Are massages necessary after liposuction?

Question

How necessary are massages after a 360 lipo? If so, how many days after surgery and how many are recommended?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I do not recommend massages for my patients after liposuction procedures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Having a massage is helpful in the recovery phase of Liposuction, but it's important to avoid aggressive massages. On the practice of Liposuction, some significant edemas would be created by cannula which passes through the tissue. A gentle massage will be beneficial for avoiding this kind of discomforts and provide much easier and quicker healing process. I wish you all the best.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

The true answer is that it is not 100% necessary, BUT lymphatic massage definitely makes the recovery faster, and more pleasant. I encourage all my lipo patients to have post-lipo lymphatic massage.Best,Dr Results

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Massages are done for 5 min twice a day for 2 months to help smooth out the swollen uneven areas faster after liposuctions.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, I always recommend lymphatic massage along with compression and hyperbaric oxygen in order to reduce swelling after liposuction. How many is variable to the individual's amount of swelling, which can last 3-6 months. 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

Vijay K. Bindingnavele, MD, FACS · Answer

Massages are necessary.  I routinely instruct my patients to perform massages 3 times a day for six weeks after surgery.  Without massages, the results are unpredictable and will not be optimal.

Michael McClure, MD · Answer

Although not required, in my experience a majority of patients have found massage very beneficial and therapeutic after liposuction.   It is important to find qualified lymphatic massage therapists who have experience in post op liposuction patients.  Ask for recommendations.  Best of luck.
Dr Michael McClure 
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jeffrey Nelson, MD · Answer

Your question is a common one. Lymphatic and gentle massages can be very helpful in resolving swelling and bruising and general soreness. Plus who just doesn't love a nice gentle smoothing massage. That being said all things have an expense and even an inconvenience level when we are recovering from a procedure and trying to get on with life and work. The main results you will have are based on the skill and precision of your surgeon, if they are good at liposuction you will have a beautiful result with or without massage. If you have the time and finances to get a few professional massages definitely go for it, but don't think it will make or break your result. Good luck with a speedy recovery.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Lymphatic massage was popular when liposuction first came to the United States in the 1980s.  Due to the expense and lack of proof of enhancement of outcome I abandoned it many many years ago and have never regretted that decision.  The added expense, inconvenience and discomfort are probably of little value in my opinion since most patients do extremely well without it.  Wearing compressive garment, avoiding over exertion and avoiding a salty diet will all help you.  Please watch the video above for more information.Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, CaliforniaIG: jonperlmanmd