19 days post Tumescent Lipo, I am still feeling numb. Is this normal?

Question

Is it normal to feel numb this long after tumescent Lipo? It seems to only be when I am not in my garment.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Many of the little nerves exiting the muscle and going to the skin are affected by the movement of the liposuction cannula through the soft tissue.  They may also be influenced by any energy being used to help break down and evacuate the fat, such as laser or ultrasound.  Know that the nerves heal just like other tissues, but nerve healing can be slow, often taking months to resolve.  It is not uncommon for patients to experience little stingers or sharp sensations as the nerves begin to regenerate.  Best of luck with your continued recovery.

Joyce C. Chen, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Yes, numbness after liposuction can last for months as your swelling subsides and the stretched nerves recover.  Hope this helps..best of luck!

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The hypersensitivity and numbness after liposuction can take months to resolve.  The patients typically find the compression garment helps in this regard to answer both of your questions.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Yes, it is quite normal and it may take several months before you get all your sensation back. This is because of swelling and stretching of small nerves. This will become less as the swelling goes down and the nerves recover. Full recovery can take 6 months or even longer but the sensations will keep improving with time.All The Best !

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is not uncommon to have some altered sensations to your skin after liposuction, especially when performed to the back or stomach.  This is usually the result of stretching of the nerves in the skin and will resolve spontaneously with time and additional healing.  Hang in there!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Numbness is present when swelling is present, and you are not even 3 weeks out from surgery so you will still have a fair amount of swelling. It takes about 6 months to completely heal and have all the swelling subside with liposuction. Most have normal sensation by the third month.

Mark Schoemann, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, it is normal to feel numb after liposuction and it can last for months to varying degrees as the swelling goes down, nerves, and the underlying area are healing. Feeling will return as the swelling subsides. You are more aware of the numbness when you don't wear your garment, because the garment keeps you compressed and you swell more without the garment.See your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for follow up and concerns as you continue to heal.Hope you find this information helpful. Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Numbness is often due to swelling. It can vary from technique to technique,  Most improve over 6-8 weeks.  Good luck.

19 days post Tumescent Lipo, I am still feeling numb. Is this normal?

Answers (8)

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