I am 3 1/2 months post Lipo. My back and side still hurt and burn a lot of the time. Is this normal or a reason for concern?

Hello,
Thank you for your question. I am sorry to learn about your negative experience. Follow up appointments after body contouring should be a joyful and empowering experience, providing the patient the opportunity to address any symptoms, questions, or concerns.
Typically I advise my patients they no longer need to wear compression garments after 4-6 weeks. Discontinuing the compression garment and bandage will allow you to determine if they are causing your discomfort. If your symptoms continue, evaluation by a board certified surgeon may provide treatment and reassurance.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

If the "bandage" that you are referring to is in fact a binder, which is often placed on top of the compression garment for a few weeks, then this may be the source of your burning pain. One of the side effects of a binder is pressure ulceration. A burning pain is generally neurologic in origin. Your binder may be tenting while you are sleeping which increases the linear pressure in a focal area. This would cause inflammation and irritation of the superficial nerves. When discomfort has persisted for more than three months it is time to do something to break the cycle: 1. stop using 'the bandage' at night 2. hold off on wearing the compression for one week 3. discuss the issue with your family physician, perhaps a short course of an anti-inflammatory medication and or Neurontin may be beneficial 4. check your skin for any new rash, redness (remember other medical ;problems may present with burning, for example shingles.Hope this finds you well.

Pain can be variable for patients who have had liposuction. If necessary, this pain can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and neurontin. If it persists, I recommend following up with a Doctor. It can take 3-6 months for final results with Smart Lipo. I suggest lymphatic massage, hyperbaric oxygen, and RF treatments like venus legacy to help reduce any swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer