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I'm 2.5 weeks after Lipo of flanks, abdomen and lower back. Having pain trying to sleep, what is causing this?

I'm a side sleeper, after the surgery I was so swollen in my lower back that I could only sleep on my sides. Now, when I try to sleep on my sides, a burning pain sets in immediately and I have to move to my back. Having back pain now as its not a position I like to sleep in. I had a mixture of tumescent and laser lipo. I had no problems sleeping on side early in recovery but this burning pain started a few nights ago. It's the same on both sides. I presume pressure, what is this pain?

Doctor Answers 6

VASER Hi Definition Liposuction / Body Contouring with Fat Grafting -- PAIN AFTER LIPOSUCTION

September 19th, 2016
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severe pain after liposuction is not normal i suggest you speak to your physician.  nerve pain and being uncomfortable for a number of weeks to months is normal.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Web reference: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6C2fuS-AgOnvBjr6_VSQg

Jason Emer, MD


Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 203 reviews

September 19th, 2016

VASER Hi Definition Liposuction / Body Contouring with Fat Grafting -- PAIN AFTER LIPOSUCTION

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

severe pain after liposuction is not normal i suggest you speak to your physician.  nerve pain and being uncomfortable for a number of weeks to months is normal.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6C2fuS-AgOnvBjr6_VSQg

Jason Emer, MD


Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 203 reviews

Lipoosuction - burning pain more tan 2 weeks afterwards

September 14th, 2016
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Thank you for asking about your liposuction.
  • People do vary a lot in the pain they have after surgery.
  • However the pain usually is worse at the beginning and slowly improves.
  • Laser liposuction can damage nerves, causing late nerve pain, including burning pain.
  • Please see your surgeon to discuss this - you might need medication and a lot of time for this to subside.
Always see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best wishes  - Elizabeth Morgan MD PHD FACS
Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD
September 14th, 2016

Lipoosuction - burning pain more tan 2 weeks afterwards

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for asking about your liposuction.
  • People do vary a lot in the pain they have after surgery.
  • However the pain usually is worse at the beginning and slowly improves.
  • Laser liposuction can damage nerves, causing late nerve pain, including burning pain.
  • Please see your surgeon to discuss this - you might need medication and a lot of time for this to subside.
Always see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best wishes  - Elizabeth Morgan MD PHD FACS
Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD

Pain after liposuction

September 14th, 2016
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Sometimes nerve endings come out of shock and give unpleasant sensations after liposuction.  If severe enough, sometimes certain meds can help.  Contact your surgeon and see if his/her office can help to increase your comfort and allow you to sleep more easily.
Deborah Ekstrom, MD
September 14th, 2016

Pain after liposuction

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Sometimes nerve endings come out of shock and give unpleasant sensations after liposuction.  If severe enough, sometimes certain meds can help.  Contact your surgeon and see if his/her office can help to increase your comfort and allow you to sleep more easily.
Deborah Ekstrom, MD

Liposuction, strange sensation, pain, flank and sides liposuction, depressed sinking skin

September 13th, 2016
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Thank you for the query. Post liposuction there is a lot of swelling and inflammation underneath the skin which is not evident from outside- causing pain and discomfort. However you need to be seen in person and have a proper clinical examination to rule out unusual causes like infection, burn etc. Considering this may not be the case, then these symptoms should settle over time- standard pain killers will help you tide over this period of discomfort and don't  forget to wear you pressure garments. Do visit your surgeon for a follow up and rule out any unusual causes of this problem.Best wishes, Dr Alexander

Alexander George, MCh

Alexander George, MCh
India Plastic Surgeon

September 13th, 2016

Liposuction, strange sensation, pain, flank and sides liposuction, depressed sinking skin

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Thank you for the query. Post liposuction there is a lot of swelling and inflammation underneath the skin which is not evident from outside- causing pain and discomfort. However you need to be seen in person and have a proper clinical examination to rule out unusual causes like infection, burn etc. Considering this may not be the case, then these symptoms should settle over time- standard pain killers will help you tide over this period of discomfort and don't  forget to wear you pressure garments. Do visit your surgeon for a follow up and rule out any unusual causes of this problem.Best wishes, Dr Alexander

Alexander George, MCh
India Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction pain

September 13th, 2016
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Sensai,
Thanks for your question.
It is not uncommon for you to be pain free in the beginning and then develop the type of pain you are experiencing.  As the body heals, the nerves which were numb come back to life and you can experience a burning, tingling and pulling sensation (pain).  You may find that taking Advil/Motrin at bedtime may alleviate some of your discomfort and realize that the tenderness resolves over a few weeks. 
Please consult with your surgeon before taking any of our advise.
Feel beter.
Dr. T
Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS
September 13th, 2016

Liposuction pain

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Sensai,
Thanks for your question.
It is not uncommon for you to be pain free in the beginning and then develop the type of pain you are experiencing.  As the body heals, the nerves which were numb come back to life and you can experience a burning, tingling and pulling sensation (pain).  You may find that taking Advil/Motrin at bedtime may alleviate some of your discomfort and realize that the tenderness resolves over a few weeks. 
Please consult with your surgeon before taking any of our advise.
Feel beter.
Dr. T
Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS

Burning pain

September 13th, 2016
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Everyone's recovery is a bit different.  As the swelling comes down, the numbness usually subsides and a burning sensation or electricity like sensations can occur. It is always a good idea to be seen in person to make sure it is nothing more than that.

Web reference: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/body-procedures/liposuction/

Steven Wallach, MD
September 13th, 2016

Burning pain

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Everyone's recovery is a bit different.  As the swelling comes down, the numbness usually subsides and a burning sensation or electricity like sensations can occur. It is always a good idea to be seen in person to make sure it is nothing more than that.

Learn more: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/body-procedures/liposuction/

Steven Wallach, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.