Fatigue 4 months after Vaser Lipo (Photo)

Question

Hello- I am a 27 yo female, I had vaser liposuction 4 months ago. The surgeon took a lot more than he should have (9.5 liters when I weighed 82kgs). My iron levels got back to normal within a week as I consume a lot of organ meats. But 4 months later, I still feel extremely beaten after moderate effort. I feel unable to go back to exercise as my trunk (stomach and back) feel tight and burning whenever I try to exercise a little too hard. I feel very weak fast. My labs are pristine. Any ideas?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your experience with VASER liposuction. Based on the amount of fat removed (9.5 liters), it’s not uncommon to feel fatigue and tightness in the months following the procedure. Large-volume liposuction can place a significant strain on the body, and while your iron levels returned to normal quickly, the lingering symptoms you’re experiencing could be due to the healing process and nerve regeneration.

The tightness and burning sensation in your trunk, especially after exertion, may be due to nerve healing and scar tissue formation in the treated areas. Even though your labs are pristine, your body is still adapting to the changes, and it can take up to a year or more for full recovery, especially after such a large volume of fat removal.

To help with your recovery, I recommend starting with gradual, low-impact exercise, such as walking or gentle yoga, to rebuild strength without straining the affected areas. You might also benefit from physical therapy with someone familiar with post-liposuction recovery to manage the tightness in your abdomen and back. Lymphatic drainage massages can reduce swelling and improve circulation, which may help alleviate the burning sensation. It’s also important to continue wearing your compression garments as directed by your surgeon to help control swelling and provide support during healing.

As always, listen to your body and ease back into physical activity at your own pace. If the symptoms persist or worsen, I recommend scheduling a follow-up consultation with your plastic surgeon to assess your progress. I hope this information helps guide you toward a smooth recovery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. What I suggest you is to follow your plastic surgeon to get post op recommendations. He is the one that knows your case better and will now what to do in every step.

Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Anuj Purbey, MBBS · Answer

It sounds like you're going through a challenging time post-surgery. Given that your labs are normal, the symptoms you're experiencing might be related to the aftermath of the liposuction procedure and the body's healing process.
Here are a few suggestions:
Gradual Return to Exercise: It's important to gradually ease back into exercise rather than pushing yourself too hard too soon. Start with gentle activities like walking or yoga, and gradually increase intensity as your body feels ready.
Physical Therapy: Consider consulting a physical therapist who can guide you through exercises and stretches to alleviate tightness and discomfort in your trunk area.
Nutrition and Hydration: Ensure you're consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients and staying hydrated. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for the body's recovery process.
Rest and Recovery: Give your body adequate time to rest and recover between workouts. Overexertion can exacerbate symptoms and delay healing.
Follow-up with Surgeon: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to discuss your concerns. They can assess your condition and provide personalized recommendations for managing post-surgery symptoms.
Remember to listen to your body and prioritize self-care during this recovery period. If you continue to experience persistent symptoms or if they worsen, don't hesitate to seek medical advice promptly.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I suggest you follow up with your primary care doctor or internist.
What you describe is not typical but then again, neither is removing 9 L of fat.Best,
Matt Hagstrom, MD

Fatigue 4 months after Vaser Lipo (Photo)

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Answer: Feeling weak after Liposuction

Answer: Feeling weak after Liposuction

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Fatigue 4 months after Vaser Lipo (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Feeling weak after Liposuction

Answer: Feeling weak after Liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Vaser Liposuction

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