Why should flanks be massaged after lipo? And how long should I wait before the first massage to lipo areas?

Thanks for your question.  The answer is that everyone is different.  Typically I recommend to my patients to start massaging 2 weeks after liposuction in the flanks.  It is very typically to get some "hard spots" after liposuction which is basically "internal scar tissue" that has to "break up" after the procedure.  The massaging, although uncomfortable at first, really helps with this. Usually when you massage these "spots" it can be a bit sore at first. I typically recommend to my patients to seek out a Swedish-type or post-lymphatic massage because I think it is nice to have someone else do the first one. Some patients are fine doing their own massages.  Ideally it is nice to have some sort of massaging to the tissues at least several times a week.  I also think a "vibrational" massage device at home can also be a helpful adjunct.  Some patients will feel the "hard spots" the first week after liposuction and in those patients I sometimes recommend earlier massages after only one week.  Make sure to discuss this with your plastic surgeon because everyone is a little different in this area.  Good luck!

Thanks for your question.  Every surgeon has different post-op protocols.  In my practice, I only have patients massage the flanks if there is hard tissue in that area after liposuction (which commonly happens in the flanks).  You should consult with your surgeon about how and when he/she would like you to proceed.  Best of luck to you.

This will help reduce swelling and should be done soon after your procedure. For liposuction after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen along with lymphatic massage and your compression to help decrease swelling. 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