Extreme bruise after inner and outer thigh liposuction. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

Hi! I'm in my 5th day efter liposuction of outer and inner thighs. Pain is going down everyday,but bruise...my legs are black still as you see in pictures and extremly swelling. I'm in my period right now,also became poisoned yesterday due to eat bad food in airport, including diarrhea! Today I'm fine,can walk,taking pain killer and Traumeel 3times each day. Is it normal to have this much bruise after 5days? 30years,162cm and 63kg Will appreciate to advice me,Thanks!

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The bruising is slightly more then would be expected.  Continue to use your garment and make sure your are seen by your Plastic Surgeon for a examination.  Bruising will not affect your final result which will take 6-12 months. Best wishes.

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

Although your bruising is definitely more than normal and may have in part be made worse with your straining associated with your food poisoning.  it is not out of the question and should not affect your final results. Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However it may take 6-9 months to disappear completely. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly the process will proceed. If you are concerned or if it does not improve, speak to your plastic surgeon to get it examined.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you can get bruising with liposuction, water assisted removal may be more gentle especially if the area is super-wet, however, it is extremely variable.  I suggest speaking to your physician if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The bruising in the picture is exceptional but not totally out of the question. The good news about bruising is that it has very little effect on the final outcome. Only time will correct the problem.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You an unusual amount of bruising after liposuction. It may be related to medications that you have been taking prior to the procedure. Best to contact your surgeon to review.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your pictures show an abnormal amount of bruising.Bruising is simply the manifestation of blood in tissue.When someone bleeds, the body responds by forming blood clots. Eventually, these clots will dissolve, and the breakdown products of hemoglobin become dark, pigmented substances causing the discoloration we see as bruising.When someone has excessive bruising after liposuction, it is because there was some excessive bleeding during or after the procedure.Almost all liposuction is done using tumescent solution.Even with the use of general anesthesia, most surgeons place this solution in the fat prior to liposuction.The main two reasons to use tumescent solution is to decrease discomfort during and after the procedure and to also minimize bleeding during the procedure.A drug called epinephrine is mixed into the tumescent solution.Epinephrine causes blood vessels to constrict very tightly, basically slowing down or stopping the blood supply to the fat during the procedure.The advantage of using epinephrine in the tumescent solution has drastically lowered the blood loss with liposuction and, hence, minimized bruising compared to in the past before epinephrine was used.It is possible your surgeon did not use the tumescent solution or only used an insufficient amount. It also takes 10 to 15 minutes for the epinephrine to work properly after injected.Some patients are also prone to bleeding more than others. This is especially true if someone is taking aspirin or ibuprofen or a similar type of medication prior to the procedure.While it may take a few weeks, the bruising will eventually go away.Follow up with your plastic surgeon, and share your concerns.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Extreme bruise after inner and outer thigh liposuction. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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