How long should the numbness/tingling stick around after liposuction?

Question

I am 5 days post op from circumferential liposuction on my thighs and knees (not much removed from back of my legs though). The pain is much better now but the numbness is the worst part. How long until most patients pass this stage?

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD · Answer

At one
week you are likely still experiencing a lot of swelling. There are no hard and
fast rules for Smart Lipo, as every patients body reacts differently. Some
patients see results immediately while it can take time for others. I typically
tell my patients that will see a difference by the 4-6 weeks mark. It can
sometimes take as long as 3 months to see the final results.

Brian K. Brzowski, MD, FACS · Answer

First and foremost, the sensation almost always returns to normal.  The abnormal feelings are the result of a combination of destroyed superficial cutaneous nerves and swelling in the tissues (soft tissues and superficial nerves).Nearly without exception, these odd sensations do resolve, although it is possible for it to take up to 18 months to occur.  The faster the edema goes away and the quicker the nerves re-establish their connections, the quicker you'll see things improve.Hopefully you went to a board certified plastic surgeon who can advise you on the best maneuvers to help improve the swelling; beyond that, it is just a waiting game.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Typically the first 6 weeks are the worst.  There is a combination of swelling and bruising that contributes to this problem.  Continue to wear compression and follow your doctors advice.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

It always returns to normal unless an important nerve was injured with liposuction and that would be extremely unlikely in the hands of a skilled surgeon. Most of our patients say sometime during the first 4-5 months all normal feeling has returned

Rami Ghurani, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi there and thanks for your question. Congratulations on your recent surgery and I wish you a speedy recovery. I am glad that the pain is improving. The numbness if definitely normal after the liposuction and will hopefully improve with time. You will see changes and improvement over time up to six months or even a year after surgery. Make sure your are wearing the correct size compression garment that will help you with the swelling and make you feel more comfortable. Happy healing.

How long should the numbness/tingling stick around after liposuction?

Answers (5)

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