Strange numbness/hypersensitivity following lipo?

Question

Hello, I am approximately 4 days post-op, from abdomen, hip and flank PA lipo. I know there is quite a bit of temporary nerve/lymph damage that occurs with this procedure, but I never expected to feel so strange in my own skin! I am numb, yet also hypersensitive. Slight brushing/touching of the skin feels mostly numb, but add a bit more pressure and it’s quite a sharp, painful sensation. So, my question is, when should my skin start to feel like my own, or even just a bit more normal again?

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

What you are describing is very normal after liposuction.  The superficial nerves can be stretched and you are swollen which leads to numbness to the skin.  At the same time, you have deeper soreness due to the procedure itself.  As swelling resolves and inflammation subsides and the superficial nerves "wake up", you will start to have more normal sensation.  That process can happen in as little as a couple of weeks to as long as several months.  Congratulations on your recent surgery and good luck with your healing!

Roberto Gonzalez, MD · Answer

After lipo it is possible to have numbness or hypersensitivity in the worked areas.  As the inflammation goes away and time passes 3 to 6 months,  the areas start to return to their baseline.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be typical after liposuction and will gradually resolve over the next few months. You will also have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease 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

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

Superficial nerve injury with liposuction pretty well always happens and leads to the symptoms you are describing. They typically settle with time. It may take many weeks so be sure to ask your surgeon for options to help resolve your symptoms.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all, congratulations on your liposuction, CougrGroomr!
It’s normal to experience nerve changes -  like numbness and hypersensitivity - after liposuction. Usually, it persists for weeks and months. There’s no certain time when it will resolve, but for some people, it subsides within a year after surgery. There are even people who experience it for two years. The longer you experience numbness, the more unlikely sensation is to return to normal.
For now, I wouldn’t worry too much since it’s only been four days. If symptoms get worse or too uncomfortable for you, please go back to your experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon for a physical assessment.
Best of luck!

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