Temporary numbness is common after liposuction.Nerves are generally strong enough to not get cut from liposuction.Nerves have a fatty outside covering called the myelin sheath.If this layer is damaged, which it easily can be from liposuction, then the nerves will not function properly. Damage to nerves or the myelin sheath is referred to as neurapraxia.This can be very mild, such as if you sit with your legs crossed and your foot gets numb, or severe to the point where it can take over a year to heal.Generally, with liposuction, feeling should come back in a couple of months.You may experience changes for much longer though.It would be extremely uncommon for someone to have permanent numbness.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.
