Diagnosed with Meralgia Paresthetica after a FTT and L of flanks

Question

I'm 4 days post-op with horrific burning in both thighs (mainly the left) when I walk or bear weight on my legs. Both thighs are numb. I'm fit and thin (a yogi) with no health issues. I'm very afraid of a long-term problem. How prevalent is MP after surgery? The scar is low so I may have not been injured by positioning, but rather by the location of the scar. Surprisingly, nothing else hurts. I want to be proactive and treat this ASAP. I also need some hope. Thank you for your advice/anecdotes.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Did you have liposuction assisted by a laser or ultrasound?  This has been associated with unusual pain syndromes.

Joseph W. Aguiar, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I am so sorry you are experiencing this problem.  I would definitely call your surgeon and let him/her know what his going on.  I have had one patient with this problem in the right thigh.  I removed the drain and the pain was instantly better.  I hope you can get this resolved very soon.

Lori H. Saltz, MD (retired) · Answer

Meraligia (injury of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve) is an uncommon occurrence after a TT.  The injury is usually direct and not due to positioning. A recent review of the literature reported in our journal earlier this year put the incidence at 1.3% of abdominoplasties. If you haven't discussed this with your surgeon, you should. The pain may be caused by entrapment of the nerve by a suture which could be removed, but only your surgeon knows whether he/she sutured into the fascia in the area around the involved nerve.  An injection of local anesthetic around the nerve near the hip bone can often provide temporary relief. It's going to take time and patience. The recommended treatment pretty much waiting three to six months for resolution before considering any surgical intervention. I have only had a few patients over 25 years and they all resolved with time so there is reason to be hopeful.

Diagnosed with Meralgia Paresthetica after a FTT and L of flanks

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Diagnosed with Meralgia Paresthetica after a FTT and L of flanks

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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