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I had lipo on my calves in August. Is it normal to have throbbing hot sharp pain in my knees and my calves don't feel right?

I thought I was healing ok but now I have throbbing, hot, sharp pain in my knees and my calves feel like they are not getting blood to them (kind of like I have a rubber band around my knees) and they hurt all they way down to my ankles. Is this normal will it go away. I am still wearing my compression hoses.

Doctor Answers 7

November 11th, 2016

Liposuction of the calves - now have throbbing pain

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Thank you for asking about your calf liposuction.

You should return to your plastic surgeon to be checked. Although calf recovery is difficult, a sudden change like this is unusual. It may be that the compression hose are too tight - but it could be something else. So please see your surgeon.

Always see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best wishes  - Elizabeth Morgan MD PHD FACS

Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD
November 10th, 2016

Follow Up With Your Doctor--Pain after Liposuction

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Some pain can be expected after your procedure, but due to the timing and the severity you described I recommend following up with your Dr. for an evaluation. I also recommend adding lymphatic massage and hyperbaric oxygen to help with any residual swelling. To improve final results, I also recommend adding coolsculpting/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 appearance of cellulite. Best, Dr. Emer

Learn more: https://jasonemermd.com/

Jason Emer, MD

Jason Emer, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 202 reviews

November 10th, 2016

Late onset leg pain after liposuction

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I am sorry to hear about your concerns.  At three months after surgery, pain is not a very common problem.  This seems true because of the late onset.  Although it could just be the "nerves waking up" and normal healing, it is worth your while to be seen by your plastic surgeon for evaluation and reassurance.  Best wishes.

Michael S. Hopkins, MD (retired)
Albuquerque Plastic Surgeon

November 10th, 2016

Pain after liposuction

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Of course some pain after liposuction is normal.

However, nerve related pain must be dealt with early and aggressively.  Make sure to bring this to the attention of your doctor and they can recommend appropriate measures.

Brent Moelleken, MD

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 188 reviews

November 10th, 2016

Pain in legs

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Thanks for your inquiry.  I suggest you call your surgeon to be examined because it is hard to advise without an exam.  The symptoms you are experiencing seem could be normal healing or represent something significant, good luck.  

Vishnu Rumalla, MD
November 10th, 2016

Liposuction

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Thank you for your question. Being that your surgery was in August, only 3 months ago,  you are still very early on in the healing and recovery process. If this continues to bother you, I would suggest making an appointment with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to be evaluated in person. Good Luck!

Bernard Kopchinski, MD, FACS
November 9th, 2016

Healing takes time

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You are still very early in the healing phase.  Be patient.   It takes a year before healing is complete.  Go see you doctor for reassurance.    My Best,   Dr Commons

George Commons, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.