What can be done for chronic pain/numbness 2 years after Liposuction and Arm Lift?

I had some Liposuction done to my underarm, hip, and back area at the same time I had an arm lift. When I woke in the recovery room, my left side from the waist to the foot was numb. That was 2 years ago. My left side is still numb and it tingles/burns. What do you think happened? Do you think it is a back problem or what? I am in chronic pain. What do you think I should do?

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8 answers to “What can be done for chronic...”

A: What can be done for chronic pain/numbness 2 years after Liposuction and Arm Lift?

By Peter A. Aldea, MD - Memphis Plastic Surgeon

The finding you report Left side numbness lasting 2 years"...my left side from the waist to the foot was numb" is VERY atypical and I have not seen it. I ASSUME you have seen a neurologist and had a CT. In my experience it is seen in only 2 scenarios a massive stroke (which would have most likely... more

A: Chronic pain after surgery

By Nirav Savalia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

The simple answer, as already stated above, is a neurology consultation. The neurologist will perform tests to determine the source of the pain, and may offer treatment.

A: Neurology consultation

By Hisham Seify, MD, PhD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

The starightforward way is a neurology consultation. Nerve conduction tests as well as imaging studies will be done to rule out the different causes for your synptoms.

A: Difficult Problem

By Scott E. Kasden, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Your description is not specific enough for me to make a specific diagnosis. What you describe is consistenet with a nerve injury that may have occurred during surgery. That said, a treatment must be based on an accurate diagnosis. Given that this may be a nerve injury, you may want to seek... more

A: Numbness after liposuction

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

The tingling and burning sensation is not common after surgery. FOr this you may want to seek the consultation with a neurologist. In terms of foot numbness, it is unlikely related to liposuction, it could be neurologic related disease secondary to spinal compression and this too can be evaluated... more

A: Chronic pain two years after surgery is abnormal

By Stephen A. Goldstein, MD - Denver Plastic Surgeon

Hello, I'm sorry that you're experiencing this chronic pain, but hopefully it can be resolved. Like I said in my title, chronic pain two years after surgery is NOT normal. You need to go see a neurologists or a physiatrist. A physiatrst specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation... more

A: It sounds like sciatica

By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

You may have had some underlying spinal disc herniation or nerve compression that may have been exacerbated by positioning during your surgery. That would explain why it was present when you awoke in the recovery room. Your surgeon should be able to shed some light on this phenomenon and refer you for a full... more

A: Arm and Leg Not Related

By Athleo Louis Cambre, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

After Brachioplasty or Arm Lift surgery, there may be temporary or rarely permanent loss of sensation in the inner upper arm, due to cutting or entrappment of the sensory nerve to that area. However, there should be no relationship between Brachioplasty to numbness or pain occurring below the waistline. It is... more

Comments

Stephanie27
1 post
26 Jun 2009

I also have the same numbness as you in my arms 3 years after surgery and its very tender when I touch my upper arms... I think there is nerve damage... I hope your condition improves.

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