Tingling, numbness, and sensitivity changes.
If you go for liposuction in the context of high-definition body contouring and fat management, you should expect strange biological reactions after it which might seem unusual initially. Patients wondering about the strange sensations after liposuction can be informed that it is a result of the healing process in which tissues, fluids, and nerves recalibrate in complex ways. The feeling of water wobbling under the skin and the skin that becomes hard like cardboard are just a couple of ways the body signals its inflammatory response. Plus, neocollagenesis# is so important that it was actually described as “re-gluing” of internal structures to muscles which solely explains why some rare sensory experiences would be induced but without any harm.
The “Sloshing” or Water-Bed Effect
One of the most frequent ‘strange’ sensations is the perception of fluid moving beneath the skin, also described as a ‘sloshing’ or the ‘squishy’ sound heard when one walks or changes positions. This is the effect of the formation of or localized edema in the empty spaces where the fat was removed. Since the lymphatic system gets temporarily overwhelmed by the surgical trauma, extra fluid may accumulate in the subcutaneous ‘tunnels’ created by the cannula. Although it may be disconcerting, this is a normal part of the early phase of fluid shift and will be resolved as the body reabsorbs the fluid.
At Lin Health Europe Clinic, we cover post-liposuction fluid control as part of a very important element in our surgical aftercare service in Turkey. Our surgeons in Istanbul have mastery of cutting-edge VASER technology which limits the formation of large fluid pockets and thus produces a newer, internally healing environment. Each international guest is also given a detailed compression scheme and, if necessary, a localized drainage so as to get rid of that ‘water-bed’ sensation as quickly as possible. This level of professionalism ensures that your tissues stay flat and stable, so that the neocollagenesis phase can firmly fix the skin to the muscle without excess fluid interference.
Electric “Zaps” and Neurological Static
Nerves having been cut or traumatised during the fat removal procedure lead to symptoms like sudden bursts of ‘electric jolt’ or ‘zapping’ that last a very short time. The parts of the peripheral set-up of the nervous system which are the skin’s nerves, become numb or feel a bit worse in the process called paresthesia. Paresthesia is essentially cutaneous nerves recovering and reconnecting with the central nervous system – this is how it is explained by neurologists. Usually, these zaps occur after the internal swelling decreases so that the nerves are no longer squeezed by the edema. They may be interpreted as little stings or a buzzing sensation but they are really a work of clinical ‘gunshot wounds’ which is a progress indicator that your sensory map is getting active again.
We at Lin Health Europe Clinic use a “Nerve-Sparing Protocol” that allows us to safeguard your sensory integrity during your makeover in Turkey. For our international patients in Istanbul, we offer a detailed explanation of these “static” sensations so as to assuage any misgivings associated with these sudden jolts. We check your neurological healing professionally and with due care so that the sharp sensations eventually become a healthy and normal touch as the phase of neocollagenesis gets more mature. By making nerve health a priority, we make sure that your road to a more sculpted body is both comfortable and lit up with successful outcomes.
The “Wooden” Skin or Cardboard Sensation
In the weeks after having liposuction done, it often happens that the skin which was treated feels very hard, stiff, or “wooden,” a symptom known as induration. This is a reflection of the body’s building activity, so to speak, creating dense fibrous tissue that takes up the space emptied from where fat was removed. This hardening is actually the early basis of the “shrink-wrap” effect, when the skin is contracting over the new muscle contours. At that time, the skin may not feel much like living tissue but more like a piece of cardboard; in addition, the limb or torso may have a temporary loss of flexibility.
Lin Health Europe Clinic, located in Istanbul, we treat induration by softening the tissues through advanced recovery therapies, while not affecting the final “lifting” results. For our international guests in Turkey, we employ ultrasound therapy on the spots and specialized Manual Lymphatic Drainage that helps us dissect these “hard” parts. In this way, you experience a truly profound professional transition from “wooden” skin to “supple” skin. We walk you through the peak of neocollagenesis so that the new internal matrix is strong enough to provide definition but natural enough to feel comfortable.
The Unreachable “Internal Itch”
Several patients report having a strong, deep itch that seems to come from ‘inside’ the body, so much so that scratching the skin surface does not relieve it. The source of this ‘internal itch’ is a large release of histamines during the inflammation phase and regeneration of tiny nerve fibers. Since the skin surface is still numb quite often, the brain misinterprets the healing signals as itch. This is a very common clinical anomaly and can especially be a torment in the second and third weeks when the tissues are rapidly remodeling internally.
Lin Health Europe Clinic has developed a special ‘Anti-Itch Protocol’ dedicated to our international patients, helping them find their way through this puzzling stage in Turkey. Our medical team in Istanbul offers medical-grade topical agents and, in some cases, systemic support that soothes the histamine response. Elevated attention remains the key to keeping your skin well hydrated, protected inside your compression garment, not to mention that external irritation is prevented from adding to the internal itch. It is this comprehensive care that emboldens our guests in Turkey to reach great heights of satisfaction with even the ‘weirdest’ side effects managed with empathy at the clinic.
Unrivaled Sensory Support at Lin Health Europe Clinic
Lin Health Europe Clinic is a world-renowned hub for those who are passionately determined to have the utmost surgical expertise and post-operative care. Our establishment in Turkey is a flame of medical progression, where body contouring at the highest level is carried out under a top-class JCI-accredited environmental setting, surpassing global standards. We consider ourselves the leading brand for foreign patients who wish to get not only super harmonious aesthetic results but also a recovery that is performed with absolute precision, professionalism and hospitality at its best. By selecting our clinic, you will be putting yourself into the safest and most skillful hands in Istanbul where every ‘weird’ sensation will be handled with medical knowledge.
FAQ:
The “wooden” feeling is the result of induration and shows that internally your body is replacing the spaces left after the removal of tissues with a new scar tissue. The timescale of neocollagenesis in Turkey is the one when this new connective tissue will get softer and eventually a return to a natural and loose state will occur in Istanbul.
Yes, the reason for the “sloshing” or water-bed sensation under your skin is the accumulation of seromas or localized fluid collections that still haven’t been absorbed by your lymphatic system. If worn consistently in Istanbul, the compression garment will play a significant role in reducing this sensation and at the same time the body will be encouraged to drain the fluid.
These sudden “zaps” mean that your sensory nerves are coming back to life and regenerating after being temporarily stunned during surgery. Usually, the neural recalibration in Turkey reaches its highest level around the first month; those undergoing liposuction view this as a great sign of recovery.
Deep itching from within is the result of histamines being released and nerve fibers growing back during the stage of active healing. To help you not to be disturbed by this temporary phase of biology, we will deliver you at our Istanbul clinic special anti-itch support.
Most of the strange feelings such as zapping, sloshing, or numbness disappear within three to six months when your body finishes doing its internal remodeling. By adhering to our professional protocols in Turkey you will be sure that these sensations will in due time evolve into a permanent and natural-feeling result in Istanbul.
Rohrich, R. J., et al. (2004). The safety and efficacy of VASER-assisted liposuction: sensory anomalies. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Troilius, C. (1999). Sensory and motor nerve complications in liposuction: a review. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Coleman, S. R. (2006). Structural fat grafting and the internal itch: a clinical study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Matarasso, A., et al. (2006). Post-liposuction induration and tissue firmness. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Swanson, E. (2012). A prospective study of sensory changes and fluid sloshing following 100 consecutive liposuction cases. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
