Prognosis for hematoma after liposuction on inner thigh? (photo)

Question

On 8.11.13 I had liposuction on my inner thighs in India. Day 5 my left thigh swelled up. I returned to my surgeon several times and he said it was normal and with compression garments it would spontaneously resolve. At 12 weeks I had an ultrasound scan done back home in the UK - large haematoma. 260ml of blood was drained from it followed by 15 ml a week later. The leg is still swollen and quite firm. What treatment is best for my condition? Prognosis after so long?

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

There are two possibilities for your condition. If the hematoma/seroma has been treated and the fluid does not build up again. Then the skin should retract and heal with just time and massage. You might not have much long term problems. If the body has formed a bursa pocket and the fluid collection is resistant to aspiration techniques, then it might end up being quite a nuisance. Sclerosing agents like doxycycline can be used along with the placement of a drain, but I have not had great luck with them myself. You might have to have your surgeon open the area where the hematoma formed and surgically remove the bursa capsule in order for it to heal. It all depends on whether the seroma is resistant to percutaneous aspiration.

Prognosis for hematoma after liposuction on inner thigh? (photo)

Answers (1)