Does Liposuction Cause Nerve Pain?

Any procedure can cause this risk, but it seems to be more likely in ultrasonic lipo and laser lipo that use an energy source, compared to standard lipo methods.

In my own practice I had one patient who complained of prolonged cutaneous pain after ultrasonically assisted liposuction. This is been reported in the literature. I am unaware of this pain occurring after liposuction not employing the laser ultrasound.

Long term nerve pain or skin puckering or skin discolorations tend to be more associated with laser liposuctioning. It has proven to be such a gimmicky procedure with higher risks that i don't feel it is worth it. Having said that, there are lipo docs out there that can do a decent job with the laser but why risk it? The overall risk of long term or permanent nerve damage is very low in liposuctions in general so don't let that risk bother you and be sure to see a lipo expert and don't go cheap. You get what you pay for unfortunately.  Sincerely,

David Hansen,MD

    Performing hundreds of liposuction procedures a year, you see a variety of postoperative issues related to transient numbness.  Nerve pain is a very rare entity, at least in my experience.  Having said that it is always a possibility no matter how remote.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

I think that the heating component liposuction devices( laser and vaser) are probably more likely to cause longer term nerve issues than traditional liposuction, but usually they are  not permanent.

After 30 years experience, nerve pain after a classical liposuction is rare. The laser procedure( smartlipo) does not have the same record.The heat melts the tissue including collagen, muscles or a nerve.Consult a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.