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What Are These Hard Lumps Post-Liposuction?

I am 1 week post-op from upper arm Liposuction. Up until today, my arms have been soft like jello and felt bruised. Today, I was rubbing my arms and it feels all lumpy under the skin. Whats going on? It still hurts to touch, but what are those lumps? Are these normal, or there's something wrong? Should I call my plastic surgeon?

Asked 38 months ago by Kansas in Kansas

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lumps

It most likely are just normal fluid collections which will resolve with time and massage.

Lumps and bumps are usually normal fluid collections after liposuction. They tend to last about 4-6 weeks. The initial swelling after the procedure conseals these pockets of fluid but as you massage and exercise then the generalized swelling fluid resolves and these individual pockets become more apparent until you massage them away also. Endermologie is a great way to help them resolve faster. I have my patients spend 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening massaging the... more

Doctor's Website

David Hansen, MD

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

Lumps after lipo

There are several possibilities at the one week point after upper arm liposuction. The first possibility is those lumps and bumps are hematomas (collections of bleeding) that are new or that weren't detectable initially secondary to swelling. The other possibility is small areas of fat "necrosis" (or dead fat). If these areas are small they should resolve with time. Sometimes massage is thought to help. As always - whenever you have an unexpected turn in your post-op... more

Doctor's Website

Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Liposuction massaging after surgery with Bruise-Stick Arnica

These lumps after liposuction represent small pockets of fluid and should be massaged after surgery. Just in case, I would recommend application of a small amount of an Arnica ointment known as Bruise-Stick that will help dissipate the collection of fluid and plasma.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Lumps after liposuction

Liposuction is a safe, popular, and effective way to contour the body. Patients should be aware of the recovery process after liposuction. Immediately after the surgery, they will experience a moderate amount of pain, swelling, and bruising. As the patient is healing, it is common for them to have firm areas, lumps, or uneven areas at the beginning of the healing process. In our practice, we provide every patient with a special compression garment that helps decrease the swelling and... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Massage will correct lumps after liposuction.

Hi. Most likely you are feeling small collections of fluid after liposuction which respond to lynphatic drainage massage. Start this as soon as possible. Of course see your surgeon.

George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Lumpiness from liposuction

Limps after liposuction can be several things. It can be areas that were under treated. It can be areas of swelling or induration of treated tissues. It can also be seromas. Usually the areas of swelling resolve on their own. Sometimes the seromas need to be aspirated, and sometimes the underresected areas need to be treated again.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Give it some time, but talk to your surgeon.

It is very common to have swelling and unevenness after liposuction. We usually tell patients that it can take up to 3-6 months for the swelling to resolve and for you to be able to see your "result." Sure, there can be unwanted findings like hematomas and fat necrosis, but it is more common to be uneven swelling. If you are concerned, then it is very appropriate to have your plastic surgeon look at you.

Sirish Maddali, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon

Give it time

Kansas, Just give it some time. After liposuction you can get uneven and localized swelling which eventually resolves after several weeks to months. Sometimes it may feel like nodules, which it sounds like you are experiencing. David Shafer, MD

Doctor's Website

David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

All is well.

After liposuction, swelling can be uneven. This uneven presentation can be the concern of many patients. However, over time the swelling resolves and the bumpiness goes away. Return to your doctor and inquire about massage or lymphatic massage as a way to minimize the swelling.