Understanding Liposuction And Hematoma Issues

If you have large pockets of fat around your abdomen that you cannot eliminate through diet and exercise, then you may want to consider other means of getting rid of your muffin top. Liposuction may be an option for you, especially if you are in generally good health and have a good maintenance regimen in place to keep the weight off. Like any other surgery, liposuction does have its risks and complications. One of the most serious is the formation of a hematoma. Keep reading to learn about hematomas, what they are, and how you can prevent one from developing.

What Is A Hematoma?

A hematoma is a collection of blood that pools underneath the skin to create a kind of lake that contains blood serum and red blood cells. As the blood builds underneath the skin, it looks like a purple or dark red bruise. The blood typically starts to collect when one or several of the blood vessels are cut or damaged and the walls of the arteries and veins are unable to close themselves off quick enough. In most cases, the broken vessels will form clots, but only partial clots may form and allow blood to leak under the skin for some time. This often means that the hematoma will not appear suddenly, but it will build over the course of a day or two after your liposuction is completed.

Hematomas can cause swelling, inflammation, and pain. They can also cause damage to the tissues in the area around the hematoma. In rare cases, the tissues can die and cause necrosis after the liposuction procedure. This is why it is important to prevent hematomas from occurring in the first place. However, you should know that hematomas can often be drained well before serious tissue damage occurs, so it is always wise to see your plastic surgeon if you think that bruising is more pronounced or widespread enough to indicate that a hematoma has occurred.

How Can A Hematoma Be Prevented?

Invest In The Right Type Of Liposuction

Hematomas can be prevented by choosing the right type of liposuction. Specifically, if you choose to go through tumescent liposuction, then you can greatly reduce your liposuction risks. Tumescent liposuction is a procedure that involves the injection of lidocaine and epinephrine into the abdominal fat.

This helps to numb the area and turn the fat in the region firm and hard. This makes it easier for your surgeon to pinpoint the fat for removal. The lidocaine also has the added benefit of constricting the blood vessels. This reduces general blood loss and damage to the blood vessels around the surgical area. The vasoconstriction also reduces the risk of you forming a hematoma. 

Stop Taking Medications

If you want to prevent bleeding in the abdomen after liposuction, then you will need to make sure that your body is able to form clots effectively. This way, the blood vessels can close up and heal in a relatively quick manner and blood will be unable to seep underneath the skin. To assist with this, make sure to stop taking aspirin, NSAID pain relievers, and supplements that may interfere with your body's ability to clot.

You also may need to stop taking certain medications, like prescription warfarin and other anticoagulant medications. Speak with your surgeon about all of the prescriptions and over the counter medicines you take so you will know which ones are and are not safe to take after your liposuction operation. Something as simple as taking a vitamin E supplement can cause clotting problems and hematoma issues, so consider making a comprehensive list of all the medicines and supplements you use so you do not forget to ask your physician about them. For more information on liposuction, contact a clinic like Medilaser, Cosmetic Surgery and Vein Center.