6 weeks post op Smart Lipo, I have lumps and numbness on my flanks. Is this normal?

Question

I had smart Lipo done on my hips and it's been 6 weeks since I had the procedure done. At this point I still feel numbess and I have lumps on both sides. Is this normal and will it go away on it's own? The dr stated that she will have to another procedure to smooth out the lumps.

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Flanks usually require significant mechanical effort with the equipment. This "trauma" causes swelling and numbness which will resolve over time. Usually the numbness is the last change to resolve and can take many months. Lumps should be massaged professionally frequently in the first month of healing.

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Six weeks should be an adequate amount of time for bruising and swelling to resolve considerably. Wearing a post-operative compression garment during that period will also give you a better result. In most cases, if there is any residual swelling it will not be noticable to others and will continue to improve over the next few months.

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  During the healing process following a Smart Lipo treatment, it is not unusual to have some "lumpiness" due to the swelling that occurs.  Initially all areas are quite swollen, but as some areas begin to resolve the swelling and becoming more soft, others take a bit longer and are thus a bit firmer.  This tends to be more noticeable between approximately 5-10 weeks and occasionally a bit longer if there were areas that were aggressively treated with the Smart Lipo laser.  There are several treatment modalities that can be utilized to speed the healing process and begin to smooth out your result, such as TriActive and VelaShape as well as lymphatic drainage massage.  Numbness is also quite common with any liposuction procedure, laser assisted or otherwise.  The nerves to the skin have undergone blunt trauma due to multiple passes of the Smart Lipo laser and liposuction cannulas - similar to when you accidentally strike your elbow or "funny bone" and your hand goes numb for a minute or two.  This will begin to slowly improve over the next several weeks.   Please be sure to follow up closely with your plastic surgeon as scheduled and follow all their instructions carefully to obtain the best final result.  Best wishes with your continued recovery!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

At this point you are still very swollen, but in general shouldnt have any complications. My suggestion is to start massage, ultrasound, or radiofrequency treamtents (velashape, venus) to help speed up the healing process.  If you still have hardness and lumps you should see a revision specialist.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is normal to
have minimal side effects after your procedure, please be patient with your
results. As you are in the healing process I recommend following up with your
surgeon to make sure you are healing properly. You will start to notice a full
contour in your body.

6 weeks post op Smart Lipo, I have lumps and numbness on my flanks. Is this normal?

Answers (7)

Answer: 6 weeks SmartLipo complications

Answer: 6 weeks SmartLipo complications

Answer: Please be patient with your results

Answer: Please be patient with your results

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

6 weeks post op Smart Lipo, I have lumps and numbness on my flanks. Is this normal?

Answers (7)

Answer: 6 weeks SmartLipo complications

Answer: 6 weeks SmartLipo complications

Answer: Please be patient with your results

Answer: Please be patient with your results

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.