Is lymphatic massage a necessity after Smart Lipo?

Question

I had Smart Lipo of the inner and outer thighs two weeks ago and was told by the surgeon to start having lymphatic massages weeks 2-4. Is this medically necessary? I'm just on a pretty tight budget after all of this and am trying to cut corners. Thank you!

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

I've been using massage routinely on all of my lipo patients starting asap after surgery for the first few weeks for over a decade and the results are spectacular. The quality of pain relief, swelling reduction and tissue smoothness is unmatched by anything you could ever accomplish without massage. Nonbelievers have never seen how well massage works when done by trained professionals. However, make sure that you ask for a lipo massage, not a lymphatic massage. Lymphatic massage is a completely different treatment designed to remove fluid when your lymphatic system is intact and is not strong enough for the job.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is very common to have bruising and swelling for weeks to months after liposuction procedures.  What is most important is that you follow your surgeons post operative instructions and continue compression.  If you are concerned, lymphatic massage and Velashape or Venus Legacy treatments can be used to improve the swelling and help the skin tighten.  My patients start treatments right away and it improves the long term results.  Speak to your physician if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Christopher T. Chia, MD · Answer

Lymphatic massage, while helpful following liposuction of any kind including SmartLipo, is not medically necessary in my opinion because the process of edema or swelling resolution will continue with time regardless. It may in some cases speed things up but for most patients is not needed. However, if the patient desires it and does not mind the added expense, it has value in that small areas of fibrosis tend to resolve a bit more quickly with it. Gentle massage by the patient herself can be just as effective. Gentle, circular massage of any firm areas with the index, middle and ring fingers for five minutes a day is all that is usually required. The trick is to be consistent with it for a week or two.

Is lymphatic massage a necessity after Smart Lipo?

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