When will my bumps after smart lipo go away?

Question

It’s been 5 weeks since my surgery for my back, waist, and upper & lower abdomen. After the first week, lumps started to form, at first it wasn’t visible. Now it is.. since the 2nd week, It’s really uncomfortable and it hurts when I press on it. What can I do to make this go away? I don’t have money to pay for lymphatic massages. Anything else I can do myself ? Does drinking water help ?

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

Lipo massage (not lymphatic massage) and compression work best for lipo lumps. The most common lumps are pockets of trapped fluid that have hardened. That's why it's important to start the massage process immediately after the procedure. If you can't afford a professional massage, get a friend to help out or do it yourself by hand, with a foam roller, or with a vibrating massager. Of course, if your lumps are something other than trapped fluid, this won't work. See your surgeon first.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

The bumps are usually temporary are fade over several weeks to months. They are part of the healing process. Fluids, compression and daily massage in warm shower helps. You can use a soapy washcloth or loofah. Also, a rolling pin over the areas.Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended during this time for instructions.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.It is normal to have bumps, lumps, and irregularities at his point in your recovery. Wearing a garment and massaging the area will help to improve this. It may take  months for you to see the final result. Continue to follow all your instructions and contact your surgeon with any concerns. Best of luck!

Renata Wix-Harris, MD · Answer

It is very common to have lumps, swelling and irregularities the first 4-6 weeks after SmartLipo. The body is still healing and fluid will collect in certain areas causing lumps, swelling, areas of firmness and irregularities. Massage after SmartLipo helps to speed up recovery by reducing the post procedure swelling. I advise my patients to do a series of lymphatic drainage massages by a licensed therapist immediately after the procedure, followed by at home massaging with or without an electric massager. I like a handheld device that gently heats up the tissue, but any form of massaging is helpful. Don't worry, it will get better in a couple of weeks. Good luck!

Gregory Chambon, MD · Answer

The bumps you describe likely represent deep bruising and may take months to completely resolve. Drinking water and wearing your compression garment are helpful, and massage may help. More than anything, it is part of the healing process, will take time to resolve, and of no concern.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

If on day 5 you had no lumps after Smart Lipo and yet they appeared at a later point in your post-operative period., then it's just swelling. This lumps tend to jump from one area to the next everyday. You can massage them if you like until they burst under your fingers just like a grape would or you can simply leave them alone and they will eventually go away. A complete healing process and the swelling in the area will usually last anywhere from three to six months. Good luck from New York City

B. Edward O`Dell, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I have all my patients start using a plug in Shiatsu massage pillow starting week 2 after the procedure.  While I do have in office massage, it is not convenient or affordable for everyone.  I have my patients do the massage pillow mainly on the abdomen and any other areas where there is clumping.  Start with a light touch and let it massage for a couple minutes then move to another area.  I have my patients do at least 30 minutes daily.  As time goes on you can put more pressure on the areas.  Try the Home Medic Shiatsu Massage Pillow.  It also has a heat setting.  Use the Shiatsu massage, not the vibration.  It should be available at Bed, Bath and Beyond or Amazon.  Works great.  Hope this helps.
Dr. ODell

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our
forum!
Congratulations on your
recent procedure...The procedure of liposuction is an
"insult" to the soft tissues, resulting in swelling which will
initially totally obscure the operative result. The purpose of a
compression garment is to prevent bleeding and to control swelling. We
usually recommend its use for the first 4-6 weeks after the procedure. 60-80% of the swelling
should subside within the first 6 weeks, with the remainder slowly subsiding
over 6-12 months.
Lumps and bumps represent areas of residual increased swelling and will subside over time. Most individuals do not require lymphatic massage. Ask your plastic surgeon to look you over and give you an opinion regarding its necessity at your next followup visit. 
It is still far too early to assess the operative result.
Continue followup care
with your plastic surgeon...
Best wishes...

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

there is no reason that you have to spend money on a lymphatic massage. you can massage them at a comfortable intensity yourself for a few minutes per day. Also it will take time. It can take months. don't worry it is not serious and will gradually improve with time. also discuss them with your plastic surgeon at your follow up. David Berman md

When will my bumps after smart lipo go away?

Answers (9)

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