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How Much Swelling and Bruising is Normal After Abdominal Lipo?

I'm 5 days post lipo of my abdomin. I have minor bruising around my ribs, but my pubic area is totally black, like all the blood has pooled there. I am so swollen I can't put my jeans on. I can get up and move around, but if I'm up for any length of time the swelling gets much worse. Is this normal

Doctor Answers 5

June 16th, 2010

Swelling after lipo

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It is very common to have swelling after abdominal liposuction that goes into dependent areas such as the pubic region. This usually gets better after a few weeks.

Steven Wallach, MD


New York Plastic Surgeon
4.2 out of 5 stars 30 reviews

June 23rd, 2010

Swelling and bruising happens

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This can happen.  Clearly this is a difficult problem. There is very little to other than use the compression garment. Icing the area gently can help provide relief. I also use antiinflammatory medications for patients with swelling as you are describing. You should ask your doctor for their thoughts.

Robert Whitfield, MD, FACS
June 19th, 2010

Bruising and swelling after liposuction

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Lower abdominal liposuction allows the fluid from the anesthetic and then surgical swelling to move by gravity to the pubic area and the groin. Bruising is extremely common and expected in the scrotum, and the labia. The coloration can be dark red, purple or black. The color should be gone by three to five weeks, but if you have a concern and the discomfort is troubling, then you should see your surgeon for reassurance.

Ronald Shelton, MD

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 39 reviews

June 14th, 2010

Not an uncommon problem

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After the first time I liposuctioned the pubic area, I was quite startled on how "purple" things got. Reason for this is that the pubic area of skin is not firmly attached to the tissue below and allows blood to pool. In addition, most compressive garments don't adequately compressed this area, especially those that have a crotch opening. For this reason everything is compressed except for the suprapubic area , vulva, and in men, the scrotum. It usually resolves within 1-2 weeks but it's better to warn the patient ahead of time than to try to explain it to them after the surgery.

Learn more: http://www.doctorperlman.com

Joseph M. Perlman, MD

Joseph M. Perlman, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
4.3 out of 5 stars 27 reviews

August 9th, 2015

How Much Swelling is Normal after Liposuction?

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Bruising and swelling of that degree are normal in the suctioned areas and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However it may take 6-9 months to disappear completely. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly the process will proceed. See your plastic surgeon and let them know any concerns you have.

Learn more: http://drnichter.com/compression-garments-important-liposuction/

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.