of luck.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

May be best to discuss with your surgeon to make sure you are healing properly. If so, this may just be normal healing. Consider using silicone gel sheets made for scar improvement.

Lipo Incisions Look Inflamed - What Can I Do?

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