Swelling and bruising on inner thighs after tummy tuck, no liposuction performed. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation 7 days ago. No liposuction. I still have drains in my breasts and stomach (4 total). Tonight I accidentally pulled on one of my stomach drains and it didn't come out, but some fresh blood got on my binder. A few hours later I noticed bruising on my inner thigh. Is this related? I also had extreme swelling in my thighs and calves up until day 6. Can edema cause bruising once the fluid goes away?

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

It's common to have bruising in places where surgery wasn't performed secondary to settling.  However, make sure you plastic surgeon is aware.

Raymond A. Capone, Jr., MD · Answer

The pressure garments usually used  after tummy tuck surgery will typically displace bruising from the actual surgery site to adjacent areas such as the thighs and pubis.  As with all bruising, these distant areas typically resolve over two to three weeks and leave no permanent marks.  Do not be surprised if the bruising works its way further down the leg as it resolves.

Eric Desman, MD · Answer

Indeed the inadvertent pulling on your drain could have caused the thigh bruising. This should resolve on its own. Show this to your plastic surgeon at your next visit.

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Swelling and bruising on inner thighs after tummy tuck, no liposuction performed. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (3)

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