11 days post. When does the pain go away?

Question

I am 11 days post op on liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, bra rolls and saddle bags. I know swelling takes 4-6 weeks, however when does the pain go away? I'm still taking at least 3 Hydrocodone a day. While the pain has subsided a bit every day, I'm still experiencing a lot of discomfort in every area. Especially when sleeping because I have to sleep flat on my back as it hurts to roll on my side (which is causing pain to my lower back). I've been icing every day, I just want to feel normal again.

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

Given the number of areas of liposuction and the pain you describe, I do not believe this is abnormal at this point following your procedure.  It is not unusual to be sore and uncomfortable for several weeks following multi area liposuction.  Many patient continue taking the pain meds to help them rest at night for several weeks following surgery.  If your symptoms persist after 2 weeks, you should consult your surgeon for an in office exam.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hi Michelle and thanks for sharing your story. The kind of pain you're describing should probably evaluated by your plastic surgeon. It sounds like many areas were treated and this could be associated with increased pain and additional time to recover. Discuss this with your PS and best wishes.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

The pain you describe 11days after liposuction sounds unusual. The most important factors that can contribute to greater than average discomfort with lipo are things that cause more injury to the tissues, which can relate to technique or technology. All lipo is done under some variation of tumescent anesthesia so that should not make a difference.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Post op pain tends to be worse when done under general anesthesia with the traditional larger canulas which are more traumatic. When liposuction is done under local tumescent anesthesia with the smaller canulas, you not only get less post op pain, swelling and bruising, but also much better results since your doc can stand you up and have you turn in all sorts of positions to get the best results possible. Patients are sore for a few days which require prescription meds but after that, tylenol usually is sufficient.  I would see my doc for a followup if i were you since he/she can make sure that no complications such as hematomas or infections etc... are contributing to your pain. Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

Gavin Sandercoe, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi MyMichelle325

	You had a lot of areas treated with liposuction. Although most patients recover more quickly, taking this long to recover is within normal limits. It is worth seeing your plastic surgeon and allowing them to check that nothing untoward is going on.

	Additionally, your pain control regimen (at least what you have posted) is not what I would usually request my patients to use. It is better to have a baseline level of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and an anti-inflammatory (such as diclofenac or ibuprofen) that you take every day, and add the opiate (hydrocodone) on top when needed.  My usual protocol (assuming that it does not need adjusting for liver or kidney disorders) is acetaminophen/paracetamol 1g four times per day, and diclofenac 25mg-50mg three times per day. Then the patient adds their opiate when they need it - some will need it when they get up, it sounds like you will need it to sleep.

	The addition of the other two drugs should help your discomfort whilst you recover.

	Good Luck

	Dr Gavin Sandercoe

11 days post. When does the pain go away?

Answers (5)

Answer: Post op pain from liposuction is much less when done under local anesthesia.

Answer: Post op pain from liposuction is much less when done under local anesthesia.

Answer: Pain after Liposuction

Answer: Pain after Liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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11 days post. When does the pain go away?

Answers (5)

Answer: Post op pain from liposuction is much less when done under local anesthesia.

Answer: Post op pain from liposuction is much less when done under local anesthesia.

Answer: Pain after Liposuction

Answer: Pain after Liposuction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.