Discoloration after liposuction? (Photo)

Question

I was wondering if it's normal to have discoloration on the skin after having liposuction.at six weeks I have discoloration to my skin that is not bruising

Jennifer Reichel, MD · Answer

It appears from the photos that you have some pigment deposits in the skin after liposuction. This is most likely caused from the iron deposits (hemosiderin) in the skin from bruising during the procedure. Or, it could be caused by release of pigment from the melanocytes (pigment cells) in the skin called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). These changes are not super common, but they are well described and known to be a possible side-effect after liposuction. For most patients, the pigment changes will fade over time. Six weeks is still very early in the healing course after liposuction. Time is the main-stay of treatment. However, you could try a topical retinoid cream, or possibly hydroquinone. These may give you some degree of improvement. Be sure to talk to your liposuction doctor and have him/her do an assessment.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Discoloration can happen with aggressive liposuction and can be improved with hyperbaric oxygen and radiofrequency treatments.  Sometimes this can be permanent if not treated early.  Best, Dr. Emer.

David Dellinger, DO, FACOS · Answer

This does happen occasionally after liposuction If you had bruising after surgery, especially at the skin level, you may have had some "staining" of the skin, which usually resolves on it's own. Arnica creams may still be of some help and sometimes we use prescription hydroquinone creams to help remove the discoloration.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. The frictional force of the cannula against the skin in liposuction can create post inflammatory hyperpigmenation.  This will typically fade but can take many months to resolve. Best wishes.

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes it is common to have some type of discoloration after liposuction.  Usually this problem resolves with time.  If it doesn't resolve in a few months check back with your plastic surgeon.  Hope this helps.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Some patients will develop lasting skin discoloration after liposuction for any type of surgery.This is generally has to do with blood in the tissues that were left during the procedure.This is not necessarily abnormal nor does it represent a complication.There is always some amount of bleeding during any surgical procedure.Patients who develop substantial bruising after liposuction may have skin discoloration that lasts much longer. The discoloration is generally do to one of two things.The most common is simple garden-variety bruising.This represents the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells.As a hemoglobin breaks down various pigmented molecules are formed.Eventually these ar absorbed by your immune system and are transformed into bile.The iron in hemoglobin can also leave pigment called hemosiderin which can stay in the skin for much longer.Most of the time this type of discoloration will dissipate but it can take weeks to months.Best,Mats Hagstrom M.D.

Discoloration after liposuction? (Photo)

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