Is numbness on sides of waist & down to pelvic bones at front likely permanent after 10 months?

Question

I had liposuction on my hips and abdomen 10 months ago. I still have some numbness on the sides of my waist and down my pelvic bones in the front. It has slowly improved a bit on one side. Can I expect more feeling to return, or is the numbness likely permanent at this point?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Numbness after liposuction can happen and is typically due to nerve irritation or damage during the procedure. The nerves need time to heal, and sensation may slowly return over months to years.

Improvement in numbness, even after 10 months, is a positive sign. The extent and pace of nerve regeneration can vary from person to person. It’s possible that you may continue to experience improvements in sensation over time.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may yet slowly improve over the next few months. However, once you have reached 1 to 1.5 years, what numbness is present will stay.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Change in sensation is not uncommon after liposuction, though much of it returns to normal as swelling resolves and healing continues.  Sensation changes that have not improved after one year are often permanent.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Changes in skin sensation is normal after liposuction.
Typically skin sensation returns to normal in about six weeks to three months.
Having numbness at 10 months is not normal. I suggest you follow up with your provider.
It may be appropriate to do a two point discrimination test to determine a baseline of skin sensation to get an objective measurement which can be used to monitor progressBest,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Is numbness on sides of waist & down to pelvic bones at front likely permanent after 10 months?

Answers (4)