Liposuction 5 days ago.....interested in hearing how others are feeling?

By Leigh1975 on 02 Dec 2012

Hi, I am 36, I am in a healthy weight range had liquid lipo 5 days ago. I had my lower abdomen, flanks and inner /outer thighs. I have exercised my whole life but always had those pockets of fat I could never move. I had been contemplating it for years and finally got the courage to do it. The procedure took almost 4 hours and my surgeon got close to 4 liters out. I had about 12 small incisions and some were sutured, some left open to drain. Drained a lot over first 12 hours but not much after that. In relation to 4 hours It was hard apparently as I had very fibrous fat so it took longer. The procedure was fine, felt a little but had heaps of drugs so was ok and I don't remember much. I don't have a lot of bruising but have the standard swelling. Can't sleep too well as the garment is so tight, went off meds on day 3 and I managed to walk a little each day since the surgery. I am really happy so far with my flanks, belly is very swollen and tight. Inner thighs are very swollen so it's hard to tell..... It is painful to get up and down but the walking has helped....had bad constipation and still not back to normal. Last night I had stabbing pains on and off ( day 4) and also shooting/pinching feeling in inner thighs. Doc said its probably nerve related and all normal. My shape has definitely improved.....early days though. I am eating well, hydrating and taking care of myself. Had to take 2 extra days off work. I am thinking of getting a lymphatic drainage massage in the next couple of days.....will post some pics later of my before and after. Anyhow just thought I would post some info on my experience would love to hear from anyone with advice etc. I am a really impatient person so it has been a bit of a struggle....I also love exercising so hope to be back in 2 weeks. I hope the swelling sups sides before xmas! I have been reading the blog alot and it has been helpful so thought I would join :) thanks

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Myrealselfteresa 15 Dec 2012

I had Lipo on my flanks (hips around lower back) and yes I was sore but nothing like what I have now! The swelling is better and basically all bruising is gone but pain increased 10 fold!!!!! I am 5 weeks post opp and when my boyfriend gave me a hug and squeezed that area, I screamed in pain. When I try to run and I mean even 4 steps to the car in the rain... It feels like a million needles are stabbing me. If I had to run in an emergency I couldn't... It's that bad! So after surgery I was very sore and tender but my nurse did warn me pain gets worse later?!? I saw my dr yesterday and he said normal but I don't think so!

Leigh1975 17 Dec 2012

Hi my realselfteresa, Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I am not even 3 weeks post and my pain is almost gone. I don't think it should be getting worse? I do feel a Little stiff and sore when I get up but its not painful. Everyone heals differently I guess, have you been excercising? I know that when the nerves heal and re-attach it can be painful. I had that in the first 2 weeks. Have you been able to do light massage? Massage and moving helped me a lot.... Also drank a lot of water and used arnica. It is re-assuring that your doc said its normal but if you are worried you must go back...you are the patient and you can ask as often as you want. Take care and keep me posted.

Myrealselfteresa 17 Dec 2012

I wasn't in any pain until last week! I went back to the gym 5 days after surgery which I know wasn't smart but I love working out. I was warned that the pain comes later in Lipo and I found that odd. I can't massage because even touching that area to put on lotion hurts so bad but I think you're right as far as the nerves "coming awake" again. I think I am going to put my garmet back on since it seems to add comfort. Thanks!

sicilianprincess 3 Jan 2013

I'm having lipo on my flanks feb1, any advice? I'm getting local anesthesia, not general. I had generally for my tummy tuck and don't feel its necessary for lipo. Any advice would be awesome...thanks in advance

Myrealselfteresa 3 Jan 2013

I had my boobs redone so ofcourse I had to do general. I am super happy with my results so far because it gave me more of a waist and no more "square" back. I didn't do it for love handals, I did it for more curves (I am 5'5 128 now). For me personally I was kinda sore after but weeks later as the nerves "woke up" it became very very painful to jog or any type of jolting movement. Wear your garmet as long as you can... After a month I would still try to wear it 8 hours a day. In hindsight I wish I used something for my Lipo sites, I feel like I have tiny scars forming. Good luck!

Yellow Bikini 9 Dec 2012

I'm 5 days post upper lower ab, flanks, and lower back. My flanks aka love handles are pretty swollen. I'm pretty bruised but feeling good. I had a TT last year and this was surprisingly easy compared to that recovery. I'm not sleeping much but taking care of myself and relaxing. I go back to work tomorrow. Wish I had taken more time off only because clothes against my body hurts and it's nice to naps during the day. Happy Healing!

Leigh1975 11 Dec 2012

Hi yellow bikini, how did you go on you first day back? I hope it was ok for you.....I really think you need a good week off work after lipo especially if you have multiple areas. How are you going with you compression garment? I can' t stand mine.....I have moved from the surgery one with the zips to spanx, works fine and I can sleep. I had my 10 day checkup yesterday doc is very happy with my progress he said I am wEeks ahead... Some things I think have helped: Self massage 4 times a day Lymphatic massage twice a week Drink lots of water and pineapple juice Walk as much as you can, build it up over time Use scar treatments 3 times a day Use arnica cream on all bruises and take tablets Eat super healthy clean food low salt Would love to hear how you are going. Leigh

Brandnewme13 11 Dec 2012

Hi i hope your healing good! post pics! I am scheduled in 11days! i am so nerves! i ordered the Arnica gel yesterday from GNC. I still need to get scar ointment. when did you start putting that on? What is the pineapple supposed to help with?? Any other advise?? Happy healing

Leigh1975 17 Dec 2012

Hi brandnewme, I started putting oiintment on when the incisions healed. Pineapple juice is supposed to help with swelling. Keep active, give yourself light massage as early as you can. Rest and eat well. Good luck keep me posted

Myrealselfteresa 17 Dec 2012

I had a surgery for severe acid reflux on my stomach and they made 5 incisions... I can tell you that those little Lipo incisions will fade to where you can't see them unless you knew they were there. Arnica is for swelling and bruising, awesome! They do have scar stuff that works really well but I can't remember the name of the one I purchased.... I bought it at Mothers Market for about $15.00. Lastly, stay out of the sun (also tanning beds) because scars will turn dark and be noticeable. Vita e topical and vita c oral also seems to help. Good luck

Brandnewme13 17 Dec 2012

My arnica gel came in and I did so much Christmas shopping yesterday my back started to hurt so I applied a small Amt and I promise within 10mins the pain was gone! I pray it works that well after surgery!! Thank you again for recommending it!! One more question.. What kind of foods did u eat after surgery?? Hope your doing good.

Myrealselfteresa 17 Dec 2012

You're supposed to avoid sodium because of swelling etc. I had a breast aug at the same time so between the two surgeries I didn't eat very much the first couple days. Sometimes you have a little anesthesia "hangover" and become sick easy so make sure you stick to small basic things like soup broth, jello, salt free crackers .... I am 5'5 and 127 so my Lipo wasn't because of weight issues but rather I just carried fat above my hips:( so I ate normal as soon as I could .

sicilianprincess 3 Jan 2013

Finally! Someone who had a tummy tuck and then flank lipo!! Advice? Comments? I had a TT 4 months ago and while my belly is flat....my love angles ate more prominent. I didn't want to flank excision so I opted for lipo only...hope it gives me the results I desire!! I'm scheduled feb1.

sicilianprincess 5 Jan 2013

that was supposed to say "love handles are" not "angles ate" lol. Stupid auto correct on my phone

Yellow Bikini 6 Jan 2013

Hi Princess! I'm a month PO from my lipo. It has been so worth it. I can totally see the difference in my body and no more muffin top...lol. I had lipo with my surgery but of course he couldn't be aggressive during the surgery. Just be prepared to massage and massage. It will be necessary to smooth all the lumps and bumps from lipo. I was off work 5 days. I wish I had taken a bit longer maybe 8 days. Not because I couldn't work. Just wanted more time to deal with the swelling and bruises. I would say get some arnica gel or Traumeel cream it was a life saver. Pain gone immediately. Pineapple juice and no salt. You can literally feel your body swelling..at least can. It's funny to me I never heard anyone mention lipo after theTT. I found out that it a very common request. TT gives you the flatness and removes the saggy belly. The lipo sculpts your body. I have no regrets. Good Luck! Please reach out if you have more questions or concerns.

sicilianprincess 14 Jan 2013

Thank you SO MUCH for replying and the suggestions. I just ordered some arnica. I also have bromelain tablets (pineapple extract) and ill get juice to drink too. I'll have to look into traumeel (never heard of it). Glad to know I'm "normal" and this is a common request after the TT. I was feeling ungrateful and just thinking ill never be satisfied. But the bit u said about flattening vs sculpting makes total sense...thank u!!