Why can't I sit down or lay down comfortably after liposuction? I'm 6 days post.

Question

I am on day 6 after my surgery and I have since never been able to sit down on a toilet seat or any chair. I had lipo on my inner thighs, butt, and abdomin. The abdomin I can deal with but not being able to sit down to go to the restroom is what is killing me. When I lay down I have my legs up above my chest to help reduce swelling. But even that only helps so much. I also massage the swelled areas but cant press too hard since it causes extreme pain. What can I do in my situation?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kurasword,it is not unusual that patients feel pain and discomfort so early after a liposuction. The pain level depends on area which was liposuctioned, patient, when procedure was performed. Swelling is also another common issue. It can last for months after liposuction. I would suggest you to follow your surgeon's instructions. In case the pain doesn't decrease, you can consult your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor for pain management. Oral neurontin can help pain. Swelling 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

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have pain and discomfort in the areas that were treated for 2 weeks or maybe more.  In general, I ask my patients to take 1-2 weeks off of work after liposuction procedure, specially if multiple areas have been treated.During this time pain medication may help with the discomfort.  I would also discuss this with your surgeon to see if there is anything else that could be recommended.Hope that helps.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello kuraswordPain 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. Most swelling and bruising will heal in the first 2 weeks, but can persist for up to 6-8 weeks. you should visit or contact your PS about this concern#postop #swelling

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

It is very common to have pain, soreness and general discomfort following liposuction for several days to several weeks or more. The extent of this depends on many factors and varies from person to person. Swelling also is very variable and can take 6 months or more to largely dissipate though most of this resolves in the first few months.You should, however, contact your surgeon and discuss with him/her your discomfort/pain and concerns.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Julian Gordon, MD · Answer

This is a very common complaint and actually one of the most painful aspects of liposuction.  Almost every patient that gets liposuction of the buttock (or more specifically the posterior thigh just below the buttock) complains of extreme pain when trying to sit on the toilet.  This area has very little padding (fat) and when you sit the bone presses the muscles in the suctioned area causing significant discomfort.  Many of my patient's have told me using a donut pillow when using the toilet helped with the discomfort.  Another option is to place a rolled up towel on the front of the toilet so you are sitting on the middle portion of your thighs.  The pain should resolve in about two weeks after surgery.Good luck, it will be back to normal for you soon.

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

In about a week, your pain should be much better and the major swelling and bruising should be mostly diminished by week 3 or 4.  You could try an inflatable plastic donut pillow in the meantime.  Do realize its common for some swelling to persist for up to 3 to 6 months.  It sounds like you are doing all the right things and I hope that includes wearing a good compression garment at all times for at least the first month but even longer is best.   Be sure to follow your surgeons post operative instructions and always report new symptoms.

Why can't I sit down or lay down comfortably after liposuction? I'm 6 days post.

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