Is ripping/burning type of pain normal when sneezing after liposuction?

Question

I am seven days post-op from abdominal and flank liposuction. The pain has been minimal (comparable to an intense workout recovery), with the exception of sneezing. I feel an intense burning/ripping sensation when sneezing, beside or below navel. I'd say a 7/8 on a scale of 1-10. Hugging a pillow offers minimal comfort. Is this ripping/burning type of pain expected? I'm assuming its nerves recovering, but curious because I havent seen this covered anywhere. TIA!

Sean Hill, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for submitting your question. 
It is quite normal to experience this sudden pain with any movement in which you use your abdominal musculature (sitting up, coughing/sneezing, etc). It should lessen over the next few days/weeks. Wearing your compression garment or a abdominal binder may help as well .
Best of luck during your recovery!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello.
Great question. Congratulations of your procedure. what you are experiencing is not unusual. Especially at 7days post op. At that early stage, pain, bruising and swelling is normal. Keep following up with your surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kmmele,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the pain and discomfort after liposuction. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process and in some cases, patients do have that type of issues which usually resolve with time.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively. If the pain doesn't resolve, I suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Any kind of pain including one you are experiencing is possible after liposuction of such a large area. Remember that all that area is one big wound; nerve buds injured in the course of surgery will continue to grow towards skin to reestablish lost sensitivity and that creates all sorts of sensations including occasional sharp pains. Good luck.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

kmmeleI appreciate your concern, however it is still quite early in your recovery process. It sounds like the pain you are experiencing is normal, but I would check in with your plastic surgeon as a precaution. Good luck.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. At only a week out from surgery, it is not uncommon to have this type of discomfort. If you are concerned, you can always see your surgeon for an evaluation.Best of luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  Yes this is normal 7 days after liposuction.  Imagine pushing on a bruise - it doesn't really hurt when left alone, but when you push on it, it can really hurt.  Its the same thing with healing over the liposuction areas.  Liposuction is a traumatic procedure and you did have real surgery.Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
Yes, this feeling is normal when sneezing. You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, nerves are healing.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I wouldn't say that "ripping/burning" sensation is the way most patients describe their discomfort following liposuction. However, I don't find it totally unusual that you may describe it that way especially when your abdomen is being tensed while sneezing. This should get significantly better in the next week or two. It's always best to discuss you symptoms with your surgeon. Good luck.

Wendell Perry, MD · Answer

Burning pain after liposuction is caused by swelling around the nerves.  The burning pain goes away as the swelling goes away. What you can do is light touch with texture, like a terrycloth to reeducate the nerves to normal sensation.

Is ripping/burning type of pain normal when sneezing after liposuction?

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