Should you massage lumps from fat transfers as soon as possible or wait to see if they reabsorb on their own?

Question

I had fat graft to my lower eyelid area and to my lips 10 days ago. I have a small bump under one eye and one on my upper lip as well as a hard ridge along my upper lip. The PS told me that I could massage the lump under my eye. I have been massaging all the lumps continually and I think they are reducing. I am wondering if I am killing the fat. I thought that I should get on it before the lump settles/hardens if that makes any sense… Might I have done damage to the fat or should I keep massaging?

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Lumps after fat graft to the face is common. You should gently massage the area to help soften lumps, it usually takes four to six weeks heal. If still present cortisone injections may help reduce the lumps.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

You will sometimes feel the lumps under the eye since the skin is so thin here.  The massage will help to flatten and smooth out the fat.  It will not kill the fat. Best to do it now so it does not become hard at which point it will be harder to smooth out.

Should you massage lumps from fat transfers as soon as possible or wait to see if they reabsorb on their own?

Answers (2)