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.

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

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.

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

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.

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?

Answers (8)

Answer: Muscle soreness around the flanks is common after lipo of the flanks

Answer: Muscle soreness around the flanks is common after lipo of the flanks

Answer: Smart lipo post op

Answer: Smart lipo post op

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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?

Answers (8)

Answer: Muscle soreness around the flanks is common after lipo of the flanks

Answer: Muscle soreness around the flanks is common after lipo of the flanks

Answer: Smart lipo post op

Answer: Smart lipo post op

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.