Is It Important To Massage After Brazilian Butt Lift?

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.

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.  

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,

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).

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