2 weeks post-op. Does my Vaser Lipo cannula site look infected? (photos)

Question

Does this look infected ? I had my lipo almost two weeks ago and feel great. Not really any pain just sore a little . Had outer thighs done and back. Very little fat removed maybe a pound? I stated working out two days after I felt fine. My dr cleared me to work out. Wearing compression garment still.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

The vaser generates heat along the shaft. That is why the incision site through which the cannula is passed back and forth has to be protected not just from friction, but from heat. This is done with a plastic sleeve that is inserted through the incision and sutured or stapled to the skin. Then during the passage of the vaser cannula, a wet towel is placed between the cannula and the skin and sometimes the assistant drips water on the towel to keep it cool and moist. Even with these precautions it is possible to get too much heat at the port site.  If that happens, it will look like this picture with the black representing dead tissue and the red being a localized infection . This would be treated with antibiotics and the portal site with wound care until it is determined if healing leaves a satisfactory scar or a scar revision is needed.

Robert J. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, your surgical sites appear to be healing normally.  It is common to experience redness at the sites while they are healing.  Continue to follow your surgeon's post op care and communicate any concerns directly to his care team.

William Groff, DO · Answer

From your images, it appears that your cannula site is unlikely to be infected.  Sometimes these sites can appear red during the healing process. Inflammation in this area is normal, and can be exacerbated by friction from movement and your compression garments.  I would watch for any changes which include swelling, increased heat in the area, drainage, and even a fever.  If you are at all concerned, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider.  Over the course of the next 2-3 weeks, this will form a scab and fall off.  If you still have challenges after next next 14-21 days, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who can provide you with a formal assessment.

Calvin Jung, MD · Answer

Good morning,Great question that I get all the time from my patients.  Your entry ways appear inflammed post vaser which can happen due to the friction around the area.  This appears to be what you have from this picture.  Always follow up with your surgeon.  You trusted them to do your procedure and I would trust their judgement after the procedure

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Based on your photographs there appears to be inflammation around the port site. You should show this to your surgeon who can check it out. All The Best !

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Open incisions generally do not get infected.  A lot of work is done through a small opening when it comes to liposuction. Because of this this can I just get really inflamed.  It takes a few weeks for these to settle down. You'll eventually form a scab that will fall off then this incision should heal like the other ones.  When VASER is used  doctors typically put in ports to protect the skin from the energy from the ultrasound probe.  This causes the incisions to sometimes be a little larger than traditional liposuction. It takes time to heal and this includes the skin incisions. Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photos, it all appears normal with a central crust surrounded by a small zone of surrounding inflammation. Signs of a problem would include increasing localized redness, increasing pain, increasing swelling, the development of drainage or fever. 
Best wishes...

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Danitreg,Thank you for your question.The little cannula port sites can look irritate and red during the healing process. Avoid extra friction on the skin  from the compression garments. Letting the little dots dry up without any topicals is usually the quickest way to heal, and the little scab will pop off by itself.Best. Dr Brecht Seattle, Wa

2 weeks post-op. Does my Vaser Lipo cannula site look infected? (photos)

Answers (8)

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