Can barely walk or move after liposuction - 1 day post-op.

Question

I had lipo on 10 areas - inner/outer thighs, love handles and upper/lower yesterday. The doctor used local anesthesia (max) and I could still feel intense pain during the entire process. He didn't finish my stomach because of intense pain. My legs are so sore I can't even walk or get out of bed, and can't find a comfortable position to lie in. I've been vomiting a lot too. Is this normal? I have a trip in ten days and prior the doctor told me I would be healed in time but now I'm not so sure.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello Kiaroxilante Pain and discomfort after liposuction varies according to patients, oral medication is given to control pain in the first few days. Discomfort is usually based on the extent to which the location and number of areas treated. You should visit or contact your PS about this concern. #legs #post-op

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor. Pain can be variable for patients who have had liposuction. If necessary, this pain can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and neurontin. It can take 3-6 months for final results with liposuction. 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

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

First, this is not formal medical advice. You need to followup with your physician ASAP to address your concerns in person in the office. Sorry to hear your description of your experience after surgery with another provider. Unfortunately, your experience is all too common for patients who undergo multiple areas of liposuction under "local anesthesia." Frequently, the procedure can not be conducted to the same degree or as efficiently or as comfortably when attempted under local, because there are limits on the safe amount of local anesthetic that can be administered. Consequently, a physician may end up doing less aggressive lipo than would have been feasible under general anesthesia, or treating fewer areas than planned, or having the patient experiencing pain during the procedure. I don't personally find these acceptable so I only offer lipo under local for VERY limited anatomic areas - for instance, under the chin, or the armit rolls -- in select patients. Was your provider a board-certified plastic surgeon?You need to contact your doctor PROMPTLY and be sure you can safely get out of bed. Even though you did not have general anesthesia, your body is going through physiologic recovery and you may be at risk for blood clots if you do not get out of bed and move. The nausea and vomiting may be from pain medications but should also be evaluated PROMPTLY by your physician. Best of luck.

Can barely walk or move after liposuction - 1 day post-op.

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Can barely walk or move after liposuction - 1 day post-op.

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