Massaging post-Smart Lipo

I agree with Dr. Schlosser that lymphatic massage is an excellent modality to promote healing.   Very light massage (like lymphatic massage) can start as soon as 10 days after the procedure.  Massage is an excellent way to decrease swelling, discomfort and bruising.  Most studies show that patients who receive post surgical massage recover almost twice as fast as those who do not. Massage is a must for any patients receiving SmartLipo over the abdomen who have previously had children or have scar tissue from previous abdominal or pelvic surgery (such as c-section or hernia repair).  These patients typically take much longer to heal because of the scar tissue.  In this case you need a massage therapist with a background in post surgical massage.  The idea is to get any fluid and cellular debris mobilized so the immune system can get it out of the body.  If the edema and cellular products sit in the same place for several weeks, eventually the body forms a wall around them and the tissue becomes fibrotic.  Unlike the lumpy edema that goes away after 4-8 weeks this fibrosis may be permanent and good deep tissue massage is one of the only ways to prevent it. One should wait until at least two weeks after their procedure for any type of moderate to deep massage especially over the abdomen. If the tissue is manipulated too early the massage can affect its adherence resulting in a seroma (fluid collection).  Although these fluid collection must be drained and do delay healing they rarely effect final outcome. Massage should be done at least twice a week for 4-6 weeks.  You can start will light massage about 10 days.  If doing heavier massage wait at least two weeks after your procedure.  

In my practice, I refer many patients post Smart Lipo for Lymphatic Massage. Not any massage therapist can do this for you, so be sure yours is certified in lymphatic massage. The patients usually begin at week 1 and get a second treatment in week two. It is a very gentle treatment so you need not be concerned about pain. It is relaxing and opens up the lymphatic system to promote faster drainage of fluid thereby reducing swelling . It promotes healing and will help with post procedure infection (rare). My clients love it and tell me they are glad to have done it. The therapist can then teach patients to do it themselves. I find it particularly useful in the lower abdomen, inner thighs, and in the upper arms. I recommend you give it a try, but find someone in your area who is certified in this procedure. Good luck.