How often or how many massages do I need after lipo?

That's a great question and one I hear nearly on a daily basis. While I routinely tell my patients massage is totally optional, I also have colleagues who are much stronger proponents. Many patients can also perform a gentle self-massage one or two times per day, which may be better than weekly professional massages. In theory, massage helps to bring more blood to the local region by causing a mild vasodilation of the capillaries in the skin - this is why some people's skin gets that pink glow after a massage. Increased blood flow through the post-operative subcutaneous fat brings increased oxygen to the damaged and inflamed tissues and it also washes out some of the inflammatory markers released by the injured tissue, returning them to the normal circulation where they will be metabolized by the liver and/or kidneys. Our bodies have an amazing capacity to heal and whatever one can do to give one's body everything it needs to do its job of healing, the better, in my opinion. Good nutrition, avoiding smoking and alcohol, low sodium, certain vitamins and supplements - even IV, hyperbaric oxygen, and more - all of these, along with massage, I would lump into the category of "not going to hurt and will probably help." Unfortunately, many of these adjunctive therapies and treatments, although logically, they make sense, they have perhaps not been subjected to the rigors of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, which we consider the highest standard of proof in medicine. I hope that answered your question.

I am a strong advocate for lymphatic massage to aid healing and help manage swelling after liposuction. Lymphatic massage involves drain lymph nodes in the area and gentle massage in the area needed for recovery. Profession Lymphedema Therapist and Certified Massage Therapist are experts at these techniques and can teach you and help you do better personal self massage. The number of visits with a professional therapist varies but I generally recommend at least a handful 4-6 visits.

Hello and how are you. I always recommend patients do at least ten to twenty lymphatic drainage massages after their procedures. We recommend that these massages be done by a massage therapist that specializes in lymphatic drainage. If you do them by yourself, it may harm your results and you may heal improperly. Lymphatic drainage massages are absolutely necessary. Another reason these massages are important is protecting your invest in your body to maximize your results.

it completely depends on the type of procedure you are having done and you need to consult with your physician (see link). Best, Dr. Emer.

Dear Passionate315742,
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

Thank you for your question. Lymphatic massage is a good tool to promote healing and help the swelling improve after a liposuction procedure. There is not a precise number of massages, but 1 or 2 per week for 2- 4 weeks would provide stimulation and improve post liposuction swelling and fibrosis formation in most patients. I hope this helps provide you with some guidance. Good luck in your journey!

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Following a liposuction procedure, there will be swelling resulting from the surgical trauma to the soft tissues. Swelling is composed of tissue serum and blood. Soft tissue massage (lymphatic drainage) facilitates removal of this transudate, allowing for faster resolution of swelling, faster reduction in discomfort, and and also retards the development fibrosis (or excessive internal soft tissue scarring) which may adversely affect the surgical result.
The frequency and length of treatment is individualized as the speed of recovery is quite variable.
Best wishes...