Persistent Discomfort - 20 Months After VASER Liposuction
At 45 years of age, I am a female who underwent VASER liposuction targeting my entire abdomen, sides, and thighs in November 2023. Initially, during the first six months, I experienced significant discomfort, including pain, a sensation of tightness, tingling, itching, and a peculiar outward pressure that is difficult to articulate. After the first year, while some symptoms improved, I've noticed a resurgence of discomfort. Currently, I would rate my level of discomfort as a 3 to 4 out of 10, with 10 representing the intensity I felt in the month following the procedure. My surgeon has indicated that recovery of the nerves and scarring may require as long as 18 months. However, it has now been 20 months since my procedure, and I am left wondering if this discomfort is likely to improve further or if it may become a permanent issue. Are there any recommendations or actions I could explore to alleviate this situation?
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 12:40:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing persistent discomfort following your VASER liposuction, which can be concerning, especially after 20 months of recovery. While complete recovery can take time, it’s important to explore options for relief and understand what you might expect moving forward.
The sensations you describe—tightness, tingling, itching, and pressure—can be common after liposuction, often related to nerve healing and scar tissue formation. Generally, many individuals do notice continued improvement up to 18-24 months post-surgery, but not everyone experiences the same timeline.
Key Points:
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Understanding Your Symptoms: The discomfort you're feeling may be linked to nerve regeneration and scar tissue. These issues can sometimes resolve themselves, but some lingering sensations can persist longer than expected.
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Potential for Improvement: While some patients see a significant reduction in symptoms by 18 months, it's common for others to notice fluctuations in discomfort. Some symptoms could gradually improve, whereas others may persist.
Next Steps:
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Gentle Sensory-Based Therapy: Consider integrating activities such as gentle massage over the affected areas to improve circulation and reduce the sensation of tightness. Using a topical cream with menthol or capsaicin may also help alleviate discomfort temporarily.
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Physical Activity: Engage in low-impact exercises like walking or swimming, which can enhance blood flow and promote healing. Stretching may also help with tightness.
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Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad can relieve tightness and discomfort. Alternatively, cold packs could reduce inflammation if you experience any swelling.
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Mind-Body Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to manage discomfort levels. Stress can exacerbate pain perception, so finding ways to reduce stress can be beneficial.
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary. Note any patterns related to your discomfort, activities, and any methods you use for relief. This could be helpful for your future discussions with healthcare professionals.
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Revisit with Healthcare Providers: If discomfort continues or worsens, consider seeking a second opinion from a specialist in pain management or a physical therapist familiar with post-surgical recovery. They could provide additional tailored strategies or treatments.
Being proactive about your symptoms and exploring various therapies can help improve your comfort and overall quality of life. Remember, support is important—don't hesitate to reach out to friends or support groups who have had similar experiences. Let me know if you have further questions or need more details!
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