Bruising is very common the first few weeks after a liposuction and tummy tuck procedure.
About 90% of the bruising will resolve by 3 weeks post procedure. The remaining swelling will continue to gradually improve over the next 3 months.
I find compression binders along with the use of arnica to be very helpful with bruising. (Paul S. Gill, MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
Bruising after Tummy Tuck
Bruising is blood IN the tissue and is common after any surgical procedure, it can last up to 2 weeks. Hematoma’s are a blood collection UNDER the skin which can cause swelling and bruisin and occasionally need to be drained if large enough.
Bruising can be minimized by avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen products before surgery as well as fish oil and vitamins A and E. Some families have an inherited platelet disorder that makes them prone to bruising and some patients feel Echinacea helps reduce bruising. (Christopher J. Kovanda, MD, Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon)
Bruising and Swelling
Liposuction surgery would give you a lot of bruising and a lot of swelling it is completely normal it is deferent for each patient some would bruise more than other, after two weeks all that should be going away is a slow process. To help speed up the swelling cut the salt from your diet. (Mel T. Ortega, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
Bruising after tummy tuck and lipo
The amount of bruising and swelling that you have is normal. Some surgeons recommend using Arnica Montana to reduce bruising. (Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS, Wellesley Plastic Surgeon)
It looks like a normal result at this point. Liposuction in the pubic area and on the lateral abdomen and hips is completely normal. The bruising should resolve in 2 weeks and the swelling in 2 months.
I would follow your surgeons post operative instructions. Many of my patients benefit from wearing an abdominal binder and/or a Spanx body shaper. (Stanley Castor, MD, Tampa Plastic Surgeon)
Healing bruises after a tummy tuck take time
Tummy tuck combined with liposuction is a surgical procedure that takes some time to recover from. Swelling and bruising are both part of a normal recovery process. There is a broad range of recovery time, mostly dependent on the patient’s medical history, health status, use of medications, etc. Routinely, the initial healing takes 2-3 weeks and the final scar maturation takes up to six months. Some patients use Arnica gel to speed up resolution of post operative bruising, even though there is no scientific support to this claim. (Z. Paul Lorenc, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
Bruising during tummy tuck and liposuction recovery
It is normal to see bruising with tummy tuck and liposuction. These bruises migrate down the hips and thighs with gravity. Taking Arnica during tummy tuck recovery helps to lessen the bruising. (S. Sean Younai, MD, FACS, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Bruising Following Abdominoplasty & Liposuction May Last Up to 6 Weeks
It’s not uncommon for patients who undergo abdominoplasty in combination with liposuction to experience bruising in the post-operative period. In the vast majority of cases, this is usually related to the liposuction component of the procedure. This bruising is typically a self limited phenomenon that lasts about two weeks.
In rare cases, it might last for up to six weeks following surgery. Bruising varies from patient to patient. Many patients have no bruising at all, while others occasionally experience severe prolonged bruising.
It’s important to remember that bruising resolves with time. Therefore, be patient and make sure you discuss all your concerns with your plastic surgeon. (Richard J. Bruneteau, MD, Omaha Plastic Surgeon)
Be patient, bruising may take 4 weeks to fade
The bruising is likely mainly due to the lipo and not the tummy tuck. It may take 3 or even four weeks for all of the bruising to fade. Hang in there. You really can’t speed up healing, but you can impede it. You have had a major operation and your body needs time to mend.
Be sure to keep hydrated, keep up your calorie and proteins, move. Your results look great so far. By the way, don’t be tempted to do too much, you will need about 6 weeks for the strength to build in the repaired areas. (Scott E. Kasden, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)