How long will I be sore after lipo?

Question

I had bilateral outer thigh lipo on both thighs a month ago, and while I am so much better, I'm just wondering when the soreness will be completely gone? I had very bad pain at the start and it has faded since, but when I'm not wearing a compression garment/spanx or at the end of the day, I still feel rather sore.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Healing after liposuction k is usually pretty straight forward.  There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The later phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient.

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

I
am sorry to hear about your continued post operative pain. I would recommend
that you return to the surgeon who performed the procedure since they are
familiar with the details of your surgery. Every patient’s recovery is
different, but most patients can go back to work within 2-3 days. The soreness may
last up to 3 weeks for the abdomen and longer for the limbs. Best, Dr.
Khorasani

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry that you are still experiencing post operative pain.  The best advice is always to refer to your plastic surgeon first on matters related to your recovery process as they are familiar with your medical history and the details associated with your procedure.  Depending on how aggressive the liposuction was, that can be a factor in your continued soreness.  Best regards,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I am really sorry you are still hurting.  It is not normal to have pain this much time after surgery.  You should return to see your surgeon and ask his/her opinion.  The type of liposuction performed may have used laser or ultrasound and generated heat that is causing some complications.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Every patient will experience pain differently in the post operative period, but I would expect significant discomfort to be resolved 1 month after your procedure. I would see your surgeon and relay your concern.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Soreness from liposuction as your are experiencing improves with time.  Everyone heals differently so it is hard to predict.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. I am sorry to hear about your prolonged recovery. Significant pain at this post operative period is not the norm. Everyone is different in their recovery, however I would recommend that you return to your plastic surgeon for an in-person examination. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

John A. Kotis, DO, FACS, FACOS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The soreness and discomfort of liposuction is a relatively short-lived process from one to four weeks post op in most cases.The 
procedure is well tolerated and most patients complain of persistent 
discomfort that allows them to go to work normally for the first 3 weeks
 after surgery.  The majority of the swelling will resolve in four to six weeks, but not completely healed for 6-9 months. As you know, pressure garments and oral pain medication for the first month 
will help tremendously. 
Good luck and hang in there, it will get better.  Best to you!

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

As with any surgery, there is some soreness following a liposuction surgery.  However, most surgeons inject some local anesthetic in the area and this along with compression garments and oral pain medications will usually work well in limiting post op discomfort.  Most patients are able to return to a desk type of job in 2 to 3 days following the procedure.  Most can resume sports and strenuous activities in 3 to 4 weeks.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

How long will I be sore after lipo?

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