Tearing Feeling After Liposuction
Tearing Feeling After Liposuction can be a hot topic. Your friends may not even believe it, but everyone has their own unique experience with the surgery – so remember, no two people are the same. We’ve created an in-depth guide that includes information on Tearing Feeling After Liposuction and much more.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Tearing Feeling After Liposuction, ripping feeling after lipo, how long does the tightness last after liposuction, and how long does the tightness last after liposuction.
Tearing Feeling After Liposuction
You’ve had liposuction, and now you have a new body shape with a lot of extra skin. The surgery is over, but what’s the next step? The healing process takes time, and it can be painful. But there are ways to make sure you’re getting through the recovery period as smoothly as possible. Here’s how to tell if everything is going well with your new body:
The pulling, tightness, and tearing that follow liposuction are common.
Tearing is a common side effect of liposuction, and while it may be alarming at first, this is not a sign that your body is rejecting the fat.
What you should do
- Call your doctor. It’s important to alert your doctor if you’re experiencing any discomfort or pain after a liposuction procedure. They will be able to tell you if there are other things that could be causing the tearing feeling, such as infection or internal bleeding.
- Take ibuprofen. If you have been prescribed medication for pain, take it as instructed by your doctor and follow up with them once again in two days to make sure that everything is going well and there are no further complications.* Apply ice packs.* Keep the area clean and dry during this time period.*
When pulling is a warning sign
If you experience any of the following symptoms after your liposuction procedure, it’s important to see your doctor immediately:
- Pain or redness at the site of the liposuction. This may indicate bleeding deep within your body.
- Swelling, bruising and/or swelling in other areas of your body (e.g., face, hands, feet) that indicates internal bleeding has occurred.
- Fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit with shaking chills and nausea/vomiting (could indicate an infection).
- Chest pain or shortness of breath (can be signs of a heart attack). If you experience any chest pains after liposuction surgery, call 911 immediately! This list is not all-inclusive; if you have questions about whether something feels wrong after undergoing liposuction surgery, contact our office for advice right away!
You might have an infection or blood clot.
If you’ve had liposuction, the pain could be related to an infection or blood clot. If that’s the case, seek medical attention immediately. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you experience sudden swelling, fever, chills and other symptoms of a serious infection after liposuction.
If it turns out that there’s no infection or blood clot involved in your pain sensation after liposuction (as is often the case), don’t panic: You can still get relief from this discomfort by taking pain medication and doing some gentle exercises (like walking).
ripping feeling after lipo
Liposuction surgery is used to remove stubborn deposits of fat from various areas of the body. Recovery from the procedure is unique for each patient, with varying levels of pain tolerance and different healing responses playing a role in individual comfort.
During your time in our care, Dr. Panchal will carefully cover pre and postoperative instructions to help prepare you for the safest and most comfortable recovery experience. Following these instructions will help reduce your risks of complications and can improve the final results.
After Liposuction
Expect some pain, swelling, and bruising in the days immediately following liposuction. During this time, dressing applied to the treatment area will help prevent infection, reduce swelling, and compress the skin into its proper place.
We can provide you with medications to address pain as needed. Swelling should subside on its own. However, a drainage tube may be needed to prevent fluid from building up during the first few days of recovery.
Although the risk of infection after surgery is low, antibiotics may be needed to keep the affected area clean, especially if you have a prior history of infection.
Expect numbness in the treatment area for two to eight weeks. The decreased sensation rarely lasts longer, though there may be abnormal sensations for a year or so. The treatment area will also go through a firm, hard stage which may last a month or more. During this period, tingling and shooting sensations may be felt as well as tightness, itching, and drawing sensations.
Can I Exercise?
Frequent walks are important after liposuction. These increase blood flow, assist with swelling and discomfort, and can even help jumpstart a more active lifestyle. More demanding forms of exercise may need to be avoided for up to six weeks, depending on the treatment area and your natural healing response.
During your follow-up visits with our board-certified Oklahoma plastic surgeon, we can help you determine when it is safe to resume all normal activities.
Liposuction Results
Full results can take several months to realize. You can assist in these by following all postoperative instructions and by taking good care of yourself.
After fat removal with liposuction, your remaining body fat will take some time to settle into place, making the treatment area appear uneven or lumpy. Your skin may also be loose, baggy, and vulnerable to tearing during this time. These issues typically self-resolve within six months, though some areas may remain lumpy or loose, particularly in older patients. Laser-assisted liposuction, such as SmartLipo, can help reduce this risk.
how long does the tightness last after liposuction
Body contouring procedures like liposuction have become increasingly popular in the past few years and are now an integral part of the aesthetic practice for men and women. Body contouring is the practice of reshaping and contouring the body to address areas of stubborn fat and other concerns. These treatments pick up where diet and exercise don’t have the desired effect, to create the beach-ready body you want.
Liposuction is a fat-removing procedure that can help patients achieve an appealing body shape. Unfortunately, some patients find that the procedure can also leave behind lumps that don’t give the smooth, contoured shape they were hoping for. This common side effect is preventable with proper aftercare, and patients can experience that beautifully contoured body.
What to Expect After Liposuction
Liposuction is the process of removing isolated pockets of fat from nearly any area of the body. Your doctor will insert a microcannula into the treatment area, which loosens the fat cells and gently suctions them away. Some liposuction techniques use ultrasound, radiofrequency, or laser energy to melt the fat first for easier elimination. While it is a less invasive surgery than other body contouring procedures, it does involve a recovery process. Common side effects might include:
The first week after liposuction is critical for proper recovery. Patients should expect to rest and follow all post-operative instructions very carefully. A compression garment is typically worn for the first week or longer after the procedure.
Most patients return to work and other activities within one week, but strenuous exercise is not recommended for at least three weeks. Understanding the process and expectations can help patients better prepare for the procedure and appropriate aftercare.
Why do lumps occur?
Lumps and bumps are common side effects after a liposuction procedure. The procedure is performed with a cannula which creates tunnels under the skin to suction out excess fat. After the procedure, these tunnels can fill with fluid, leading to a lumpy-looking exterior. Lumps can also occur due to:
Will lumps go away on their own?
Yes, lumps and bumps are normal after liposuction and will usually go away on their own. Lumps can feel hard for several weeks after a procedure, but eventually, they dissipate, and the skin returns to normal. Patients will start to see significant improvement in lumps three to four weeks after the procedure when the swelling has significantly subsided and the skin has fully conformed over the new contour. Patients can also follow simple aftercare instructions at home to help prevent lumps and encourage the skin to return to normal faster.
How to Massage Lumps after Liposuction
Typically, lumps do not last forever and will dissipate on their own over time. Some home remedies like massages can help improve the appearance of lumps or prevent them from forming. A massage can also:
Massaging the skin using manual lymphatic drainage therapy can help improve lumps. This type of massage uses light pressure and delicate pumping movements to push fluid from the treatment area toward lymph nodes. After liposuction, the lymphatic system is not working at 100% and cannot always correctly drain fluid, leading to swelling, pain, and lumps. Lymphatic drainage massages can help kickstart the process to reduce those side effects.
The Importance of Compression Garments after Liposuction
Lumps and bumps are normal and common after liposuction and cannot always be prevented, even with proper aftercare. Compression garments are essential to encourage the skin to conform smoothly over the new contour. These garments also promote healthy blood flow to reduce:
A compression garment should be worn day and night for 1-2 weeks after a liposuction procedure. After that, we recommend continuing to wear it at night for at least two more weeks. The compression helps reduce swelling and helps your body absorb excess fluid from the procedure. This added pressure from the garment can also reduce lumps because fluid is properly flushed out of the body. Dr. Miller and Dr. Steinbrech work with patients to ensure the healing process is working and that lumps are going away at an appropriate rate and not causing concern.
Schedule a Liposuction Procedure in New York Today
Gotham Plastic Surgery is an innovative and experienced practice in the heart of Manhattan that offers liposuction to help patients feel empowered, natural, and confident. The practice is led by Philip Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. Douglas Steinbrech, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in liposuction and transformative body contouring procedures. Gotham Plastic Surgery focuses on achieving natural results with the NatraLook® process, which creates a supportive environment to boost aesthetic confidence by enhancing appearances. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about liposuction or any of our body contouring procedures.
Plastic Surgery from Head to Toe
At Gotham Plastic Surgery, we create custom treatment plans that combine minimally-invasive techniques and advanced technology to help patients achieve the best version of themselves. Our unique NatraFace™ approach addresses both restorative and transformative changes.
Gotham’s expert physicians perform advanced surgical and non-surgical procedures that smooth the skin around the eyes to give patients a refreshed look. Our custom NatraEye™ technique combines the use of chemical peels, lasers, eyelash enhancement, and injectables with precision procedures, including:
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Patients from all over the world have undergone amazing body transformation at Gotham, enjoying slimmer bodies with satisfying contours. Our advanced physicians apply their skill and expert technique to precisely sculpt other areas of the body, including the cheeks, chin, buttocks, hips, love handles, knees, upper arms, thighs, and even the neck.
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how long does the tightness last after liposuction
Many people struggle with excess body fat every day. When a healthy diet and exercise fail to get rid of fat bulges, liposuction is often a good option to achieve their desired body contour. Liposuction can target many areas, such as the abdominal region, thighs and hips.
Unfortunately, some men and women may have unrealistic expectations for their liposuction procedure, and when their desired results are not immediately achieved, they often feel as though the surgery was not successful. Knowing what to expect after the procedure and following your plastic surgeon’s after-care instructions can help you achieve the desired results.
What happens after the liposuction?
After the procedure, you can expect to feel mild discomfort, and see bruising, redness and swelling. Prescribed medications can help ease the discomfort. You may be instructed to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Swelling usually starts to go down by the end of the first week but wearing the compression garments should continue until week four or as otherwise directed. Some degree of swelling may last for as long as six weeks, but within a few days, you should be comfortable enough to return to work.
Will I have scars?
During the liposuction procedure, small incisions are made in order to remove the excess fat cells. These incisions are small and made in inconspicuous areas whenever possible, so they are less noticeable. You should receive after-care incision instructions to care for them after the procedure. These instructions should help to ensure that the incisions heal with minimal scarring.
How can I help promote healing and good results?
While liposuction removes a certain number of fat cells in the treatment area for good, the remaining cells can continue to store fat and grow in size. Following a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and participating in a regular exercise routine (once your surgeon clears you to do so) can help promote healing, maintain a healthy body weight and help you achieve your desired body contour after the swelling goes down.
Will I see results right away?
Chances are, you probably won’t see the results you want right after your procedure. If anything, for a short while you may feel as if you have gained weight or are looking larger in the area treated. While liposuction can remove up to 10 pounds of fat cells during a procedure, fluid retention and swelling can cause you to look bloated. As the swelling goes down, you can begin to see results.
You may also notice that some of your skin is loose in the area treated with liposuction. Loose skin can firm up over time. However, depending on a variety of factors, such as age or how much fat was removed, surgical intervention may be necessary to tighten up the skin. Every person is different and your plastic surgeon can talk with you about skin tightening as part of your body contouring procedure if warranted.
Depending on how much fat is removed, you can expect to see final results between 1-3 months after the procedure.
How do I maintain my new look?
It’s important to keep in mind that liposuction results are not necessarily permanent. While the fat cells are removed from your body for good, some fat cells still remain and can grow. It’s up to you to take good care of yourself so that you can enjoy your slimmer look for a long time. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and follow a regular exercise routine. You can begin simple walking soon after the procedure and within a few weeks be ready to begin a low-intensity workout routine and build up from there.
Liposuction can remove stubborn excess body fat and help you achieve your desired body contour, but it is essential to have realistic expectations and know that maintaining your new look long-term requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.