What can I do about dark patches on my stomach 1 yr post lipo? So lumpy, skin is hard, feels like plastic (Photo)

Question

What are these dark patches on my stomach? I got lipo and tummy tuck which I regret so so much. I only initially went in for lipo on my tummy and he suggested a mini tummy tuck. But somehow I was in surgery from 2pm to 9pm, and ended up with a a massive tummy tuck, (although no muscles were tightened). The tummy tuck was massive and the scar is from hip to back, (I'm size 12 but had a post pregnancy 'apron.') Skin is hard & feels plastic. Patches have not improved as promised after 1 year.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Was energy based liposuction used?  In addition, you will need an exam for residual loose skin and chronic fluid collection.

Peter Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry you had such a traumatic experience.  I can't address why you had the procedure you did since I don't know how your preoperative state was.  However, I can make some suggestions regarding your current condition.  First is the "dark patches" across your abdomen.  After surgery, some patients can develop significant bruising that sometimes organizes into a hemosiderin stain.  This may be persistent even after several years.  Vitamin K oxide creams are helpful such as Auriderm.  There are obvious areas of irregularity on your abdomen.  Some of them may be due to liposuction not being performed evenly, but based upon your overall contour, another possibility is pseudocyst.  This occurs when there are some fluid that collects under the skin flap and becomes "organized".  The cyst becomes encased in your scar tissue and does not get absorbed.  If this is the case, it may requires surgical correction.  You should definitely get an evaluation from a board certified plastic surgeon.

Fernando Colon, MD · Answer

Judging just by your pictures it seems you have notachieved complete maturation from your surgery.The hyperpigmentation patches may be related to PIH(post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and they willlikely improve as complete maturation occurs. Discuss a skin care program with your doctor and the possibility ofother treatments such as IPT or BBL. Best wishes.

What can I do about dark patches on my stomach 1 yr post lipo? So lumpy, skin is hard, feels like plastic (Photo)

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What can I do about dark patches on my stomach 1 yr post lipo? So lumpy, skin is hard, feels like plastic (Photo)

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