How Long Will It Take for the Numbness to Go Away After Smart Lipo? Will I Be Permanently Numb?

Question

I just want an answer to this question so I can know what to expect for my healing process. I am a great healer and did very well for this surgery. It's only been 2 days and my incisions are closed and are already disappearing. I am not severely swollen but the numbness, I am concerned about.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Numbness after any surgical 
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following.  As the 
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary 
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction.  This usually 
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure 
performed, sometimes much longer.  Typically this should resolve by 1 
year.  As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation 
returning is small.  However, it can take up to 2 years.  If no return 
from there, it is unlikely to return.  It should be discussed that 
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical 
procedure.  The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
 resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then 
occasional sharp, shock-like pains.  These will be normal to experience,
 and actually a promising sign.  Usually, normal sensation returns, but 
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased 
sensation to the areas affected.  Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
 often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected 
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the 
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc.  If 
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including 
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity.  You can try various textures 
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc.  Massaging the areas is
 also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible.  The
 last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the 
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
 location.  If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted.  After 
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has 
developed and may require surgical excision.  This is very unlikely 
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during 
the procedure.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

There is usually a certain amount of numbness after liposuction, and this does tend to improve over about 6 weeks to 6 months.  Sometimes, it improves faster than this.  Alot of this depends upon the extensiveness of the liposuction and the size of the area treated.   Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Numbness after liposuction of any kind and particularly laser assisted liposuction is very normal.  The superficial nerves that give sensation to the skin are injured with the procedure.  The majority of your sensation will return in the next few weeks and definitely by 6 months.  Good luck with your recovery!

Robert W. Benson, MD · Answer

This very common issue after Smartlipo will resolve completely. Just give it anywhere from a couple of weeks to 6 weeks and problem solved. The nerves simply have to recover from the insults they received during the procedure.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

You will not be permanently numb, but the numbness will last a few weeks. It is completely normal; make a follow up appointment with your surgeon to check on your healing process.

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How Long Will It Take for the Numbness to Go Away After Smart Lipo? Will I Be Permanently Numb?

Answers (10)

Answer: Fear not!

Answer: Fear not!

Answer: Numb after Lipo

Answer: Numb after Lipo

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

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