Blistering with laser assisted Lipo. Are these really burns? (Photo)

Question

I had laser assisted Lipo on my upper and lower stomach and flanks just under 2 weeks ago. Within the first week my skin turned dark and started to blister and fill with fluid. The doctor says he's never seen anything like this before and assures me they are not burns and the laser was never in contact with my skin. The dermatologist says it's just post op blistering. What do you think it is?

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

You've got large areas of dead skin probably burned by the laser. This needs to managed by an expert in burns immediately before it gets infected. See your surgeon and get referred to a specialist if he/she lacks expertise with this complication.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is necrosis of the skin and is due to the laser energy delivered during the procedure. It is not common but can happen and you need appropriate wound care right now with hyperbaric oxygen, blood thinners, diuretics and skin care. I suggest seeing an expert.  This can leave permanent scaring and discoloration once healed.  Dr. Emer.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear you are having this issue. That looks significant, and I bet it's uncomfortable. Yes, it looks like a burn injury, however, as your surgeon mentioned, the laser is really not in contact w/ the skin. Plus, it would look like multiple, tiny burns instead of such large areas. It almost looks like you got so much rapid swelling that the upper layer of skin did not survive, thus the blistering. I would make sure you are seen very frequently by your surgeon until this resolves.

Blistering with laser assisted Lipo. Are these really burns? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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