Massages after tummy tuck? Is it optional?

Question

I hear people talk about the need for lymphatic massages after abdominoplasty..… is it for everyone ? Even if you just have loose skin and need muscle repair ?

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Lymphatic massages after a tummy tuck are optional, but they can be very helpful. They are primarily used to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote faster healing. Even if your procedure mainly involves muscle repair and skin tightening, massages can support comfort and recovery, though they are not strictly required for everyone. I hope this helps

Daniel Careaga, MD · Answer

That’s a very common question. The honest answer is that there is no strong scientific data showing that lymphatic massages improve long-term outcomes after a tummy tuck. There aren’t well-designed studies proving that massages lead to better contour, better scar quality, or superior final results after abdominoplasty with or without muscle repair.
That said, there are definitely cultural influences around this topic. For example, here in Miami, where there is a large Latin population, it’s very common &mdash; and often expected &mdash; that any body contouring procedure (especially liposuction or tummy tuck) is followed by a series of lymphatic massages. In some communities, it’s considered almost mandatory.
From a practical standpoint, I do think massages can help with acute swelling, particularly in the early postoperative period. After a tummy tuck, some fluid can temporarily accumulate under the skin, and gentle massage may help mobilize that fluid &mdash; sometimes even helping it drain through the surgical drains when they are still in place. Patients often report feeling less tight and more comfortable afterward.
However, I do not believe that lymphatic massage is what determines the quality of the final result. A well-performed surgery, proper healing, good compression, and following postoperative instructions are far more important factors. There are many excellent surgeons who do not use postoperative massage at all and still achieve outstanding results.
So is it for everyone? No. Is it mandatory? No. Can it help with swelling and make patients feel better? Yes, often. Ultimately, it’s more about comfort and short-term recovery than about changing the final surgical outcome.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Each surgeon has their own post-op instructions therefore massage is not always advised. It would be best to follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

I do not think most patients need lymphatic massage after a tummy tuck, unless they have had significant liposuction of the abdominal wall and flanks.  Even then, it is up to the patient.  The ultimate result, whether you have massage or not, will probably be the same.  Some patients certainly do say that massage makes them more comfortable for a few days, when they have less swelling.  If you commit your self to massages, you would probably need them every 3 or 5 days to be effective for control of discomfort.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

We have all of our tummy tuck patients undergo weekly Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) treatments beginning one week after surgery and for the next two weeks. The special type massages are given by specially trained massage therapists who work in our integrated Med Spa. In addition to medications we give our patients before, during and after surgery, these MLD's help the patients recovery more quickly and easily. In fact, we call this program our Rapid Recovery Program.

Fatima Almonte, MD · Answer

Lymphatic massages are highly recommended after an abdominoplasty, even if your surgery was mainly for loose skin removal and muscle repair.
During a tummy tuck, the lymphatic system is temporarily disrupted. This can cause swelling, fluid retention, tightness, and discomfort, regardless of whether liposuction was performed.
Benefits of lymphatic massages after a tummy tuck include:
Decreasing inflammation and swellingHelping the body drain excess fluidImproving overall healing and circulationSoftening areas of hardness and tensionReducing discomfort and promoting relaxationHelping the abdomen heal more smoothly and evenlySupporting better final contour and results
While lymphatic massage is not mandatory for every patient, it plays an important role in recovery and comfort, especially in the first weeks after surgery.
Think of lymphatic massage as a tool that supports your body’s natural healing and helps you feel better as you recover.

Justin Perez, MD · Answer

I highly encourage my patients to get lymphatic massage after their tummy tuck with me. It helps decrease fluid retention, swelling, helps the shape come through and speeds recovery. You also want to get rid of the fluid/swelling before it turns into scar tissue/fibrosis - so the massages help protect your surgical investment. I view lymphatic massage as a critical component of tummy tuck recovery and I work with some of the best lymphatic massage therapists in Los Angeles. My patient's love them!

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Some surgeons mandate lymphatic massage as a part of the post op routine. Others do not. I encourage you to have a conversation with your surgeon to see their opinion on the subject. Lymphatic massage can speed up overall healing due to sluggish lymphatic flow after surgical trauma.

Jacob Carlson, MD · Answer

For patients who undergo only a tummy tuck, lymphatic massages are helpful to reduce the amount of swelling that occurs after surgery, expedites the rate at which swelling resolves, and reduces the chances that a patient will develop a fluid collection (seroma) after surgery. Anecdotally, I think that it is even more beneficial if you combine liposuction with the tummy tuck, because it helps eliminate the tumescent solution that is infiltrated during the surgery.
In a tummy tuck alone, your surgeon will still create a lot of space between the fatty tissue and the muscles that doesn't currently exist. This 'potential space' can build up with fluid after surgery, so doing things to reduce the size of that space and to help eliminate fluid from there will speed up the swelling and recovery process. The swelling will eventually resolve whether you do lymphatic massages or not, but it's just going to take longer.
I tell patients who are undergoing a tummy tuck alone that lymphatic massages are optional after surgery, but strongly recommended.

Maryam Zamani (Saheb-Al-Zamani), MD · Answer

Hi,
Lymphatic massage can help patients recover more quickly by helping post-surgical inflammation and swelling resolve faster. While not necessary, many patients enjoy the decrease in swelling and stiffness that lymphatic massage can provide, and they feel reassured that regular massages can help any unevenness in swelling or from compression garments smooth out better.
Best,
Dr. Maryam Zamani MD FRCSC 
Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Massages after tummy tuck? Is it optional?

Answers (12)

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