One week post op Lipo, why are my feet blue?

Question

Hi I am one week an one day post op of liposuction in my flanks and outer/inner thighs. I had my One week follow up appointment yesterday and all went well. This morning I noticed my Both of my feet near my ankles are blue. They are not painful and with the naked eye they do not look swollen, however when I take a photograph it looks swollen to me in the photograph. Should I be concerned about this? Is this a reaction to the liposuction?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello.
Great question. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. Based on your image, it appears to be bruising. Swelling and bruising is normal al one week post op. Keep following up closely with your surgeon.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for the photos, swelling can persist for months, its important to  be on the right after care protocols. I recommend following up with your Doctor about their protocol regarding compression. I have my patients wear compression for 3-6 weeks straight then overnight for 3-6 months after their procedure. For liposuction after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. Best, Dr. Emer

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your picture and questions. This is likely a result of the swelling from your procedure. However, just to be safe, I would inform your surgeon and perhaps been seen for an evaluation. Better safe than sorry.Good luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

May I appreciate your concern, but it appears that the discoloration and modest swelling is a normal finding after liposuction. After liposuction of your legs,  bruising and swelling slowly drift downward with gravity and eventually completely resolve. Try to stay patient and positive and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
 This is probably due to bruising, which can normally appear on non lipoed areas as well. You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. 
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

One week post op Lipo, why are my feet blue?

Answers (5)