You’ve just had liposuction, so swelling, soreness, and bruising are completely normal. In fact, a little light, pink-tinged drainage from the incision sites in the first 48 hours is expected before it turns clear. Your bruising will likely peak around days 7–10, then gradually fade over the next few weeks. Swelling? That might actually increase for the first week or two before slowly subsiding. These are all standard parts of healing, not red flags, not warning signs on their own.
But what if some symptoms feel unusual? While serious complications are rare, internal bleeding (a hematoma) can happen, and knowing the warning signs could make all the difference in your recovery.
What Is Internal Bleeding After Liposuction?
Internal bleeding, or a hematoma, happens when damaged blood vessels leak into surrounding tissues. During liposuction, small blood vessels are disrupted, and while surgeons take precautions to minimize bleeding, excessive fluid buildup can sometimes occur beneath the skin. Significant internal bleeding is uncommon, but it can still happen in some cases.
A small amount of bleeding is normal, but severe or uncontrolled internal bleeding can lead to complications like increased swelling and pain, infection risk, delayed healing, and, in some rare cases, the need for surgical drainage.
Early warning signs you might notice at home
Call your surgeon promptly if you notice any of the following pattern changes, especially if more than one shows up at once:
- Abnormal Swelling or Bruising
A firm, rapidly growing lump under the skin, expanding bruising, or one-sided swelling that feels tight and painful could signal a hematoma. These changes often appear suddenly and feel distinctly different from normal post-op swelling.
- Severe or Escalating Pain
If your pain worsens sharply, especially if it doesn’t respond to prescribed pain medication or rest, it may indicate internal bleeding or pressure from pooled blood.
- Signs of Blood Loss
New or worsening dizziness, faintness, racing heartbeat, or looking unusually pale/clammy, which can reflect a meaningful drop in circulating blood.
- Uncontrolled Bleeding from Incisions
While light pink drainage is normal initially, actively soaking dressings despite 10 minutes of firm pressure points to problematic bleeding that needs intervention.
When to Seek Professional Help
Certain symptoms indicate a potentially life-threatening complication, such as severe internal bleeding, a blood clot, or other critical issues, and require immediate medical intervention:
- Loss of consciousness, extreme difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood: These could signal a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) or another critical condition.
- Sudden, severe pain in the abdomen or chest, combined with cold/clammy skin and worsening shortness of breath: These may indicate significant internal bleeding or circulatory collapse.
If you’re unsure about the cause, head to the nearest emergency room, then notify your surgeon so they can assist the ER team in your care. Do not wait, these symptoms demand urgent evaluation to prevent serious harm.
How your surgeon confirms and treats it
If your surgeon suspects a hematoma or deeper bleeding, they’ll examine the area and may order ultrasound or CT to locate the bleeding, along with blood tests (such as hemoglobin levels) to assess blood loss. Small, stable hematomas often heal on their own with compression and monitoring, while larger or expanding ones may require drainage with a needle or, in rare cases, surgery to stop the bleeding. If significant blood loss causes symptoms like dizziness, low blood pressure, or rapid heart rate, you may need IV fluids or, in severe cases, a blood transfusion to stabilize your condition. Throughout treatment, close follow-up and proper compression remain essential for recovery.
Who’s at higher risk?
Your risk of internal bleeding after liposuction increases if you’ve undergone large-volume liposuction (removing more than 5 liters of fat), had multiple procedures performed simultaneously, or take blood-thinning medications or supplements (like aspirin, ibuprofen, or fish oil) without medical supervision. Additionally, smokers and those with underlying bleeding disorders or abnormal blood clotting are more prone to excessive bruising and bleeding complications. If any of these factors apply to you, discuss preventive measures with your surgeon beforehand.
Final Word
Most post‑lipo bruising and drainage are normal and settle with time and compression. But a growing, painful lump that soaks through and causes bleeding, or systemic symptoms like dizziness or pallor, are not regular. In such cases, inform your surgeon right away, and use emergency care for severe symptoms. Modern liposuction techniques keep blood loss low, but staying alert to these signs keeps recovery safe.
Experience Safer Lipo with Northwest Face & Body
At Northwest Face & Body, our certified specialists ensure your safety and comfort in liposuction, keeping complication risks low while delivering stunning results. If you’re concerned about recovery or want expert care tailored to your needs, call (425) 827-7725 or click here to schedule a consultation today. Let’s make your journey as smooth as your new contours!
