9 months post op and still experiencing soreness and tenderness - is this normal? (photos)

Question

Is it normal to still experience soreness and tenderness from the liposuction area nine months after ? I had this procedure done leaving me deformed and in pain. As the swelling reduced, I can see my smooth levelled stomach is no longer. Extracting fat from that region makes no sense as there wasn't enough fat on my stomach which they said but above/navel area was enough yet do opposite remove from thighs leaving these keloid scars, knowing I keloid. Please help

Chad Deal, MD · Answer

While it is not common to have prolonged pain months after liposuction and or a tuck, there are several reasons why it can happen. There could be residual fluid called Lisa soma putting tension in certain areas as well as scar tissue that has deeply pulling on nerves. First Conservative pharmacologic therapy is recommended using medicines such as Lyrica. I would try this medicine for a few months. In regards to the keloid scars, it would be best to either have them injected with steroids/5-FU or simply have them surgically removed and revised.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Mild occasional pain can occur this far out from surgery, though most are fully recovered after about 6 months.  The scarring photos that you submitted do not show keloids, but do show hypertrophic scars which may benefit from treatment.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your posted photos, your Lipo results are limited to almost nonexistent, showing poor technique in superficial liposculpture. As for the statement you have keloids, that’s not true you have minor hypertrophic scarring. Plus, continued pain pattern depends on many factors which could be related to the reason you’re having this pain one could be sympathetic, dystrophy, or what type of Lipo was used if you had ultrasonic or laser Lipo this sometimes cause long lasting pain syndrome. Best to do virtual consult. Or see in person a board-certified Plastic Surgeon. Was your initial surgeon a certified plastic surgeon what type of Lipo did you have? So probably best for virtual consult.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Some residual tenderness can continue for many months after liposuction.
The degree of this depends on how aggressive the procedure was.
Each individual person will also experience the recovery differently.
Most people are typically back to normal by 3 to 6 months.
I don’t see keloid scars, though your incision sites do have some hyperpigmentation.
Best,
Mats Hagström MD

9 months post op and still experiencing soreness and tenderness - is this normal? (photos)

Answers (4)