Red blotchiness on flanks after lipo (Photo)

Question

I'm 10 days postop and have had this red blotchiness on my flanks since surgery. It's slightly warm to the touch, doesn't hurt, itches a little. I sent these pics to my doc as well, just wanted another opinion! Anything to be concerned about?

Gregory A. Wiener, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thanks for the question. From the looks of the photos, it looks like either a topical skin irritation (maybe from the post-surgical compression garment you may be wearing) or a possible reaction to medications such as antibiotics. However, you can't rule out a cellulitis (skin infection) without an examination.The garments or binders typically worn after liposuction are usually latex free (which some people are sensitive to), but that doesn't mean you can't get irritated from it being in contact with or rubbing on your skin. This could cause some redness, itching and warmth.Antibiotic and other drug reactions usually involve blotches over a wider area, such as the whole trunk, not just the flanks, but could also involve itching.As stated, the possibility of a skin infection (cellulitis) can't be ruled out without an examination. In this case, the skin would be a little thicker in the reddened areas (we call it "induration") and there would be warmth, but usually a little tenderness or mild discomfort also. You may also not feel well, and could be running a temperature. This would need to be addressed more quickly.Finally, sometimes blotches just happen. The blood vessels in the treated areas are dilated during the inflammatory period after surgery, and will soon go back to normal.If things continue, or worsen, get in to see your surgeon.Hope this helps.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

You need to get in to see your surgeon. Whenever anything is red and warm, it could be  sign of infection and you just don't want to mess around with that. Hope this helps, Dr. Nazarian

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs to be seen an evaluated in person to ensure there is no infection, hematoma, allergy.  I had a patient today who was referred to me 4 weeks after liposuction by another physician with similar "pictures" and turns out she had severe internal scarring.  There are many complications that can occur.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kenneth Dembny, II, MD · Answer

I agree with those comments of the other doctors. If you were my patient, I would want to see you in the office for further evaluation.Redness, as seen in your pictures, could be due to local skin irritation, a contact dermatitis, the reaction to a medication, trauma to the deep surface of the skin in this region, vasodilation as part of the reactive inflammatory/healing process, or infection. It does not appear particularly serious in the photographs, but the only way to know for sure is to see it in person and lay hands on it.Best wishes.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There are many benign situations that can cause redness after liposuction including allergy to dressings or garments. Nevertheless, there is the chance this could be a skin infection and should be reported to your surgeon.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Redness after surgery can be a result of a number of factors, from a rash to an infection.  You need to follow up with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to evaluate the areas of concern in person.  Best wishes.

Red blotchiness on flanks after lipo (Photo)

Answers (6)

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