Horrible Pain 5 Weeks Post Lipo? (photo)

Question

I had Lipo on my flanks (hips around lower back) The swelling is better and basically all bruising is gone but pain increased 10 fold!!!!! I am 5 weeks post opp and when my boyfriend gave me a hug and squeezed that area, I screamed in pain. If i was to run 3 steps it would feel like a million bee stings. So after surgery I was very sore and tender but my nurse did warn me pain gets worse later?!? It's not painful to sit or lay down, only when I move (bounce or jog a step). Is it normal?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If this pain follows a particular pattern on the skin, then a nerve entrapment may be developing.  Your plastic surgeon should be able to sort this out.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

In general, discomfort after liposuction is not severe and patients are able to return to most activities within days. In your case there may be some nerve irritation which is not expected to be permanent, but your own surgeon is in the best position to advise you about what to expect.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Sensation to the skin is altered after liposuction because the smalll nerves that innervate the skin can be interrupted. Most studies show that patients experience numbness for up to 12 weeks postop on average.  Thereafter, nerve sensation returns to the skin.  When the sensation is returning it can be quite uncomfortable.  Nerve medications such as neurontin and lyrica have been found to be helpful for this problem. Discuss this matter further with your surgeon. Best wishes on your recovery.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to return to see your surgeon for advise than us guessing the cause of this increasing level of pain so late after liposuction. I bet a nerve is injured or has scar tissue forming.

Horrible Pain 5 Weeks Post Lipo? (photo)

Answers (4)