Is loosing flexibility after abdominal liposuction a normal side effect? 4 years post op

Question

I am a professional dance teacher and yoga instructor. I had liposuction on my abdomen and flanks about 4 years ago. Soon after the surgery I became very inflexible in my torso - I can barely arch my back or bend to the sides. This is distressing for someone with my job. Is this a normal side effect of liposuction? Thanks

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Mild tightness, swelling, or stiffness can happen after abdominal liposuction, but a major loss of torso flexibility lasting 4 years is not a usual expected side effect. Liposuction can sometimes leave scar tissue, fibrosis, tethering, or areas of deep tightness, but back, hip, abdominal wall, or fascial problems can also cause this pattern.

You should be evaluated by a plastic surgeon familiar with liposuction complications and also by a physical medicine or experienced physical therapy specialist. They can check skin mobility, scar tethering, abdominal wall motion, hip and spine mechanics, and whether imaging is needed. If the issue is fibrosis or tethering, manual therapy, myofascial release, stretching programs, or selected scar treatments may help, but the cause needs to be identified first.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding losing flexibility after liposuction of the abdomen.

The loss of flexibility in the abdominal area is a potential side effect that may occur after liposuction 4 years post-op. However, this is not a guaranteed outcome for everyone who undergoes such a procedure. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that other factors, like age and general health, can also play a role in how much flexibility one experiences post-operatively. It is advisable to consult with your physician regarding any questions or concerns you may have about procedures and possible side effects. I'm sorry this is happening to you. Please contact your plastic surgeon with further questions regarding your lack of flexibility.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @gazmann, thank you for your question. It is possible for patients to experience some temporary loss of flexibility after abdominal liposuction, particularly in the immediate postoperative period. However, this is usually a temporary side effect and should improve over time as the body heals It's important to note that every patient's experience can be different, and the extent of any loss of flexibility can depend on factors such as the extent of the liposuction procedure and the patient's healing process. In some cases, patients may experience some tightness or discomfort in the area for several weeks or even months after the surgery, which can affect their flexibility. Best wishes. Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

While loosing flexibility after liposuction due to pain and sweling may be expected few weeks after surgery, it would be very unusual for that to happen 4 years after. It would be a good idea to discuss this issue with your surgeon as well as your physician since there may be some other reasons beside liposuction?. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear gazmann,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

Loss of flexibility in the abdominal area after abdominal liposuction is not a typical or expected side effect of the procedure. In fact, liposuction is generally performed to remove excess fat and improve body contours without significantly affecting flexibility or mobility. 
If you’re experiencing a loss of flexibility four years after the procedure, it’s advisable to consult with a medical professional, such as the surgeon who performed the liposuction to evaluate your specific situation and determine the cause of this issue. It may be unrelated to the liposuction and could be due to other factors or underlying conditions.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Changes in flexibility would be normal during recovery from liposuction.  However you should be able to work back up to normal flexibility after healed.  At four years post op you are fully recovered.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon about your concerns.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, this is not a normal effect from liposuction since fat is just removed. however, if you had a very aggressive procedure, some scar tissue may be close to your muscles.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

After any surgical procedure, there is scar tissue formation (some call it fibrosis).  There is no standard of how much scar tissue one forms, but the VAST majority of patients resume all pre-operative activities.  It would be strange (but not impossible) for you not to be able to stretch the skin and scar tissue allowing full range of motion.  I do not doubt that you are in-tune with your body, so I might suggest looking into deep massages or even [possibly ultrasound therapy to aid in loosening any restrictive band/tissue
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It’s possible for people to develop limited range of motion after six procedures. This usually does not happen if people do stretching exercises during recovery.As long as people do stretching exercises within the first six weeks to regain full range of motion, there should not be any long-term sequelae.Once scar tissue has developed and matured regaining range of motion may be limited. It begins to get more difficult patients don’t start within the first six weeks.It’s still possible to regain range of motion, but takes more effort after square tissue has matured.Talk to your provider and consider asking for a referral to physical therapist or simply do your own stretching exercises to try to regain your range of motion. Would you describe is common. Recovery from Liposuction cans to be relatively easy compared to other surgical procedures, and most patients are able to get back to normal activities and typically don’t need referrals to physical therapy but instead simply return to regular activities soon enough to not have this be a major issue. Best,Mats Hagstrom, MD

Is loosing flexibility after abdominal liposuction a normal side effect? 4 years post op

Answers (10)

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