Is It Normal to Have New Bruises Appear 5 Days After Liposuction?

Question

I had abdominal liposuction and reduction of gynecomastia earlier this week, and had some bruises which were apparent the day of the procedure (as expected). I had a small incision in my belly-button, but until today have had no bruising of that area. Tonight (5 days after surgery), I took a shower and noticed a bruise below my belly button, and two red dots around my belly button (all of which are new today). The skin on the bruise also feels a bit strange--sorta numb. Is this normal?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture.  What you are experiencing  with bruising and numbness is quite common after liposuction surgery.  Much of this bruising and swelling will subside by one month  postoperatively and it will take several months to see the final results of the surgery.

	I hope this helps.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Delayed bruising accompanied by some numbness is common after liposuction. Maximum swelling is usually within about three to five days after your surgery, and the majority of it along with bruising goes away in two to three weeks. You may feel some firmness, though, for a few months afterward. You can assess your results at three to four months after surgery.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

This is not at all uncommon.  Bruises in the deeper tissue can slowly diffuse through the tissue layers, to be seen about 5-7 days post-op.  

	If you are concerned about a potential complication, it's always wise to have your surgeon re-examine you.

	 

	Best wishes,

David Stoker, MD · Answer

Occasionally new bruises may occur in a delayed manner several days following liposuction.  Typically this coincides with an increase in patient activity level.  Although it is possible to resume full activity shortly after liposuction, it's reasonable to take it easy for the first week to allow your body to heal.  Hopefully that will decrease the risk of late onset bruises and speed your overall recovery.  The bruises should not effect the final outcome.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

For men fat tends to be stored in the intra-abdominal compartment. This is visceral fat and can not be liposuctioned. This visceral fat can only be lost by diet and exercise.   The risks for men are the same as for women.  The most common area men request liposuction is the lower abdomen and love handle areas.   Bruising of the penis is not uncommon since there is a very loose soft tissue plane between the abdomen and genital area.    Continue to follow instructions from your plastic surgeon as far as wearing a compression garment.

Is It Normal to Have New Bruises Appear 5 Days After Liposuction?

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Is It Normal to Have New Bruises Appear 5 Days After Liposuction?

Answers (9)

Answer: Liposuction bruises

Answer: Liposuction bruises

Answer: Swelling and bruising after liposuction

Answer: Swelling and bruising after 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.