Female, 36, nerve damage & keloids after liposuction over 8 months ago, how can I heal this?

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with nerve damage and keloids after liposuction. Nerve damage and keloid formation can be challenging issues to address, but there are various treatment options available. However, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider, preferably a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Here are some potential approaches to consider:

Topical Treatments for Keloids:

Silicone gel or sheeting: These can help flatten and soften keloid scars over time.
Corticosteroid creams or injections: Steroid treatments can help reduce inflammation and flatten keloid scars.
Other topical treatments: Some over-the-counter or prescription creams may help improve the appearance of scars, though their effectiveness can vary.
Surgical Options for Keloids:

Surgical removal: Excision of the keloid followed by techniques to minimize recurrence, such as radiation therapy or steroid injections.
Cryotherapy: Freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen to reduce its size.
Laser therapy: Certain types of lasers can help reduce the size and appearance of keloid scars.
Nerve Damage Management:

Physical therapy: Exercises and techniques prescribed by a physical therapist can help improve nerve function and reduce pain.
Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants, may help manage nerve pain.
Nerve blocks: Injection of medication around the affected nerves to provide temporary relief from pain.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This therapy involves applying low-voltage electrical currents to the skin to alleviate pain.
Non-Invasive Treatments:

Radiofrequency therapy: This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of scars.
Microneedling: This treatment involves the use of fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen production and improving scar appearance.
Alternative Therapies:

Herbal remedies: Some herbs and plant extracts may have anti-inflammatory or wound-healing properties.
Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese therapy involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote healing.
It's essential to have a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition. They can tailor the approach based on factors such as the extent of nerve damage, the size and location of keloid scars, and your overall health status. Additionally, managing expectations is crucial, as complete resolution of nerve damage and keloids may not always be possible, but significant improvement is often achievable with the right interventions.

Hello Neat819728,

I'm truly sorry to hear about the nerve damage and keloid issues you're experiencing following your liposuction surgery. It's understandably frustrating to deal with such complications, especially when they involve pain and discomfort.

When it comes to the nerve damage you've described, this can be a rare but challenging side effect of liposuction. The burning and pain you're experiencing might indicate nerve regeneration or neuropathy. In managing this, pain relief medications, especially those targeting neuropathic pain, can be helpful. Other treatments like nerve blocks or physical therapy could also provide some relief. Consulting a neurologist, particularly one who specializes in peripheral nerve injuries, might give you more targeted treatment options.

For the keloids, these can be a tricky issue, especially in an area like the abdomen after liposuction. Keloids are essentially an overgrowth of scar tissue and they require a combination of treatments for effective management. These might include steroid injections to reduce inflammation and size, silicone sheets or gels to help flatten the keloids, or laser therapy to improve appearance and texture. In persistent cases, surgical removal is an option, but it carries the risk of more scar tissue forming. A dermatologist or a plastic surgeon with experience in treating keloids would be your best bet for advice and treatment.

In addition to these specific treatments, a holistic approach is important. This means eating a balanced diet rich in skin-healing vitamins and minerals, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest. Healing is a gradual process and it's important to give your body the time it needs to recover.

Considering the complexity of your situation, I recommend regular follow-ups with your surgeon and seeking consultations with specialists as needed. Monitor the affected areas for any changes and don't hesitate to seek further medical advice.

Take care of yourself, and I hope you find a path to recovery soon.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Reach out to your surgeon or a specialist experienced in post-surgical complications. They can assess your specific situation, examine the affected area, and provide guidance on the best course of action. Keloids can be challenging to manage, and your surgeon may suggest specific treatments such as corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, or other modalities to address the keloid formation. Depending on the nature of nerve damage, physical therapy might be recommended to help improve mobility and address associated symptoms.

If you are not seeing improvement or are experiencing persistent pain, consider seeking a second opinion from another qualified surgeon or specialist. They can provide fresh insights into your case.


Best of luck !

There are treatment options to treat your keloids. You should start by asking for treatment option from your surgeon

Keloids can be challenging and need to be actively managed with follow ups with your provider. I suggest continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon or seek in person second opinion consultations.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD