I have some hard lumps underneath my skin after Smart Lipo, should I be concerned?

Question

I have hard lumps underneath the skin that hurt it's been 13days after the smart lipo . Is this normal ? It's in my stomach and arms . The two places that I had the procedures. It's hard large knotted areas . I asked the surgeon but honestly she doesn't seem to know an answer .

William J. Hall, MD · Answer

Hi monalisa13,
Since you just had your procedure so recently, it is completely normal to have lumps and even hard spots underneath the skin following liposuction. This will be internal bruising, swelling, and scabbing, which can persist for several weeks, up to several months. Over time, the areas will soften up and smooth out. The area will still be sore, however, it shouldn't be painful. Remember, liposuction results take time, so be patient.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello monalisa13 . Numbness around suction area will improve a few weeks after the procedure; lumpiness will also decrease with time although massaging can quicken the softening. #lumps #post-op

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to feel bumps following Smart Lipo beginning 3 to 4 weeks following the procedure. The lumps are areas of treated fat your body is in the process of healing.  The lumps are generally detected by feel and are typically not big enough to see. I recommend lymphatic message for all of my patients and external ultrasound therapy for resistant areas. I recommend making an appointment with your surgeon to make sure that you are healing properly. Express your concern to the office staff of your surgeon, and you should be given a follow-up appointment soon. If you are not satisfied with the level of care you are receiving, I would recommend a second opinion with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best of Luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You may still have some swelling and hard humps, which may last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease any swelling and hardness. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Afshin Farzadmehr, MD · Answer

Please have a follow up visit with the surgeon that performed your procedure to advise you of this.  
I do not advocate smart lipo as it has far more complications than gold standard liposuction.  Clinical papers published in Plastic and Reconstructive Journal evidence based medicine states complications such as burns, seromas, longer surgery times, higher expense and no clinical advantage or better results over gold standard lipo.

Oxana Popescu, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Smart Lipo is a great procedure.
You may have areas of tissue which are "more bruised" than the surrounding tissue. The clinician who treated you knows exactly if she had to work harder or if you had more bleeding in those particular areas.
Our body has an amazing ability of healing and regenerating but this process does not happen over night. I would definitely wear the compressive garment, and try gentle massage. Consult with your physician to see if lymphatic drainage massage is indicated in your case.
Best,

Oxana Popescu MD

Renata Wix-Harris, MD · Answer

Don't worry this is completely normal. The body is still healing and fluid will collect in certain areas causing lumps, swelling, areas of firmness and irregularities in the first 4-6 weeks after SmartLipo. Massage and compression help to reduce the swelling. You could also check with your provider to see if they offer ultrasound treatments to help reduce the swelling. Don't worry, it will get better in a couple of weeks. Good luck!

Reza Tirgari, MD · Answer

Some irregularities after lipo are common, however, the question is how big and how firm the lumps are in your situation.  It's hard to tell without a photograph, but if your surgeon is experienced, he or she should be able to have a look and reassure you.
Some gentle massaging of  the area may be appropriate.  I would always discuss with your surgeon beforehand, just to be safe.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question about Smartlipo. Yes, this is very, very common. The firm areas will soften over the next 3-6 months. They are areas of fat that are swollen and are likely going to be absorbed by your body. Massage can help a little. Compression may help as well. Best wishes on your recovery.

Ray Bayati, MD · Answer

Hello,Based on the description, I don't consider that normal. There are possibilities such as seroma, uneven results,.... it is necessary for you to have in office consultation.Best --Ray Bayati, MDSacramento Area, California

I have some hard lumps underneath my skin after Smart Lipo, should I be concerned?

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