I am 3 months post-op. When will the tightness in my lower back and sides will go away? (Photo)

In reviewing your pictures, it looks like you have had liposuction. As part of the healing process, the body generates swelling fluid and immature collagen, or scar tissue, in the areas operated upon. This causes tightness and burning. Over time, the swelling will go away and the collagen will mature, or soften, allowing your tissues to return back to normal, or close to normal. As this occurs, your sensation should improve, as well.

I would be curious as to whether or not your liposuction was aided by a laser or ultrasound. This can significantly prolonged convalescence.

If you had liposuction the tightness and abnormal sensations can take up to 6 months to improve.  I suggest speaking to your physician if you are worried.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for the pictures. I am going to assume that you have a liposuction. The tightness and stiffness of the tissue decreases with time and varies  from patient to patient. Typically this should be significantly softer within six months.

I assume you had some type of liposuction?? Which type??? Best to have close in [erson follow up with your surgeon to address these issues... 

You didn't state what surgery you specifically had so that makes it difficult to really comment.  I am assuming some sort of liposuction and maybe a tummy tuck?  Rest assured that the symptoms you are feeling are all normal and do take some time to go away--longer in some people than others.  The burning sensation is the small sensory nerves growing back and this can sometimes take up to 6 months to go away and the numbness is related to this.  Some patients describe long term numbness but after a while they end up just not really noticing it and it does not bother them.  The tightness will also improve as you heal, the swelling resolves, and the tissue softens.  I would follow up with your surgeon to get their full recommendations to help your symptoms. I typically send my patients for lymphatic massage and regular massage treatments with ultrasound to help soften and relax the tissue and this really helps. In addition, they are taught self massage exercises to do at home as well.  They also do some stretching exercises.  Speak with your surgeon to see what they would recommend and try that.  It looks like you have a good early results from what I can see though!

Thank you for your question. Swelling, tightness, lumpiness, itching, discomfort are common for several months following liposuction. If these symptoms persist after 6 months, you should contact your physician to make sure there are no unusual complications.