Burning/stretching Pain in Abdomen After Vaser Lipo, Is This Normal?

Question

I had Vaser Lipo four days ago on my abdomen and am still in quite a bit of pain. The swelling seems to have mostly gone, but any time I go from a sitting position to a standing up one and vice versa, or even any time I walk quickly, there is a sharp stinging or burning sensation across my stomach, and a sort of ... 'bubbling' sensation, as if there is something moving just under my skin. The entire area is also very sore and sensitive to touch. Is this normal?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Many studies indicate that there is less injury to the body with Vaser than with traditional #liposuction. Recovery from Vaser Liposuction is based on the level of soreness and bruising experienced by the patient. But, it can vary among patients. As with traditional liposuction, there are no large incisions  or effect on the muscle and other underlying tissue. Therefore, #healing time may be less than anticipated by most. Therefore, Vaser patients may experience less #pain or discomfort, #swelling (#edema) and bruising post procedure due to the nature of the technique.  
A quicker #recovery for a patient may be two to three weeks without any strenuous activity. This includes the short period of suggested rest of 12-24 hours soon following the procedure. #Exercise and activity are contingent on how the patient feels. Mild activity is not likely to hinder recovery or healing or create problems with recovery.  However, it is recommended to acquire your doctor's permission to do so. Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!!Swelling after #Vaser liposuction is not uncommon. Gentle #walking may increase circulation and help to alleviate swelling. But you must not strain or push yourself. Also, if you were provided a post-procedure #garment, be sure you are wearing it until prescribed otherwise by your doctor. The purpose of the post-procedure #garment is to provide some gentle #support and to reduce swelling. If it feels too tight or causes pain, take it off. Many patients wear the #elastic garment for several weeks after procedures, as directed by their doctor; some choose to wear it longer for several months for comfort.
The final results of the procedure are typically most noticeable 2-4 months following the #Vaser. So, you must have patience. The swelling will gradually diminish while the contours of the treated area(s) can continue to improve up to one year post procedure; becoming more apparent in appearance. If you have concerns about your healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

Given your description, you may have an undetected seroma which needs to be drained. Seromas are collection of fluid under the skin in the cavity created by liposuction. The fluid comes from the tissue trauma due to the mechanical cannula as well as the heat generated by the VASER  ultrasound probe. The first 3-4 weeks after such liposuction procedure, your lymphatics which are responsible normally for clearing this fluid, are significantly impaired and the fluid needs to be mechanically drained by needle aspiration. I would suggest returning to your doctor for further evaluation and if the pocket of fluid is not easily appreciated and isolated for needle aspiration, then an ultrasound guided drainage which is a technique we employ at our practice may be the solution. A seroma may become consolidated and firm if untreated, leading to discomfort and deformity.

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have some burning sensation to the area of liposelection due to bruising of the nerve ends. They respond to gentle massage & over the counter medications.

Burning/stretching Pain in Abdomen After Vaser Lipo, Is This Normal?

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Burning/stretching Pain in Abdomen After Vaser Lipo, Is This Normal?

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Everything you need to know about Vaser Liposuction

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