My lower back is hard as a brick after liposuction 2 weeks ago. What should I do?

Question

Hello, I had a bbl 2 weeks ago and now my lower back, lower abdominal area and flanks are hard as a brick. I have been in too much pain to wear the lumbar back board and lipo foams. It’s to the point now that I have to double up on my pain pills to relieve the back pain especially on my spine. What should I do at this point? My boyfriend tried to massage it out but it didn’t help. It’s still brick hard like concrete. Please help thank you

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you are unhappy with your results please speak to your physician and ensure he was a full body VASER HD liposuction physciain wtih expensive experience in body shaping and not just traditional fat reduction.  At this point you should be using compression, RF treatments like venus legacy / exilis ultra / inmode forma or contoura and lymphatic massage to get you through healing.   We always add shock wave therapy such as cellutone, z wave, and eclipse evive to help prvent scar tissue formation and ensure an even and smooth result. It will take 6-12 months to see the final outcome.   If you are unhappy you can get a revision procedure by an expert in VASER HD lipo.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello.
Great question. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. However, 2 weeks post op is still early in your recovering period. You have yet to see your final results. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions.

Sean Hill, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for submitting your question. 
Swelling and tissue firmness are an expected occurrence after liposuction and a BBL. The best way to combat those is to wear a compression garment with lipo pads. This will provide constant pressure to prevent serums as well as to limit soft tissue swelling. If wearing these is unbearable or proves unsuccessful the next thing I will prescribe is soft tissue massage like your boyfriend attempted. Another option is lymphatic massage which can be quite helpful. The main challenge is in finding a qualified masseuse in your area. I would recommend asking your surgeon for recommendations on this. The other thing you could try is a low sodium diet; though I will caution you this food will be extremely bland and flavorless. 
Best of luck on your post op recovery!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Turndwn4what,
I understand your concern and it sounds like you have problem with swelling. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
I suggest my patients to try the lymphatic massages and to use a full body compression garment, 24/7 for the first 3 months, and after that, for 12 hours a day for 3 more months, to get the best results.
It is important for the compression garment to be very tight, for it to help with the swelling, after surgery. Please, follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

John E. Nees, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and
welcome to our forum!
Congratulations
on your recent procedure...The procedure of liposuction is an
"insult" to the soft tissues, resulting in swelling which will
initially totally obscure the operative result. As swelling represents an
accumulation of tissue fluid within the soft tissues, it will tend to
gravitate downward. When in bed, it will be more pronounced in your back,
and when up and around, it will gravitate to your feet. We recommend limiting
activities and practicing leg elevation whenever possible until swelling
subsides.
The
purpose of a compression garment is to prevent bleeding and to control
swelling. We usually recommend its use for the first 4-6 weeks after the
procedure. 
If swelling is excessive, we recommend lymphatic massage and the use of ultrasonic and radiofrequency devices to hasten its resolution.
60-80%
of the swelling should subside within the first 6 weeks, with the remainder
slowly subsiding over 6-12 months.
If you are in significant pain 2 weeks after the procedure, it may be wise to contact your plastic surgeon for reevaluation.
Best wishes...

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. Some discomfort after BBL is certainly normal but yours sounds outside of what I would usually see. I would recommend you visit your operating plastic surgeon. For this type of swelling, we have had good success in our office using acoustic sound wave therapy as soon as the patient can tolerate it usually beginning 2 to 3 weeks out. Hope that's helpful.

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