Cosmetic Question: I have had liposuction of my flanks and tummy. The tummy is fine but I have pain and hard knots on the sides. What is wrong?
Cosmetic Answer: These painful knots are common after liposuction of the sides. It is probably because liposuction here is near bone, nerves and muscle.
• These knots appear to be caused by over-healing with excess collagen.
• They can be treated with dilute steroid injections, mixed with local anesthesia.
• The earlier they are treated the faster the knots respond.
• I emphasize dilute steroid – too much, and in 6 months, skin can be sunken and red.
• Injections no more than once a month – it can take steroid that long to work.
• Most people see improvement in a week.
• One injection may work – but it often needs 3 or more.