I had liposuction 8 days ago in my abdomen area front, back and side. I have gone back to my doctor twice because of the pain and she was able to drain the accumulated fluids but I’m continuously having severe sharp pain in my lower side area and going towards the back. . I’m terrified that something is wrong and I’m wondering if I should go to ER? I am taking ibuprofen 800 and hydrocodone. Nothing is helping. I’m 53 yrs old and had my first liposuction 2015 and this is my second on 5/15/19.
May 25, 2019
Answer: Pain eight days after liposuction The most significant indicator of a serious complication after liposuction is worsening of symptoms especially pain. If your pain is more now than it was a few days after the procedure then you should be evaluated for a serious complication. The complications that could present as abdominal pain include infections and intra-abdominal injuries including intestinal perforation's. Both of these complications can be life-threatening and should be taken seriously. I don't have the liberty of examining you or having a thorough history. My recommendations would be to contact your plastic surgeon immediately and tell them as succinctly as you can what your symptoms have been from the date of surgery. Considering questioning your surgeon if they think you may have a complication. If you feel you're not getting the care you need then consider going to the nearest emergency room. I don't know where you live but if there are choices of different hospitals to go to you should choose the largest hospital that has plastic surgeons on call. Typically this could be a hospital with a level one trauma unit. For sure you should be evaluated. The typical patient is feeling substantially better eight weeks after surgery and the fact that pain medication is not controlling your pain gives significant red flags that an evaluation it needs to be done. To test for an infection typically an examination is done with a combination of history and blood tests. To test for possible intra-abdominal injuries a CT scan is required. If you're not sure lean on the side of caution and get evaluated. Your plastic surgeon should have an emergency number to contact or the number of someone covering the practice if they are not available. Do not let the fact that it's a weekend stop you from getting the care you need to. Best, Mats Hagstrom MD
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
May 25, 2019
Answer: Pain eight days after liposuction The most significant indicator of a serious complication after liposuction is worsening of symptoms especially pain. If your pain is more now than it was a few days after the procedure then you should be evaluated for a serious complication. The complications that could present as abdominal pain include infections and intra-abdominal injuries including intestinal perforation's. Both of these complications can be life-threatening and should be taken seriously. I don't have the liberty of examining you or having a thorough history. My recommendations would be to contact your plastic surgeon immediately and tell them as succinctly as you can what your symptoms have been from the date of surgery. Considering questioning your surgeon if they think you may have a complication. If you feel you're not getting the care you need then consider going to the nearest emergency room. I don't know where you live but if there are choices of different hospitals to go to you should choose the largest hospital that has plastic surgeons on call. Typically this could be a hospital with a level one trauma unit. For sure you should be evaluated. The typical patient is feeling substantially better eight weeks after surgery and the fact that pain medication is not controlling your pain gives significant red flags that an evaluation it needs to be done. To test for an infection typically an examination is done with a combination of history and blood tests. To test for possible intra-abdominal injuries a CT scan is required. If you're not sure lean on the side of caution and get evaluated. Your plastic surgeon should have an emergency number to contact or the number of someone covering the practice if they are not available. Do not let the fact that it's a weekend stop you from getting the care you need to. Best, Mats Hagstrom MD
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
