Doctor Told Me to Massage Lumps But It's Too Painful

asked 1 year ago by 4444anon in brick, nj
Latest answer by Vivek Bansal, MD
Question viewed 903 times
Tags: bra line, flanks, abs, lumps, massage, pain

Day 14: Tumescent Lipo-Abs,Flanks,Bra area. I realize my recovery is in it's infancy and lumps are normal. I took the advice from this board and mentioned the "lumps" during my post op visit. Dr. showed me how to massage/kneed the lumps, I'm afraid I'm doing more harm than good. I am getting mixed opinions from this site whether to just let it be for now, get a lymphatic drainage massage (although I couldn't handle that pain at this pt), massage it on my own. Looking for another opinion.

10 answers to Doctor Told Me to Massage Lumps But It's Too Painful

Tumescent Lipo

Wait a few more days, then try to massage again. Eventually you will feel like massaging, and the area will heal faster. Thank you for your question and good luck with everything.

Vivek Bansal, MD
Danville Plastic Surgeon

Massage after liposuction

2 weeks after tumescent liposuction, it is expected to be swollen, bruised and tender in some areas. It is too early to start massaging because you are right, it is too painful! The best thing that you can do for now is to just wear your compression garment. At 6 weeks, that would be ideal to start getting massages if need be.

Leo Lapuerta, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Massage after lipo is too painful

Generally with compression garments lumps after liposuction are few. True, massage may help speed up the time needed for the areas to smooth out, however if you find that the massage is painful it is not worth the effort. Listen to your body to pace your own healing. You may need to wear a compression garment longer than others, and as tenderness subsides in the next few weeks you can begin gentle massage. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tenderness after lipo

Tender areas after liposuction are "par for the course", unfortunately. Add in a little swelling, and they can feel lumpy. With time, this will most certainly settle down. Massage really helps, though. Do what you can on your own, even if it's just a little at first, and increase it as your body allows. A physical therapist or massage therapist could also be helpful. Lymphatic drainage and synergie treatments are also good... more

Thomas Fiala, MD
Altamonte Springs Plastic Surgeon

Tenderness after tumescent liposuction

You are entirely correct that you may have tender, firm areas after lipo. As the swelling subsides, the tenderness will as well. My recommendations if for patients to message as firmly as is tolerable and to "listen" to your body. As the areas become less tender you will be able to complete the message regimen without a problem.

Delio Ortegon, MD
San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

Post op chin liposuction discomfort.

Your instructions from your doctor should be trusted. If you are unable to massage the area yourself, ask to be referred to physical therapy.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Lumps after liposuction

Sometimes lumps do develop after liposuction and massage is recommended for some cases. If you are not sure what to do, perhaps your doctor can refer you to someone locally that can perform massage to help thos troublesome areas?

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Post liposuction lumps

You have done the best thing you could. You saw your surgeon and they evaluated your issue in person. You should trust them to recommend the best treatment as they did your surgery and have examined you up close to ensure there is no problem with your healing.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Liposuction

You trusted your doctor to do the surgery. Trust him/her for post operative care. Remember that this or other sites give opinions not consultations . Only your doctor examined you and can give you a recomendation.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Tender Lumps? Wait a month

Tender lumps are very common the first month after liposuction. My experience of over ten years with people who have had liposuction is that it is best to wait a month before doing any sort of massage. After the first week, it is okay to take something like Advil or Motrin to relieve the discomfort. During this first month, focus on healthy eating and staying active. Give yourself a pat on the back for getting the lipo done and don't give in to worrying about those tender lumps... more