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?

Question

I received Smart Lipo 360 back in early April and my body appears to healing well, with the exception of burning in the flanks area. I still wear my garment daily and a bandage at night during bed, but I often times wake in the am to burning sides and lower back. I'm not sure if this is common as the tissue in these areas are thinner and more sensitive or if I should be concerned. Oh, my Dr's license is now suspended so I am screwed for follow up care. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

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 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

Mark Edward Hennessy, MD · Answer

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.

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Muscle soreness around the flanks is common after lipo of the flanks. If that's what you have, it improves over time and with massage, foam rolling, bengay cream, and sometimes muscle relaxants. It's temporary.

Gregory Chambon, MD · Answer

Our protocol is to wear the compression garment all day for 2 weeks and then just during the day for another 4-6 weeks. I do not see any reason to be wearing it night at this point, and would try leaving off at night to see if this helps your symptoms. The flank area esp along the lower ribs can stay sore and numb for a longer period of time when compared to other areas of treatment.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and sorry that you are having these concerns after your SmartLipo procedure.  At this point after the surgery, if you are having pain, I would suggest finding another board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon in your area to evaluate the area where you are having pain and see if they can determine what is going on. Perhaps you have something that is easily treated or something that is correctable.  The fact that your surgeon has had his license suspended is very disconcerting. It is imperative for everyone out there to do their homework and make sure that you are going to a well-respected physician and to someone with a great reputation. In this case there had to be flags somewhere where one might have been a little concerned about this particular provider.  Find a new doc, and see what can be done now.  Good luck.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

I don't understand why you would be wearing any bandage. I only put steristrips on after Smartlipo and a garment. I don't even use a bandage. Also, unless your skin tone is very poor, I don't see why you are still wearing your garment.it is unusual to have burning this far out. I would suggest you stop the bandages and garments. you should also return to exercising, if you have not already (hopefully you have). I would also have you just massage the areas yourself. If you are still having pain, perhaps go to a pain clinic and they can give you a course of Gabapentin which helps with nerve pain (which is what is causing the burning feeling).david berman md

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Every plastic surgeon has their own regimen of postoperative liposuction care. In our practice, we encourage the use of a compression garment for the first six weeks after surgery. Its primary function is to prevent bleeding and prevent fluid accumulation in the early postoperative period. 
Discomfort should be subsiding. There may be an occasional burn from overstretching, which will ultimately resolve with time as it takes a full 6-12 months for complete healing.. If the discomfort is significant, I would recommend reevaluation by your plastic surgeon. The garment itself could be contributing to your discomfort.
Best wishes...

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?

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