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“Almost One Wk Post Op, Numbness &swelling”

Worth It
Spent: $5,100 in Tampa

Comments (25)

Updated 18 Mar 2009

Posted 26 Oct 2008

I am almost one wk post op and I had my inner thighs down to knees, abdominal wrap (upper,lower abs into obliques and low back), back of arms. I had the abdominal wrap done on one day and went back two days later for the inner thighs and and back of arms.

I definitely feel stiff and uncomfortable but trying to move around regularly so I dont stiffen up further. I did drain for a couple of days and have a little residual drainage. Although I dont look too swollen in the mirror, the sensation that I have is numbness which makes me feel like i have elephant arms. The numbness wasnt significant on the first couple of days post op but has increased--I think due to swelling? My abdominal wrap definitely feels numb but beginning to subside.

At this point, I would say the recovery for me is similar to after having birth--stiff, sore, not as mobile as I would like to be. I can definitely see a difference in the mirror (through the compression garment) but I know it will get even better as swelling subsides and I get back to normal.

I would like to know if anyone else experienced numbness. How long? I would also like to know about recovery time.

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

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Comments (25)

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cecy 26 Oct 2008
I am three weeks post op and still numb especially in the abdomen, ifyou stretch out it's almost a tight feeling. Since, you mentioned arms, can you really see a difference, mine look the same after three weeks and I don't know if they will change. My dr. says recovery time is typically 3 months to see final results. I felt alot more numbness in my abdomen than I do my arms.
cmcgmdc 27 Oct 2008
I need to post my pics so you can see but I had pretty muscular arms prior to the surgery but they were covered with this layer of fat (specifically in the back). I did notice right away that they looked cut. In fact, they looked great right after. But, after a few days--as I heal and swell and deal with this numbness, I dont notice too much difference. I didnt realize that the numbness would be this profound. What are you using to compress your arms? I am using trouser socks with toe cut out, but I was wondering if maybe a better solution?
jpalm 16 Mar 2009
Hi, I live in Tampa as well and would like to know which doctor you used? Thank you
cmcgmdc 18 Mar 2009
{shown above to registered users} -he did a fine job. I am doing great, all back to normal and results are excellent. It's funny because I do not want to compromise my results so I eat well and excercise 5 days a week. Feel free to use my name if you do see him--Michelle
poodlerider 27 Oct 2008
Had a full thigh job done 7/1 and have just recently gotten past most of the numbness. Doctor told me it was due to nerves that were damaged during the procedure(s). Don't be surprised if you begin to feel hot wiggly needle pains in your treated areas once the healing process really gets going. Also had upper arms done 7/9 - not nearly as much discomfort as with my thighs. Good luck with your healing and I hope you get the results you are hoping for.
yela 28 Oct 2008
Yes, from the cpomments of the people at the local forum, i gathered that the thighs will cause more discomfort compared tothe other areas..especially if one does the inner thighs. I did my outer...and yes, I ache when I stand up frm sitting down and when I sit down after standing up! Any movements tht require the thigh muscles to work extra hard...I will experience some aches. It's been 5 days for me.
WD 27 Oct 2008
Yes, I had numbness on each side of my hips. It does go away along with the swelling. I was sore to the touch prob for 4 weeks.
yela 28 Oct 2008
I read that there's a proper compression garments for the arms. Perhaps you ought to get those instead?
poodlerider 28 Oct 2008
I had batwings and some fatty tissue on my biceps. My doctor suctioned apx. 1 lb from each lower arm and routed the laser & suction up as far around the inside of my upper arm toward my biceps as she could. My arms look much better than they did prior to the surgery. I also experience a tightness (still) in treated areas. One in particular is on the inside of my left thigh where I have an area of scar tissue apx. 8" long. The backs of my arms also feel tight, particularly after a heavy workout. You say your doctor estimated 3 mos for final results ... mine said up to 8 mos, so don't give up hope.
poodlerider 28 Oct 2008
The compression garment my doctor gave me when I had my upper arms done looks like a bolero jacket, but not one you'd want to go out in public in! It was incredibly tight, but really seems to have helped.
cmcgmdc 28 Oct 2008
I do think the more actual compression given helps to decrease the swelling and provide more support. I go back for my follow up tomorrow. My legs are pretty bruised and my arms dont look to monochromatic either. The swelling makes me feel like I have popeye arms. I am supposed to go out of town next week and now I have nothing to wear. Things are actually too snug and uncomfortable--very frustrating!
poodlerider 29 Oct 2008
You may not have enough time to get the swelling down to where you feel comfortable, but I found that working out really helped boost the healing process. I walk 4/miles/day 4-5 days a week, or do a 1/hr heavy cardio class 4 days a week, in addition to weight lifting - 3-8 lb weights (or lighter if 3-8 is too much for you right now) with as many reps as I can handle. Arms are tightening up nicely and legs look better than they have in years.
cmcgmdc 1 Nov 2008
I worked out regularly and vigorously beforehand. Now that I dont feel quite as stiff, I am going to begin walking. I appreciate your feedback. Thanks!
GudyNuf 6 Nov 2008
Hi Poodlerider, I am a runner and I run 5 days a week and race. I am considering getting my inner/outter thighs done (trouble areas all my life). I love running and don't want the procedure to interrupt my endurance strenghth and training. How long did it take you to get back into your heavy cardio classes? I am expecting to be laid off from running for 2 weeks. Is that realistic? Thank you, GudyNuf
lisa ferd 28 Jun 2010
i am wondering how long it actually took before you could run??? I am 2 weeks post op and nothing yet.
gardencity_gal 25 Nov 2008
Hi GudyNuf, I am posting my comment on running because I am also a runner. I am on 3 weeks 1 day post op and can't run yet. I started back on stairstepper, bike etc last week. My goal is to run on week 4 of post op. WITH compression clothes on though. The jiggling and shaking with numb skin would be a creepy feeling without the extra support.
cmcgmdc 25 Nov 2008
I am 5 wks post op. I still have swelling (not bad),and my compression garment is like my security blanket! I feel better in it and still have residual numbness in my arms (comes and goes) and a little in the abdomen. I feel better with exercise but I can not RUN. It actually hurts for my arms to bounce up and down. I was a runner for many years (racing etc0 I know what I am doing and I just cant do the high impact yet. On the up side, my arms are nicely cut (the delts & triceps show). My legs feel fine but still some swelling. Good luck!
Spudsy 12 Mar 2009
I am 1 week post op from having back, abdomen & inner thighs done. It was 5 days before I felt any improvement in the soreness & I still feel really bloated & numb. I go tomorrow for my 1 week check up & hope they will clear me for starting back to exercising. It has definitely curtailed my appetite. I do think one the numbness & swelling go away I will be happy with the results. I still cannot wear my jeans because they cut into my stomach but I do look thinner.
not happy 6 Aug 2009
i wish they wud stop using the phrase 'lunchtime lipo' 'back to work soon after' i only had my chin dun yest, it wasnt a huge double chin. I cant believe how agressive this lunchtime surgery was! my neck is all bruised,cant lift my head, good job im not working!the blood and fat was all over my ears and hair, yuk! never again, wudnt recommend to any1!
gabby86 4 May 2010
I am looking for a dr in that area. I am a registered user but can't see who your doctor was. Did you see dr.su please let me know.
fancenance 13 May 2011
I had a consultation with Dr. Su and will be having lipo on May 25th I let you know how it goes!
Dee1830 22 Jul 2011
I'm considering Dr Su, but having trouble getting past that he is not a board certified plastic surgeon and only started lipo 4 years ago, thoughts, comments from patients?
sc34287 15 Dec 2011
Dr Su ...Is AMAZING! He just did my chin and back and I cant believe how awesome it has been. He saw what I didnt and he made it happen.
fancenance 22 Jul 2011
I had the same reservations, but he did an awesome job. It was painful during the surgey but the results are fantastic!
Joodle56 2 Oct 2011

I just had liposuction of my upper waist and upper hips. Dr William Neal of MedSpa 200 did the procedure. I can say that the only time I felt pain was when he injected the numbing med. Once that was done, I felt sharp stinging only 3 times in the whole procedure. I am seeing amazing results and it has only been 3 days. I had fat pads along my ribs that made my waist lool very thick, even though I was not overweight. I now have a nice tapering waistline. I also had little fat humps on top of my hips, they now are gone and blend into a nice curved hip line. I am thrilled with his work. He is in Olympia, WA

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