5 weeks with flank and back pain? Sometimes at night (and some days). The tightness and ridges are excruciating.

Question

5 weeks post op from liposuction. My flanks and back still hurt. OTC (200mg Aleve + 500mg Tylenol + waterpills) take the edge off and makes my days bearable. But sometimes at night(and some days). The tightness an ridges are excruciating. I am literally cutting the codeine pills in half because I am about run out and no American Dr. will help with pain management because I went to to Dominican Republic and had surgery. Everyone just turns their nose up. I am in contact with my DR surgeon

Nidia H. De Jesus, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  
I am sorry you are experiencing significant discomfort 5 weeks post liposuction. It is indeed possible to feel discomfort weeks after liposuction, but the soreness should be improving and not worsening. Part of the discomfort may be due to swelling as well as from regenerating sensory nerves.
I am glad you remain in contact with your plastic surgeon. Please ensure to update him/her with your progress and seek medical help locally if your symptoms worsen or do not improve. 
Best wishes!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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 your Doctor. It can take 3-6 months for final results with liposuction. 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

5 weeks with flank and back pain? Sometimes at night (and some days). The tightness and ridges are excruciating.

Answers (2)