Could my compression vest too tight if my penis and scrotum are completely turned purple?

Question

I had gynecomastia removed via vaser lipo yesterday as well as my belly and love handles. The doc has me in a full compression vest with a second thing underneath wrapped around my stomach very tight. My penis and scrotum has completely turned purple and filled with liquid and looks horrible and hurts. I also have numb skin in places under the vest. Is the best too tight?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is a completely normal effect from swelling after abdominal and flank liposuction, especially if no drains were put in or if the port-sites were closed with sutures.  Even if left open, the fluid that is used during surgery drains in the direction of gravity (downward) and accumulates inside the scrotum and penis.  If the compression feels too tight, you can loosen it a bit.  Numbness is normal for many days post surgery.  Contact your surgeon if you feel something is wrong, but the descriptions you are giving suggest normal post-operative expected results.  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Bruising and swelling can be normal after liposuction, but if I woke up with a purple penis and scrotum, I would call my surgeon and not waste time posting a question online. Only your surgeon can properly address your concerns and make sure this is nothing serious.

Ronald Levine, MD · Answer

If you're still able to breathe properly and you don't feel pain while wearing the garment, it should be fine. Swelling and bruising of the genitals is very common following liposuction of the chest and stomach.You should probably speak with your surgeon about this, however. If there is an excessive amount of fluid in your scrotum your surgeon may be able to resolve this issue.

Elliot W. Jacobs, MD · Answer

This is not abnormal -- in fact it occurs occasionally after lipo of the abdomen and love handles.  It actually has nothing to do wit the compression garments.  What it represents is free blood under the skin (from the abdominal lipo) which percolates downward (by gravity) after surgery.The bruising can be scary to look at -- but it is temporary and harmless.  In fact, I tell all my patients pre-operatively that this can occur so that they don't freak out.Elliot Jacobs, MD, FACSNew York City

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

Blood and swelling tends to migrate to a lower level so any blood or swelling from the abdomen liposuction may migrate to you groin. Consult your surgeon with your concerns.

Could my compression vest too tight if my penis and scrotum are completely turned purple?

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Could my compression vest too tight if my penis and scrotum are completely turned purple?

Answers (6)

Answer: Post liposuction bruising of the genitalia

Answer: Post liposuction bruising of the genitalia

Answer: Black and Blue and Swollen After Liposuction

Answer: Black and Blue and Swollen After Liposuction

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