Lymphatic Massages - do they improve tummy tuck results?

thank you for this question, which comes up frequently in my office. In all the years of performing complex lipoabdominoplasties, I never found results would be compromised if lymphatic massages are not performed after the procedure. It is thought to help with swelling, but every patient is different anyway. Some patients wish to have them, but ultimately, your body will heal, and swelling will subside. I hope this helps.

I suspect you will get a number of different opinions on this, but I do not think they ultimately change the final result. They are expensive and time consuming. My patients who get them, mentioned that they feel better for a few days having lost some of the fluid in specific areas. The best situation is when they have friends who can perform it on them.

Hello,
Thank you for the question. Yes, lymphatic massages reduce swelling and help prevent fibrosis.
I wish you the best.
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonHouston, TX.

We routinely include 3 Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage treatments with our experienced Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapists as part of our Rapid Recovery program for all of our Tummy Tuck patients. These massages are scheduled for 45 minutes each in our onsite Parker Center Med Spa. The first massage is scheduled one week after surgery to coincide with the patient's first postop visit to see me. The second and third are typically scheduled over the next two weeks. Our patients have found them very beneficial and soothing. Using these massages as part of our Rapid Recovery program has allowed our patients to bounce back from surgery much more quickly from what we hear and see than patients treated elsewhere.

Lymphatic massages do help reduce the amount of swelling that you experience after surgery. I think that the patients who benefit the most from lymphatic massage are those who are undergoing liposuction with their tummy tuck, but those who are getting a tummy tuck alone still get some benefit from it. Every surgeon has their own personal preference on the number of sessions that patients perform and the timeline for when the massages should begin. In the case of a tummy tuck, in addition to reducing swelling in general, lymphatic massages also reduce the risk of developing a fluid collection (seroma) after surgery and also helps soften the scar tissue that forms as a result of the procedure.

Dear Boymom0818,

I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.
It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.


Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Good morning. Lymphatic drainage massages aren't strictly essential for recovery after an abdominoplasty, but they can help reduce swelling and stiffness in some people. They don't determine the final result on their own; rather, they can help the area heal faster and reduce swelling.
However, not all patients need 15–20 sessions, and this recommendation varies depending on your surgeon's technique and your individual healing process. It's best to follow your surgeon's specific instructions, as only they know your case and can tell you if these massages would truly benefit you.

Lymphatic massages are performed with the goal of encouraging lymphatic drainage to better manage swelling. This can improve healing. You can still get great results without massage, but it is helpful. I'm not sure that 15-20 are necessary. I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about what is recommended for you.