Is Tightening, Pins and Needles" Normal After Tumescent Liposuction?

                  It’s
not unusual for patients to experience tightness and abnormal sensations
following tumescent liposuction. 
These phenomena occur for a variety of reasons including direct injury
to the sensory nerves during liposuction and severe swelling in the
post-operative period.

                  During
this procedure, the liposuction cannula can stretch and bruise sensory nerve
fibers.  In addition severe
swelling can compress nerve fibers and worsen the problem.  This swelling not only damages nerve
fibers but causes tightness of the skin envelope as well.

                  When
this occurs, patients often complain of abnormal sensations known as dysesthesia.  In
many cases, patients describe burning sensations, tingling, pins and needles
and a falling asleep sensation.

                  This
is a transient phenomena that usually resolves when post-operative swelling
disappears and for this reason massage is helpful.  This usually occurs in 3 to 4 weeks, but may take 3 to 4
months to occur.  If you’re
concerned about abnormal sensations, it’s important to discuss this issue with
your plastic surgeon.  Your surgeon
will help you address this problem. 

There is micro damage to the nerves and this is part of the healing process.  In 6-8 weeks, this should begin resolving.  However, this may last for a full 12 months. Thank you for your question and good luck with everything.

Thank you for the question.

Yes it is quite common to feel “pins and needles” on the air that was treated with liposuction for a few months after the procedure.

Best wishes.