Arms still numb two days after liposuction?

Question

I had liposuction done on my arms on Friday (2 days ago) and my arms are still numb. I can move them around but when I put the arnica cream on the back of my arms I can't feel it. Is this normal?

Steven H. Warnock, MD · Answer

Numbness after liposuction is very common.  Some nerves are damaged due to the cannula being repeatedly moved around the surgical site.   This numbness usually resolves within 6 weeks to 6 months; however, it is always a good idea to inform your surgeon of this numbness.Best Regards,

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Some numbness of the skin is common after liposuction. It's liable to be protracted if performed by ultrasonically assisted or laser assisted liposuction.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You can have numbness in the area of liposuction and this can last for 3-6 months.  It typically will improve by 6 weeks however.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Reps B. Sundin, MD · Answer

It’s not uncommon to have temporary numbness for a few weeks after liposuction.  Because liposuction affects the sensory nerves under the skin, it can lead to large areas of numbness.  For most patients this numbness is temporary and will subside after a few weeks.  However, it could potentially last up to 6 months after your procedure.

Burton M. Sundin, MD · Answer

Temporary numbness is a common side effect after liposuction because liposuction impacts the sensory nerves under the skin.  Most patients will see this numbness subside within several weeks, although it can persist for up to six months.

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

Minor numbness is common following liposuction.   As long as the numbness is localized to the back of the arms, there is no need for concern.  This should resolve over time.Numbness of the hands would be more worrisome.  Best of luck on your recover and contact your surgeon if the numbness persists or becomes worse.

Jorge Patino, MD · Answer

It can be normal have numbnes after an arm liposuction, that can last for some days.  You should contact inmediately you doctor if your fingertips are cold or blue, if you feel too much pain or if the swelling is gettin biggerbest reagardsDR. JORGE PATIÑO

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Some numbness is normal after liposuction but you should notify your physician also so they are aware.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Numbness after liposuction is quite common.First of all, the numbing solution used during the procedure is typically present over 24 hours after the procedure.The small nerves that give sensation to the skin can be slightly damaged during the procedure.Nerves have a fatty coating called the myelin sheath.This fatty tissue surrounding the nerves can be slightly damaged during liposuction.This is fairly normal and common. Sensation usually comes back to normal within a few weeks to months.Please let your surgeon know what's going on.Best of luck, Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Notify your surgeon to confirm there were no complications during surgery.   Some numbness is normal.  Best to you!

Arms still numb two days after liposuction?

Answers (12)

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