Feels like I have a small ball that feels like a marble under skin after lipo. Does not move with skin 3 months post op.

Question

I had lipo on stomach 3 months ago. I have been massaging stomach myself. I recently found a ball which feels like I have a small marble under skin. It does not move with skin. Like there is literally a small ball under skin &is a bit apparent (like you can see it a little bit). No pain. What is this? Also indents from lipo are getting worse as time goes bye. What type of massage should I be doing? Will massaging help with not developing more indentations or is it a waste of time to do massages?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,It is likely scar tissue (which also runs throughout the area that was liposuctioned).  It may have started out as a small lake of blood that coagulated and subsequently organized into scar. If it hasn't resolved by now, you should just run this by your surgeon. If he is uncertain, the next diagnostic step would be ultrasound. Alternatively, if he is confident of the diagnosis, a small, judiciously placed amount of Kenelog into the scar will help resolve it. Spending money on additional, expensive, and unproven treatments won't be helpful, except to line the pockets of those administering them.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Without an exam, it can be hard to diagnose this problem. I suspect that it is an area of inflammation or scar or even possibly an area of fat necrosis. This are may continue to improve with time and I would recommend conservative management with massage for up to one year from surgery. If after a year, the area is still there, you can discuss with your surgeon other options for treatment.Hope this helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Smalltowngirl123456,it is hard to tell without an examination. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with your Doctor. If necessary, this may be removed. You may still have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

Check back with the doctor who did your liposuction.  There may be a small area of scarring or residual fat or some uneven healing.  It would be important to go back to you doctor for another evaluation to see what is going on.

Feels like I have a small ball that feels like a marble under skin after lipo. Does not move with skin 3 months post op.

Answers (10)

Answer: Lump after Liposuction & After care includes RF treatments (Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra) Cellutone/zwave, hyperbaric oxygen

Answer: Lump after Liposuction & After care includes RF treatments (Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra) Cellutone/zwave, hyperbaric oxygen

Answer: Check back with the doctor who did your liposuction.

Answer: Check back with the doctor who did your liposuction.

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Feels like I have a small ball that feels like a marble under skin after lipo. Does not move with skin 3 months post op.

Answers (10)

Answer: Lump after Liposuction & After care includes RF treatments (Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra) Cellutone/zwave, hyperbaric oxygen

Answer: Lump after Liposuction & After care includes RF treatments (Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra) Cellutone/zwave, hyperbaric oxygen

Answer: Check back with the doctor who did your liposuction.

Answer: Check back with the doctor who did your liposuction.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.