Hard lumps under skin after liposuction and tummy tuck. What can I do for these? (photo)

Question

I am six weeks post op and I have hard lumps on my side and stretching around to my abdomen. At six weeks I’m very concerned these will not go away. Is there anything I can do to help the appearance of these?

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

phoenixja123 I appreciate your concern, however it is still early in your postoperative recovery journey from liposuction. The lumps you are describing are most likely early, temporary scar tissue combined with normal postoperative swelling. Gentle self massage with moisturizer on the hardened areas will quicken recovery and ease discomfort. It can take as long as six months for all swelling and irregularities to settle down. Try to stay patient and positive and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Six weeks after liposuction lumps are common.  Massage may help, but time will be the best treatment.  You may not see your long term results for at least 6 months.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Pending a formal evaluation, you may be a good candidate for a Revision Liposuction. You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best. 
The best in body contouring not only removes fat with energy devices like VASER ultrasound but also internally heats the skin with radiofrequency devices such as Renuvion (J-Plasma), InMode BodyTite, and ThermiRF to heat the undersurface of the skin and tighten it at the same time as fat removal. These combinations are called 4D HI-DEF VASER Liposuction and can only be done by a well-trained body contouring specialist. At the same time, fat should be harvested and purified, with PRP and stem cells added, and then injected into muscles, indentations and cellulite to get body shaping and contouring. For a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), we inject the fat into the buttock for contouring and lifting, but fat can also be used in areas such as the chest/breast, arms/shoulders, calves and face.  Cellulite should also be treated with a combination of Cellfina, subcision, and/or fillers such as Bellafill, Renuva synthetic fat, or Sculptra. If skin is very loose before surgery, then it will need to be removed: tummy tuck/abdominoplasty for lower abdominal skin; breast lift for excess breast skin; and/or a brachioplasty for loose arm skin. Overall, you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear phoenixja123,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a tummy tuck and liposuction surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Patricia A. McGuire, MD · Answer

I personally had liposuction and had firm areas for a few months. When we do liposuction, we can’t completely suction out every since damaged fat cell, so cells in our body “eat” those cells and dispose of them, just like it does with a bruise. It can take 6 months for those areas to soften and eventually disappear. Have your surgeon about your concerns on your next visit.

Hard lumps under skin after liposuction and tummy tuck. What can I do for these? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Lumps after liposuction

Answer: Lumps after liposuction

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Hard lumps under skin after liposuction and tummy tuck. What can I do for these? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Lumps after liposuction

Answer: Lumps after liposuction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.