Hard Spots and Rippling After Liposuction

Question

I have hard spots down my side where they did Liposuction after my Tummy Tuck. Will this ever go away and what caused it? I am 6 weeks post op and when I take photos, it looks like a ripple down my sides. My PS just said it takes time.. no real answer.

David L. Mobley, MD, FACS · Answer

Hard spots, ridges and ripples during the first few weeks after liposuction are quite common.  During the first 2-3 months this is probably related to some areas getting well quickly while other areas remain swollen and inflamed.  This can be related simply to more bleeding in one are than another at the time of surgery.
I tell my patients not to worry especially if the areas are still sore as they almost always go away.  If this has not resolved completely by 6 months then there is a small chance it may not go away and a touch up liposuction or fat grafting in the office may be necessary to fix it.
Based on your photo it looks like you will have a good result but are right in the middle of the healing process.  Be patient and allow the healing process to complete and this will most likely not be a problem.   I usually tell my patients complete healing with no swelling present can take up to 10 months after abdominoplasty.  Generally 80-90% of the swelling and inflammation is gone by 3 months.  
Scar massage may be helpful with circular motions along the firm areas twice for two minutes four times each day.   What you need most  is a lot more healing time and a little reassurance.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not uncommon for patients
to have lumps, bumps and rippling following liposuction.Contour irregularities may have a variety of
potential causes.These may include
differential swelling, fat necrosis, seromas and hematomas.They are usually transient and respond to
conservative management with compression garments and massage.Rarely, aspiration is necessary when
hematomas and seromas are present.In
most cases, these problems have no effect on the long-term results of
liposuction.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

In the normal course of wound healing, we call the first 6 weeks the "proliferative phase" meaning the period that scar tissue is deposited to heal the wounds that are created by surgical injury. This is to be expected and can be responsible for the rippling and hard nodules you feel.
Compression, scar massage, manual lymphatic drainage, and endermologie may be useful in expediting the resolution of this firm tissue druing the next pahse of wound healing (from 6 weeks up to 2 years) which we call the maturation phase.

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

Hard spots and rippling are potential side effects of liposuction. Hard spots can occur due to the formation of scar tissue or residual fat that has not been evenly distributed. Rippling is when the skin appears uneven or wavy, which can happen if the underlying fat is unevenly removed.It’s important to consult with your surgeon if you experience these issues after liposuction. They may recommend massages, compression garments, or other treatments to help with these concerns. Additionally, time and proper healing can often improve these issues. Remember that the final results of liposuction may take several months to become apparent as your body heals.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Firmness after liposuction can develop and some rippling may develop as well.  Sometimes deep massage helps smooth out the firm areas.  Give it some time, it may take 4-6 months for things to soften.

Hard Spots and Rippling After Liposuction

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Hard Spots and Rippling After Liposuction

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Answer: Hard Spots and Rippling After Liposuction

Answer: Hard Spots and Rippling After Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction and rippling

Answer: Liposuction and rippling

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