Blotchy and hard sides after liposuction; anything to worry about? (photo)

Question

I had liposuction 3 weeks and 2 days ago. Despite regular massage, my sides are very hard to the touch and are blotchy and discolored. Its hard to tell, but I think the discolorations align with shallow lumps. Is this normal?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This discoloration can unfortunately be permanent and is often from aggressive liposuction or energy-based devices. I suggest hyperbaric oxygen and RF treatments at this time.  Lymphatic massage will help with the hardness you are feeling.  Please speak to your physician. Best, Dr. Emer.

Sean Younai, MD, FACS · Answer

After liposuction there is a period of about 12 weeks of preliminary wound healing. During this phase your liposuctioned areas would first get very hard and lumpy. it is very important to continue with deep message frequently, and do stretch exercises. This phenomena gets worst by the sixth week and then goes away slowly by 12th week. by that time your skin and tissue has shrunk.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

It is totally normal to have firmness and lumpiness early after liposuction.Massage, warm compresses, later down the line radio frequency or ultrasound treatments may all help.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,It is normal. You just had liposuction. Continue to follow up with your surgeon. Best of luck!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I personally do not believe massage has any long-term effects on the final results after liposuction.I tell my patients to not engage in any activity that causes discomfort after surgery.Pain is our bodies signal that tissue damage is being done. I think it would be unlikely that your massage will of had impact on your liposuction results.Would you describe it is not too common early after liposuction.Most of the time it dissipates over the next few months.I personally ask my patients to minimize movement and pressure after fat transfer.This can potential he decrease fat survival.We ask our patients to not sit on the area, minimize physical activity and avoid laying on their back for the first three weeks.Ideally detailed postoperative instructions should be given before surgery.Continue following up with your plastic surgeon.Best,Mats Hagstrom M.D.

Blotchy and hard sides after liposuction; anything to worry about? (photo)

Answers (5)

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