Is It Important To Massage After Brazilian Butt Lift?

Question

Is massages important or necessary after a brazilian butt lift? How important are they?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

In patients who have undergone brazilian butt lift surgery
we routinely recommend massage of the liposuction donor sites, but delay
massage of the recipient sites until blood supply to the transplanted fat cells
has been re-established.There
are no scientific studies that conclusively demonstrate that massage is helpful
following liposuction. Despite this,
many plastic surgeons utilize massage as a routine component of post-operative
care following this procedure.They
believe that massage minimizes internal scarring, decreases edema and helps
remoldel soft tissue.It’s
not unusual for patients to complain of swelling, tightness, and stiffness
following this procedure.Massage and an
early return to physical activity seem to help with these issues.For these reasons, plastic surgeons often
recommend gentle massage and stretching exercises following brazilian butt lift
surgery.These are usually started 7 to
10 days following the procedure at the donor sites.Massage is delayed for 2 to 3 months in the
buttock area because of the freshly grafted fat cells.Initially, these maneuvers cause mild
discomfort which quickly resolves with time.If
you’re planning brazilian butt lift surgery, it’s important to discuss this
issue with your plastic surgeon.In many
cases, massage will be an important part of your post-operative care.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello blacdiamond, 
  
It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! Plastic surgeons have different post-operative protocols, customized for every patient, to achieve the best results. Based on my experience, lymphatic drainage massages are very important after Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery.  Plastic surgeons should advise their patients that, without lymphatic drainage massages, there is a risk that the swelling and inflammation could turn into fibrosis, which is a permanent hardening of the area. At least ten lymphatic drainage massage sessions are required, starting 24 hours after the procedure, to eliminate excess lymph fluid, alleviate swelling and discomfort, and also prevent complications such as seromas (fluid collection) and contour irregularities (indentations, and/or fibrosis). In my experience, manual lymphatic massages have proven successful, in the majority of cases, in achieving uniform removal of swelling and ensuring smooth contours. Since every case is different, it is always best to consult with your plastic surgeon about your specific needs and concerns. Best regards! Dr. De La Cruz.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question...Every surgeon varies. I advised my patients to start aggressive massages to where liposuction was done as soon as they can. You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
  
Regards,

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Massage is typically recommended only for donor site areas (i.e. where the fat was harvested from). Massaging the grafts, however, is discouraged as this may disrupt the newly developing blood supply to the grafts.Protocols will vary. As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question? It is highly recommended to get a lymphatic massage post BBL, to help the healing process spread up.Dr Dhaval PatelDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Chicago Hoffman Estates Oak Brook

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

After undergoing the Brazilian Butt Lift surgery, I recommend for my patients to massage the areas liposuctioned but to NOT massage the buttock. In fact the buttock should be left as is, especially in the first 4 weeks post-operatively as it is sensitive and has already been contoured a certain way by your surgeon. Massaging liposuctioned areas is very beneficial as it aids in softening hard areas and improving the texture of the skin.

	I have my patients see an endermologist for a few sessions after surgery to go over the areas liposuctioned. This aids in the healing, smoothness of skin texture, and helps with blood flow in areas that have just been affected by surgery.  I have before and after photos and detailed information about the procedure on my website if you are interested in more information.

Wilberto Cortes, MD · Answer

The Brazilian butt lift liposuction is done in different areas of the body including the upper and lower back, the abdomen, flanks, axilla, thighs, etc. It is well accepted that any area that underwent liposuction should be massaged to soften the area and avoid lumps. In addition, there are multiple areas that are hard and massage will improve the texture, form, and feel of such areas.

	
	As it relates to the buttock, there is no need to massage simply because aggressive massage can affect the final results. Unless there is an area that is uneven after a month, there is no need for any message.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

This is a great question many of my patients ask me. I highly recommend post operative massages to all of my patients. The massages help remove any possible imperfections in the skin due to the liposuction. As othe rsurgeons have mentioned, massages are not to be done in teh fat injection area, as this is a delicate area of newly transferred fat cells. The massages also assist in the draining of any fluid building caused by the surgery. Best of luck.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

There may be some benefit to massage the areas of liposuction (abdomen/flanks), but no need to massage the buttocks where the transferred fat cells are. The massage in this area could harm the delicate fat cells and decrease their survival. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery.

	Best wishes,

	Dr.Bruno

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!

	In our San Francisco area practice we perform this operation frequently.  Massage of the areas that have been liposuctioned can be helpful 2 to 3 times a day for the first week but after that the compression garment is likely doing you more good than any massage.

	The buttocks should not be massaged.  The transplanted fat cells need to establish a blood supply and vigorous massage can decrease fat survivability.

	I hope this helps.

Is It Important To Massage After Brazilian Butt Lift?

Answers (14)

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