Is Cellulitis Common After Lipo? Will It Effect my Results?

Question

I had a TT with lipo of the flanks. Both sides are red streaked , warm, and swollen. They are tender to lay on but the pain is manageable. I was originally on Keflex and my PS just switched it to Bactrim after he saw them. He said it doesn't really look like cellulitis but he'll treat it as such and watch them. My navel has epidermolysis as well. What's going to happen? WIll I need IV abx? Sorry, i'm an ICU RN and tend to think worst-case-scenario!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The treatment regimen sounds appropriate for the symptomatology. Sometimes the garment can produce red streaking or an allergy to the dressings may cause this. The infection will likely improve with Bactrim if MRSA is the cause. IV antbx would be the next step.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

We health care providers tend to be our own worst enemy after surgery, don't we? Your surgeon sounds careful, proactive, and on top of things. Do your part and follow directions, keep your post-op recheck appointments, and call/return immediately if things worsen or even change. You should continue to get better. Be careful about hand washing, especially if you own a cat (8 times higher risk of MRSA infections in cat owners!) and allow it in your bedroom/bathroom. If you have a drain, the drainage should be reddish changing to serous, but never cloudy or malodorous--if so, get a culture, even while on antibiotics. BTW, I've had only one infection in all my liposuction cases over 25 years; only 6 tummy tuck infections--all diabetic or cat owners (honest).

	In the meantime, take a deep breath, try to relax and let things heal, and be a good patient so you can return to being a good nurse! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Cellulitis is not common after liposuction, and is not likely to affect your outcome if properly treated. If you are not improving on bactrim, an opinion from an infectious disease specialist seems in order. Thank you for sharing your postop course, Best wishes.

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

Cellulitis after liposuction is very rare. I would stay in touch with your plastic surgeon and continue with following post operative instructions

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the possible complication you have experienced after tummy tuck surgery. No, cellulitis does not occur frequently after tummy tuck surgery and  appropriately treated cellulitis should not necessarily detract from the final result.

	As you know, the most important thing is close follow up with your plastic surgeon who is in the best position to monitor your response to antibiotic therapy and determine whether any further intervention is necessary.

	 Best wishes.

Is Cellulitis Common After Lipo? Will It Effect my Results?

Answers (5)